Home Improvement · Cost Guides
Installed fence cost swings a lot more than most cost guides let on — material, height, gate count, and even your soil type all move the number. Below is a working calculator so you can plug in your own project instead of squinting at someone else's average, plus a detailed look at installation pricing and chain link cost specifically, since it's the material people ask about most.
| Material | Installed cost per ft |
|---|---|
| Chain link | $11–$18 |
| Wood (privacy) | $18–$28 |
| Vinyl (privacy) | $28–$42 |
| Aluminum / ornamental steel | $25–$45 |
These ranges assume a standard height for each material (4 ft for chain link, 6 ft for privacy styles) on flat, easy-to-dig ground. For the full breakdown of what drives cost up or down — terrain, permits, removal of an old fence — see our general fence cost guide.
Chain link consistently comes up as the cheapest fencing option, but the price still varies more than people expect based on a few specific factors:
Because chain link uses less material per foot than a solid privacy style and installs faster, it typically remains the lowest per-foot installed cost even after upgrading gauge or coating — which is why it's a common choice for large properties, dog runs, and temporary or budget-driven projects.
A per-foot quote from a fence contractor usually covers the material, standard hardware, digging and setting posts, and basic assembly labor. What's frequently quoted separately — or missed entirely until the final invoice — includes:
Asking a contractor to confirm these explicitly before signing avoids the most common source of "why did this cost more than the quote" surprises.
Most residential fence quotes are priced per linear foot, which makes it easy to compare contractors on a like-for-like basis — just confirm whether their per-foot number already includes labor or is materials-only. Larger or more complex projects (steep grades, multiple gates, mixed materials) are sometimes quoted as a flat project price instead, since per-foot pricing breaks down when the work isn't uniform along the whole run.
Want the full itemized breakdown?
Our full calculator shows posts, concrete, fencing material, gates, and labor as separate line items — plus a materials-only view if you're planning to DIY.
Open the full calculator →How much does it cost to install 100 feet of fence?
For 100 feet of fence, installed cost typically runs roughly $1,100-$1,800 for chain link, $1,800-$2,800 for wood privacy, and $2,800-$4,200 for vinyl privacy, before accounting for gates, terrain, or height above the 2026 national-average baseline.
Is chain link cheaper to install than wood?
Yes, in almost all cases. Chain link is typically the least expensive fence material to buy and install, since it uses less material per foot and installation is generally faster than framing and hanging wood panels or pickets.
Do fence installation quotes usually include a permit?
Not always. Many contractors quote the permit as a separate line item or expect the homeowner to pull it, since permit requirements and fees are set by the local municipality rather than the contractor. Always ask specifically whether a quote includes the permit.