Quick Answer: Fence installation costs $15–$60+ per linear foot. A 150 ft wood privacy fence runs $2,500–$5,500. Chain link costs $1,200–$2,500. Vinyl runs $3,500–$7,000. Material is $4–$35/ft, hardware $2–$3/ft, labor $4.25–$6.05/ft. Fixed costs (gate, equipment, permits) add $425–$675. Add 20% contractor markup. Enter your ZIP for location-specific pricing.
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Fence Cost by Type
| Fence Type | Cost/Lin Ft | 150 ft Fence | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy | $15–$35/ft | $2,500–$5,500 | 15–25 yrs | Stain every 2–3 yrs |
| Chain Link | $8–$15/ft | $1,200–$2,500 | 20–30 yrs | None |
| Vinyl | $20–$45/ft | $3,500–$7,000 | 25–30+ yrs | Wash only |
| Aluminum | $25–$55/ft | $4,000–$8,500 | 30+ yrs | None |
How Fence Cost Is Calculated
- Fence material: Linear feet × $4–$35/ft for panels, boards, or sections depending on type and quality.
- Hardware: Linear feet × $2–$3/ft for posts (one per 6–8 ft), concrete, post caps, brackets, and fasteners.
- Labor: Linear feet × hours/ft × hourly rate × 1.5 burden. Wood privacy takes 0.15 hr/ft; chain link 0.10 hr/ft.
- Fixed costs: Post hole auger rental ($150), gate ($150–$350), permits ($75–$100), and cleanup ($50–$75).
- Contractor markup: 20% for overhead, profit, and warranty.
Formula Summary
Fence Installation Cost Formula: Total cost includes fence material, hardware, burdened labor, and fixed costs, multiplied by contractor markup.
Total = (L × M + L × H + L × Lh × R × 1.5 + F) × 1.20
where L = linear feet, M = material/ft, H = hardware/ft, Lh = labor hours/ft, R = hourly rate, 1.5 = burden, F = fixed costs, 1.20 = markup.
| Type | Material $/ft (mid) | Hardware $/ft | Labor hr/ft | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy | $12 | $3.00 | 0.15 | $525 |
| Chain Link | $7 | $2.00 | 0.10 | $425 |
| Vinyl | $18 | $2.50 | 0.12 | $625 |
| Aluminum | $22 | $2.00 | 0.12 | $675 |
Constants: Labor burden 1.5×. Markup 20%. Trade: general construction labor (SOC 47-2061). BLS OEWS May 2024, 393 metros.
Construction Laborers Hourly Rates by Metro (BLS OEWS May 2024)
| Metro | 25th %ile | Mean | 75th %ile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $23.58 | $34.43 | $46.30 |
| Los Angeles | $22.76 | $31.23 | $37.41 |
| Chicago | $23.06 | $34.99 | $49.12 |
| Dallas | $17.57 | $19.90 | $22.44 |
| Houston | $17.37 | $20.13 | $22.26 |
| Washington | $19.07 | $23.15 | $25.56 |
| Philadelphia | $22.15 | $28.19 | $33.54 |
| Miami | $18.18 | $21.69 | $23.42 |
| Atlanta | $17.16 | $20.30 | $23.23 |
| Phoenix | $19.66 | $23.17 | $25.26 |
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Estimates are for planning purposes only. Consult a qualified contractor for critical projects. Actual material requirements may vary based on site conditions, waste, and installation methods.
Pricing last verified: February 2026. Material prices vary by region, season, and supplier. Prices shown are national averages for planning purposes.