How Much Does a Fence Cost in 2026?
A practical breakdown of what a fence actually costs, where the money goes, and how to compare bids without getting burned.
Fence prices in 2026 cover a wide range: roughly $18 to $28 per linear foot for a basic wood privacy fence installed, and $30 to $50 per foot for premium aluminum or wrought iron. A typical 150-foot backyard fence lands between $2,700 and $4,200 in wood, or $3,600 and $5,250 in vinyl.
The headline number is only useful if you know what is inside it. This guide breaks the cost into materials, labor, gates, removal, permits, and regional pricing so you can compare bids on equal terms.
Budget $18–$28 per foot for a 6 ft wood privacy fence, $24–$35 for vinyl, and $10–$18 for chain link. Add $250–$700 per gate, $3–$6 per foot for removal, and $50–$500 for a permit.
Fence cost at a glance
| Project size | Wood privacy | Vinyl | Chain link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | $900–$1,400 | $1,200–$1,750 | $500–$900 |
| 100 ft | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,400–$3,500 | $1,000–$1,800 |
| 150 ft | $2,700–$4,200 | $3,600–$5,250 | $1,500–$2,700 |
| 200 ft | $3,600–$5,600 | $4,800–$7,000 | $2,000–$3,600 |
Installed prices for a 6 ft fence with one gate, national averages. Local quotes can differ by 20–40 percent.
Cost by material
| Material | Materials per ft | Installed per ft | 150 ft installed | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy | $7–$12 | $18–$28 | $2,700–$4,200 | 10–20 years |
| Vinyl | $12–$20 | $24–$35 | $3,600–$5,250 | 20–30 years |
| Chain link | $5–$9 | $10–$18 | $1,500–$2,700 | 15–25 years |
| Aluminum | $14–$24 | $28–$40 | $4,200–$6,000 | 25–40 years |
| Wrought iron | $18–$32 | $30–$50 | $4,500–$7,500 | 30–50 years |
| Composite | $18–$28 | $30–$45 | $4,500–$6,750 | 25–30 years |
Wood is the value pick for privacy. Vinyl costs more upfront but avoids staining, and composite sits between the two on maintenance. Chain link wins on price but offers little privacy without slats or a screen.
Cost by length
Fence pricing is mostly linear, but small jobs carry minimum charges. A 50-foot run may cost $35–$50 per foot because the crew still has to mobilize, dig, and clean up. At 150 feet or more, the per-foot price usually drops.
- 50 ft: often a minimum job charge; expect $900–$1,750 for wood or vinyl.
- 100 ft: the most common residential size; $1,800–$3,500 installed.
- 150 ft: typical backyard perimeter; $2,700–$5,250 installed.
- 200 ft: add a second gate and more posts; $3,600–$7,000 installed.
Use the fence cost calculator to adjust for your exact run, height, and state rather than scaling a per-foot average.
Cost by height
| Height | Wood | Vinyl | Chain link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | $14–$22/ft | $20–$29/ft | $9–$15/ft |
| 5 ft | $16–$25/ft | $22–$32/ft | $10–$16/ft |
| 6 ft | $18–$28/ft | $24–$35/ft | $10–$18/ft |
| 8 ft | $24–$38/ft | $31–$45/ft | $13–$22/ft |
An 8 ft fence is not just taller boards. Posts need to be larger and deeper, rails add up, and wind load increases. In many jurisdictions, anything over 6 ft needs a permit or an engineer’s detail.
Labor and installation
Labor usually accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the installed price. For a standard wood or vinyl fence, expect $6 to $15 per linear foot, or roughly $50 to $90 per hour for a two-person crew. Chain link is faster to install and usually costs less in labor.
| Job | Labor only | Total installed |
|---|---|---|
| 100 ft wood | $800–$1,500 | $1,800–$2,800 |
| 150 ft wood | $1,200–$2,200 | $2,700–$4,200 |
| 150 ft vinyl | $1,200–$2,200 | $3,600–$5,250 |
| 150 ft chain link | $600–$1,200 | $1,500–$2,700 |
A professional crew typically finishes 100–150 feet in one to three days, weather permitting. Concrete needs at least 24 hours to set before gates are hung and hardware is tightened.
Gates, removal, permits, and other extras
- Walk gate: $250–$700 depending on material and width.
- Double drive gate: $800–$2,000 or more, especially with automation.
- Old fence removal: $3–$6 per linear foot, including haul-away and disposal.
- Permit: $50–$500; some cities charge by linear foot or fence height.
- Stain or seal: $1–$3 per square foot, or $300–$900 for a typical backyard.
- Post caps and decorative hardware: $5–$15 per post plus gate hardware.
- Landscaping restoration: $200–$1,000 if the crew has to move plants, sod, or irrigation.
- Survey: $300–$600 if the property line is unclear.
Cost by state
| State | 150 ft wood fence installed |
|---|---|
| Texas | $2,900–$4,100 |
| California | $3,500–$5,500 |
| Florida | $2,800–$4,000 |
| New York | $3,600–$5,600 |
| Illinois | $3,000–$4,500 |
| Georgia | $2,600–$3,800 |
| Arizona | $2,900–$4,200 |
| Washington | $3,200–$4,800 |
| Colorado | $3,000–$4,500 |
| Ohio | $2,700–$4,000 |
Planning ranges, not quotes. Urban labor markets, permit fees, and material availability can move these by 20 percent or more.
How to save money without regretting it
- Get three itemized bids. Compare labor, materials, gates, removal, and permit separately. The cheapest total can hide the weakest scope.
- Keep the run straight and accessible. Curves, slopes, and tight side yards add labor. Clearing the fence line before the crew arrives helps.
- Choose the right material for the job. Chain link for a side yard, wood for privacy, vinyl where maintenance is a priority.
- Schedule in the off-season. Late fall and winter are slower for fence contractors in many markets.
- Reuse sound posts. If the existing posts are solid and correctly spaced, a fence swap can be cheaper than a full rebuild.
- Buy your own materials only if you understand the warranty trade-off. Some contractors warranty labor only when they supply the material.
Fence contractor red flags
- No written contract, no license number, or no proof of insurance.
- Cash-only payment with a large deposit upfront (more than 30 percent).
- A bid far below the others with no explanation of scope or material grade.
- No mention of permits, inspections, or HOA approval.
- Vague language about “standard” posts, concrete, or gate hardware.
- No warranty or a warranty that excludes labor.
A fence is a long-term purchase. The best bid is usually the one with the clearest scope, not the lowest number.
Ready to price your run? Use the fence cost calculator, then check the material takeoff before you call contractors.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 150-foot fence cost?
A 150-foot wood privacy fence typically costs $2,700 to $4,200 installed. Vinyl runs $3,600 to $5,250, and chain link is usually $1,500 to $2,700. Height, gates, terrain, and local labor move the number up or down.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Chain link is usually the cheapest durable option at $10 to $18 per linear foot installed. A wood privacy fence costs more but delivers more privacy; vinyl costs more upfront with less maintenance.
How much does fence labor cost?
Labor is typically $6 to $15 per linear foot, or about 40 to 60 percent of the installed price. Slopes, rocky soil, tight access, and complex gates push labor toward the high end.
Do fence quotes include permits and removal?
Often not. Ask specifically whether the bid includes the permit, old fence removal, haul-away, stump grinding, and landscaping restoration. These extras can add $300 to $1,500 or more.
Is it cheaper to build a fence yourself?
DIY can save 40 to 60 percent on labor, but it takes tools, a helper, and several weekends for a typical backyard. Post holes, concrete, and gate alignment are the parts most homeowners underestimate.
How long does a fence last?
Wood privacy fences last about 10 to 20 years with staining and repairs. Vinyl lasts 20 to 30 years, chain link 15 to 25 years, and aluminum or wrought iron 25 to 50 years. Soil, weather, and installation quality matter more than the brochure.