How Much Does a Chain Link Fence Cost? (Per Foot)
Part of Decks, Fences & Roofing
Quick answer
A chain link fence costs about $10–$25 per linear foot installed (US national average, as of June 2026), making it the cheapest durable fence. A 100 ft, 4-ft-tall residential run is roughly $1,000–$2,500 installed; DIY materials cut that to about $5–$12 per foot. Height, mesh gauge, and gates are the biggest cost drivers — a 6-ft fence costs noticeably more per foot than a 4-ft one.
Chain link is priced by the linear foot, and labor is usually 50–60% of an installed quote. The fabric (mesh) and framework themselves are cheap; what moves the number is height, the gauge (thickness) of the wire, whether you want a vinyl coating, and how many gates and corners the layout needs.
Cost per foot by height
| Fence height | DIY material / ft | Installed / ft |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft (residential) | $5–$10 | $10–$20 |
| 5 ft | $6–$12 | $12–$22 |
| 6 ft (privacy / security) | $8–$15 | $15–$30 |
| 8 ft+ (commercial) | $12–$22 | $20–$40 |
What changes the price
- Gauge: residential mesh is 11–11.5 gauge; heavier 9-gauge commercial fabric costs more and lasts longer.
- Coating: galvanized is cheapest; black, green or brown vinyl-coated fabric adds roughly $2–$5 per foot.
- Gates: a walk gate runs $100–$250 installed; a double drive gate $250–$600.
- Terminal posts: each corner, end and gate needs a heavier post set in concrete — more corners means more cost.
- Terrain: rocky or sloped ground, and removing an old fence, add labor.
Typical project cost (installed)
| Project | Length | Height | Estimated installed cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small yard side | 60 ft | 4 ft | $600–$1,200 |
| Average backyard | 150 ft | 4 ft | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Backyard privacy | 150 ft | 6 ft | $2,300–$4,500 |
| Fence 1/4 acre (~420 ft) | 420 ft | 4 ft | $4,200–$8,400 |
Doing it yourself saves the most, since labor is the biggest line. The chain-link fence calculator turns your run, height, corners and gates into the exact posts, top rail, fabric rolls, tension hardware and concrete so you can price the DIY side. Source: US national average installed-cost references. Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
How much does chain link fence cost per foot?
About $10–$25 per linear foot installed for a standard residential 4-ft fence; DIY materials run $5–$12 per foot. Taller fences, heavier 9-gauge fabric and vinyl coating all raise the per-foot price.
How much does a 6 ft chain link fence cost?
Roughly $15–$30 per linear foot installed, so a 150 ft run is about $2,300–$4,500. A 6-ft fence uses taller posts and more fabric and tension hardware than a 4-ft fence, so it costs more per foot.
Is chain link the cheapest fence?
Yes — at $10–$25 per foot installed it's the cheapest durable fencing, well below wood ($15–$45/ft) or vinyl ($25–$60/ft). The trade-off is little privacy unless you add slats or screening.
Is it cheaper to install chain link yourself?
Much cheaper — labor is half or more of an installed quote, so DIY typically cuts the total 40–60%. The work is digging post holes, setting terminal and line posts in concrete, then stretching the fabric tight.