Fence Cost Calculator

For most homes, a new fence runs about $2,000–$6,500 installed, or roughly $15–$45 per linear foot depending on the material and height. Chain-link is the cheapest (around $10–$30/ft installed) and aluminum or wrought iron the priciest ($35–$80/ft). Use the calculator above with your length, material, and ZIP for a local estimate.

Chain-link is almost always the cheapest fence to install, followed by wood (pressure-treated pine or cedar). Vinyl, aluminum, composite, and wrought iron cost more up front but need far less maintenance, so they can be cheaper over 15–20 years.

Yes. The estimates above are installed prices — they include materials, posts, concrete, hardware, and professional labor. If you install it yourself you can cut labor (often 40–60% of the total), but you take on the digging, setting, and any permit or property-line work.

Labor is typically 40–60% of the installed price, or roughly $10–$30 per linear foot. Sloped or rocky ground, hard digging, and old-fence removal all push labor higher.

Often yes — many cities require a permit for fences over a certain height (commonly 6–7 ft), and HOAs may have their own rules on materials, height, and setback. Permit fees are usually $20–$150. Always check with your local building department and locate your property lines before digging.

Choose a lower-cost material like chain-link or wood, keep the run straight with fewer corners and gates, reuse existing posts if they are sound, and get 3+ quotes from local installers. Off-season (late fall/winter) scheduling can also bring better pricing.

Most fences run about $15 to $60 per linear foot installed: chain link is cheapest, wood and vinyl sit in the middle, and ornamental metal runs highest. Enter your length and material above and the calculator turns the per-foot range into a total for your ZIP code.

DIY saves the labor share, often 40 to 60 percent of the total, but you take on layout, digging, concrete, and disposal, and errors on post depth or spacing are expensive to redo. Get a pro quote below to compare against the real cost of your own time.

A typical quarter-acre backyard needs roughly 150 to 200 linear feet, so at mid-range material and labor most homeowners spend a few thousand dollars. The material, terrain, and number of gates move the number — enter your footage and ZIP for a local estimate.