How Much Does a Fence Cost? (Per Foot, by Material)
Part of Decks, Fences & Roofing
Quick answer
Most fences cost $15–$60 per linear foot installed. Chain link is cheapest at $10–$25/ft, wood runs $15–$45/ft, and vinyl, aluminum and composite run $25–$60/ft. A 150-ft wood privacy fence costs roughly $3,000–$6,800 installed; DIY materials cut that 40–60%.
Fence pricing is quoted per linear foot, and the two biggest levers are material and height. Labor is usually 50–70% of an installed quote, so doing it yourself saves the most. Gates, corners, slopes, and rocky or clay soil all add cost.
Cost per linear foot by material
| Material | Installed / ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $10–$25 | Cheapest; security & pets |
| Wood (picket / privacy) | $15–$45 | Most popular; needs upkeep |
| Vinyl / PVC | $25–$60 | Low maintenance, higher up front |
| Aluminum | $25–$50 | Decorative, rust-free |
| Composite | $25–$60 | Privacy look, no painting |
| Wrought iron | $30–$80 | Premium, ornamental |
Cost by project size
| Project | Linear feet | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small yard side | 100 ft | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Average backyard | 150–200 ft | $2,300–$12,000 |
| 200 ft privacy fence | 200 ft | $3,000–$9,000 |
| Fence 1 acre (square) | ~835 ft | $8,000–$35,000 |
Note that fencing an acre isn't priced by area — a square acre has a perimeter of about 835 linear feet, so multiply that by your per-foot rate. The fence calculator gives you posts, pickets, rails and concrete bags so you can price the DIY material side exactly.
FAQs
How much does a privacy fence cost?
A 6 ft wood privacy fence runs about $20–$45 per linear foot installed; vinyl privacy is $25–$60/ft. For a 150 ft run that's roughly $3,000–$9,000 installed, or about half that in DIY materials.
How much does it cost to fence an acre?
A square acre has a ~835 ft perimeter, so cost depends on the fence type: ~$8,000–$15,000 in chain link or wire, and $20,000–$35,000+ in wood or vinyl. Irregular or larger acreage needs more fence per acre.
Is it cheaper to build a fence yourself?
Yes — labor is 50–70% of an installed quote, so DIY typically cuts total cost 40–60%. The trade-off is the work of digging post holes, setting posts in concrete, and keeping the run straight and level.