Estimated cost range
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- Fence low estimate
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- Fence high estimate
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- Gates
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- Old fence removal
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- Midpoint total
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- Monthly at 10.99% over 36 months
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- Monthly at 10.99% over 60 months
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Illustrative only. Not an offer of credit, a quote or financial advice. Lenders and contractors set real prices and rates.
How the fence estimate is built
Fence companies price per linear foot, installed, with the material setting the base and height, gates, removal and site conditions adjusting it. The calculator uses typical 2026 installed ranges: chain link $10 to $25 per foot, pressure-treated wood privacy $15 to $35, cedar $22 to $45, vinyl $20 to $45, aluminum $25 to $60, composite $30 to $60, wrought iron $40 and up. Walk gates add a few hundred dollars each and driveway gates considerably more; removing an old fence adds a few dollars per foot; rock, clay and slopes add to post-hole labor.
Worked example
A 170-foot, 6-foot pressure-treated privacy fence with two walk gates and removal of an old chain-link fence estimates at roughly $4,200 to $8,400 on an average site. Financed at the midpoint over 36 months at an illustrative 10.99%, that's about $206 a month. Our guide to how much a fence costs covers each material in detail, and the fence financing page compares the ways to pay.
Ways to bring the number down
- Fence only the sides you need; share a line with a neighbour in writing.
- Standard heights and styles; decorative tops and custom posts add up.
- Three quotes on the same footage and spec; fence pricing varies more between companies than most trades.
- Check HOA and setback rules first so you don't pay to move a fence.
What the calculator leaves out
- Permits and surveys, which vary by city.
- Staining or sealing for wood, which adds to the installed price and to upkeep.
- Automated gate openers and electrical runs.
- Regional price differences, which can be 30% either way.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fence cost per foot?
Installed, commonly $10 to $25 for chain link, $15 to $35 for wood privacy, $20 to $45 for vinyl, $25 to $60 for aluminum and $30 to $60 for composite, before gates and extras.
How much does it cost to fence a backyard?
A typical 150- to 200-foot suburban backyard runs roughly $3,000 to $10,000 depending on material, with gates, removal and site conditions on top.
Is vinyl or wood fence cheaper?
Pressure-treated wood is usually cheaper up front; vinyl costs more but needs no staining. Over 20 years the totals are closer than the quotes suggest.
Can I finance a fence?
Yes. Fence installers often offer financing, and unsecured personal loans cover fences from a few thousand dollars up, usually over two to seven years.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Many cities require one, especially above a certain height or near property lines. Ask whether it's in the quote.
Sources and further reading
Primary sources we rely on for this page. Program rules change, so check the source before you rely on a figure.