Quick answer: Installed fence prices in 2026 usually fall between $10 and $72 per linear foot. Typical mid-range figures are about $20 per foot for wood or chain link, $27.50 for vinyl and $47 for aluminum. A 150 ft wood privacy fence at $20 per foot is about $3,000 before gates. Add $100 to $1,500 per gate and $4 to $5 per foot to remove an old fence.
Fence cost per linear foot by material
| Material | Economy | Standard | Premium | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood (pressure-treated to cedar) | $10 | $20 | $30 | Privacy and classic looks, needs sealing |
| Chain link | $10 | $20 | $40 | Budget security and pets |
| Vinyl | $15 | $27.50 | $40 | Low-maintenance privacy or picket |
| Aluminum | $22 | $47 | $72 | Ornamental fences and pool codes |
Prices are installed, per linear foot, for a typical 4 to 6 ft residential fence. Height, post spacing, terrain and local labor rates move the price. Published 2026 ranges vary widely between sources, from about $10 to $25 per foot for basic chain link to $30 to $65 for metal and composite, so treat any single figure as a starting point for quotes.
What a whole fence costs
| Material (standard grade) | 100 ft | 150 ft | 200 ft | 300 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Chain link | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Vinyl | $2,750 | $4,125 | $5,500 | $8,250 |
| Aluminum | $4,700 | $7,050 | $9,400 | $14,100 |
Gates and extras
| Item | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Wood walk gate | $200 – $600 |
| Vinyl walk gate | $300 – $1,500 |
| Chain link walk gate | $100 – $450 |
| Aluminum walk gate | $150 – $600 |
| Double drive gate, 10 ft | $600 – $1,200 or more |
| Old fence removal and haul-away | $3 – $5 per linear foot |
| Permit, where required | Often $50 – $400 depending on the town |
| Survey to confirm the property line | Varies; often several hundred dollars |
How to measure for a fence
- Confirm the property line from the plat or a survey before measuring.
- Walk the line with a measuring wheel and note each corner.
- Subtract gate openings from the fence length and price gates separately.
- Count posts: length ÷ post spacing (usually 6 to 8 ft) + 1 for each straight run.
- Add corner and end posts, which often need extra concrete.
Posts and concrete for a 150 ft run
- 150 ft with posts every 8 ft: 150 ÷ 8 = 18.75, so 19 sections and 20 posts.
- Each 10 in × 3 ft hole with a 4×4 post takes about 1.4 cu ft of concrete.
- 20 × 1.4 = 28 cu ft ÷ 0.60 = 46.7, so 47 bags of 80 lb concrete.
Result: 20 posts, 47 bags of concrete
See how much concrete you need for the post hole math.
Worked estimate: a backyard privacy fence
150 ft of 6 ft wood privacy fence
- Fence: 150 ft × $20 = $3,000.
- Two walk gates at $400 = $800.
- Remove 150 ft of old chain link at $5 = $750.
- Total estimate: $4,550, with a likely range of about $2,650 to $6,450 depending on grade.
Result: About $4,550
Wood vs vinyl vs chain link vs aluminum
| Wood | Vinyl | Chain link | Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low to medium | Medium | Lowest | Highest |
| Typical lifespan | 15 – 20 years with sealing | 20 – 30 years | 15 – 20 years | 30 years or more |
| Maintenance | Stain or seal every 2 – 3 years | Wash occasionally | Very low | Very low |
| Privacy | Full with privacy boards | Full | None unless slatted | Low |
| Common use | Back yards | Front and back yards | Pets, security, budget | Pools, front yards |
How to get fair quotes
- Ask for price per linear foot, gates and removal as separate lines.
- Confirm post depth, post material and concrete in every quote.
- Check who handles permits and utility locating (call 811 before digging).
- Ask about warranty length on materials and labor.
- Compare at least three itemized quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fence cost per foot?
Installed fences typically cost $10 to $72 per linear foot. Standard wood and chain link are around $20, vinyl about $27.50 and aluminum about $47.
How much does a 150 ft fence cost?
At standard grade, about $3,000 for wood or chain link, $4,125 for vinyl and $7,050 for aluminum, before gates and removal.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Chain link and basic pressure-treated wood are usually the least expensive per foot.
How much does it cost to remove an old fence?
Usually $3 to $5 per linear foot including haul-away.
How many fence posts do I need?
Divide the length by the post spacing, usually 6 to 8 ft, and add 1 for each straight run.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Many towns require one, especially for fences over 6 ft or near roads and pools. Check with your local building department.
Keep going
Prices are national planning ranges for 2026 based on our calculator assumptions and published contractor pricing. Local labor, soil and permit costs vary, so get itemized quotes.
Content Lead, Anchor AI Tools, California, USA. Spotted an error? Email hello@anchoraitools.com and it will be checked and corrected. See our editorial standards.