Fence Cost Calculator
Estimate the installed cost of a new fence in about 20 seconds. Choose a material, enter your fence length, and see a realistic low-to-high range for materials and labor.
Updated November 2026 · U.S. pricing
Estimated installed cost
$0 – $0
| Fence materials and labor | — |
|---|---|
| Walk gates | — |
| Driveway gates | — |
| Old fence removal | — |
| Total | — |
Typical range for professional installation. Not included: permits, HOA approvals, slope or rocky-terrain surcharges, staining, and decorative upgrades.
How this fence cost estimate works
The calculator starts with a typical installed cost per linear foot for each material, then adjusts for height, gates, old-fence removal, and your local cost level. The result is a range rather than a single number because real quotes vary with site conditions, access, and contractor availability.
All prices are for professional installation and include:
- Posts, rails, pickets, panels, or fabric
- Concrete footings set below frost depth where required
- Standard hardware, caps, and fasteners
- Labor, cleanup, and disposal of packaging
Fence cost by material
These are typical installed ranges per linear foot for a standard-height residential fence. Your quote can land outside these ranges if the site is steep, rocky, or hard to access.
| Material | Typical height | Installed cost per foot |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | 6 ft | $15–$30 |
| Vinyl | 6 ft | $20–$35 |
| Chain link | 4 ft | $8–$20 |
| Aluminum / ornamental | 4 ft | $22–$40 |
| Composite | 6 ft | $30–$50 |
| Wrought iron | 6 ft | $40–$70 |
| Barbed wire | 4 ft | $5–$10 |
What moves the price the most
Height
A 6-foot fence uses more material and needs deeper, larger footings than a 4-foot fence. Going from 6 to 8 feet is not a linear markup — posts, rails, and wind load all increase, so expect a meaningful jump.
Gates
Gates are the most underestimated line item. A walk gate needs heavier posts, hinges, and a latch; a driveway gate can cost more than 50 feet of fence. Add $200–$500 per walk gate and $800–$2,500 per driveway gate.
Old fence removal
Removal and disposal typically adds $3–$6 per linear foot. Concrete footings and overgrown vegetation push that higher.
Terrain and access
Slopes require stepped panels or rackable systems. Rock makes digging footings slow. A backyard with no equipment access means material gets carried by hand. Each of these can add 10–30% to labor.
Region
Labor rates in high-cost metros run 20–40% above the national average. Rural areas and the South tend to sit below it. The calculator applies a simple multiplier so the range stays realistic for your area.
How to turn this estimate into a real quote
- Get three itemized quotes. Ask for line items for materials, labor, gates, removal, and permits — not one lump sum.
- Confirm licensing and insurance. Ask for a license number and a certificate of insurance before work starts.
- Clarify who pulls the permit. It is usually the contractor, but make it explicit in the contract.
- Check the warranty. Material warranties and labor warranties are separate. Get both in writing.
- Agree on a payment schedule. A small deposit and progress payments are normal; paying most of the job upfront is not.
Fence cost FAQ
How much does a 150-foot fence cost?
At typical U.S. rates, a 150-foot privacy fence runs about $2,300–$4,500 in pressure-treated wood, $3,000–$5,300 in vinyl, and $1,200–$3,000 in chain link. Gates, removal, and terrain can add several thousand dollars.
How much does fence installation cost per foot?
Installed costs range from roughly $5–$10 per foot for barbed wire up to $40–$70 per foot for wrought iron. Most residential privacy fences land between $15 and $35 per linear foot.
Is it cheaper to build a fence yourself?
Materials usually make up 40–60% of an installed fence price, so DIY can cut the bill substantially. The tradeoff is footing depth, post alignment, and panel leveling — mistakes there cost more to fix than the labor you saved. DIY makes the most sense for short runs on flat ground.
How much does it cost to remove an old fence?
Expect $3–$6 per linear foot for removal and disposal, or roughly $450–$900 for 150 feet. Concrete footings, chain link with embedded posts, and difficult access increase the price.
Do I need a permit to install a fence?
Many municipalities require a fence permit, especially for anything over 4–6 feet, and HOAs often have separate rules on height, material, and placement. Rules vary widely by location, so check before you buy materials or sign a contract.