Fence cost is usually quoted per linear foot, and the material sets the range. Chain link and wood anchor the affordable end; vinyl and aluminum cost more but ask for less upkeep. Measure the run, pick a material, and the rest is gates and site work.
The fence cost calculator works exactly this way: enter the length, choose a material, and it returns the installed total and a low-to-high range. If you are building it yourself, the fence calculator gives the posts, pickets, and rails.
Cost per linear foot by material (2026)
| Material | Installed $/ft | 100 ft installed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $5-$15 | $500-$1,500 | Cheapest; security and pet containment, not privacy |
| Wood | $20-$50 | $2,000-$5,000 | Most common privacy fence; needs sealing/staining |
| Aluminum | $20-$55 | $2,000-$5,500 | Low maintenance; decorative, not privacy |
| Vinyl | $30-$60 | $3,000-$6,000 | Low maintenance privacy; higher upfront cost |
Measure the run, then add the openings
Walk the property line and measure the total length in feet. The per-foot price covers a standard straight run. Gates are priced per opening, and corners and ends add posts. A walk gate and a drive gate are very different line items, so list them separately.
What raises a fence quote
- Height — a 6 ft privacy fence costs more per foot than a 4 ft fence
- Gates — each opening adds hardware and labor
- Slope and rock — harder digging and stepped panels
- Old-fence removal and disposal
- Permits and HOA-required styles or setbacks
Don't forget the posts and concrete
If you are building it yourself, most fence posts are set in concrete. Take your post count into the fence post calculator to get the burial depth, post length, and bags of concrete per hole. Posts are usually spaced about 8 ft apart, plus a post at every corner, gate, and end.
How to compare fence quotes
- Confirm the total linear footage.
- Match the material, height, and style.
- Count the gates and their hardware.
- Check whether removal and disposal are included.
- Ask about slope, rock, and permit handling.
Put your run into the fence cost calculator, switch materials to compare, and use the range to sanity-check local quotes before you sign.
FAQ
How much does a fence cost to install?
For 100 linear feet installed in 2026, chain link runs about $500 to $1,500, wood $2,000 to $5,000, vinyl $3,000 to $6,000, and aluminum $2,000 to $5,500. Height, gates, terrain, and region move the total.
How much is a fence per linear foot?
Installed, chain link is about $5 to $15 per linear foot, wood $20 to $50, vinyl $30 to $60, and aluminum $20 to $55. Privacy height and premium styles push wood and vinyl toward the top.
What is the cheapest fence?
Chain link is usually the lowest installed cost. Wood is the next most affordable and the most common for privacy. Vinyl and aluminum cost more upfront but need less maintenance.
What adds to a fence quote?
Gates (priced per opening), corners and end posts, tall or privacy styles, sloped or rocky ground, old-fence removal and disposal, and permits all add cost beyond the basic per-foot run.