Fence Cost Per Foot by Material (2026): Complete Pricing Guide

Average Fence Cost Per Linear Foot (2026)

Fence prices vary widely by material, height, and region. Here's a summary of average installed costs per linear foot in the US as of 2026:

Fence Type	Material Cost / ft	Installed Cost / ft
Chain Link	$3 – $8	$10 – $20
Wood (Privacy)	$7 – $15	$17 – $45
Wood (Picket)	$5 – $12	$11 – $28
Vinyl / PVC	$10 – $30	$20 – $40
Aluminum	$20 – $35	$26 – $50
Split Rail	$5 – $10	$10 – $20
Wrought Iron	$25 – $50	$30 – $80
Electric / Agricultural	$0.50 – $3	$1 – $6
Barbed Wire	$0.50 – $2	$1 – $5
Composite	$15 – $35	$25 – $55

Prices are US national averages. Costs vary by region, terrain, and local labor rates.

Wood Fence Cost Per Foot

Wood remains the most popular residential fencing material. Key factors affecting price:

• Cedar: $15–$30/ft installed. Naturally rot-resistant, popular in Pacific Northwest
• Pine (pressure-treated): $12–$25/ft installed. Most affordable wood option
• Redwood: $20–$40/ft installed. Premium look, very durable
• Height: 6-foot privacy fencing costs roughly 20–40% more than 4-foot

Vinyl Fence Cost Per Foot

Vinyl fencing costs more upfront but requires little maintenance. Average installed: $20–$40 per linear foot.

• No painting or staining required
• Lifespan of 20–30+ years
• Available in privacy, picket, and rail styles
• Price increases for taller panels and decorative caps

Chain Link Fence Cost Per Foot

Chain link is the most affordable option for large areas. Average installed: $10–$20 per linear foot.

• Galvanized (silver): least expensive
• Vinyl-coated (black/green): $2–$5/ft more, better appearance
• Commercial-grade adds $3–$8/ft
• Popular for agricultural land, dog runs, and security fencing

How to Calculate Total Fence Cost

Total fence cost = Perimeter (linear feet) × Cost per foot

Step 1: Measure your perimeter
Use a GPS app like LandLens to walk your property boundary and get the exact perimeter in feet or meters.

Step 2: Multiply by cost per foot
Example: 800 linear feet × $25/ft (installed wood fence) = $20,000 total

Fence Cost by Property Size

Property Size	Approx. Perimeter	Chain Link (installed)	Wood Privacy (installed)	Vinyl (installed)
0.25 acres (square)	~417 ft	$4,200 – $8,300	$7,100 – $18,800	$8,300 – $16,700
0.5 acres (square)	~590 ft	$5,900 – $11,800	$10,000 – $26,500	$11,800 – $23,600
1 acre (square)	~835 ft	$8,400 – $16,700	$14,200 – $37,600	$16,700 – $33,400
5 acres (square)	~1,867 ft	$18,700 – $37,300	$31,700 – $84,000	$37,300 – $74,700
10 acres (square)	~2,640 ft	$26,400 – $52,800	$44,900 – $118,800	$52,800 – $105,600

Factors That Affect Fence Cost

• Terrain: Sloped or rocky ground adds 20–50% to labor costs
• Removal of old fence: $3–$6/ft to remove and dispose of existing fencing
• Gates: Walk gates add $100–$400; drive-through gates add $300–$2,000+
• Permits: Many municipalities require fencing permits ($50–$500)
• Post spacing: Closer posts (6 ft vs 8 ft) increase cost but improve strength
• Regional labor rates: Labor can double in high cost-of-living areas

How to Measure Your Fence Line for a Quote

Before calling a fencing contractor, measure your property perimeter accurately. Use LandLens:

• Walk the fence line — LandLens tracks GPS and calculates total distance
• Get perimeter in feet, meters, or yards
• Works offline on rural properties
• Export measurements to share with contractors

Knowing your exact perimeter prevents contractor overestimates and helps you compare quotes accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest fence per foot?

Barbed wire and electric fencing are the cheapest at $1–$6/ft installed. For residential fencing, chain link is most economical at $10–$20/ft installed.

How much does it cost to fence 1 acre?

A square 1-acre property has about 835 linear feet of perimeter. Expect $8,400–$16,700 for chain link, $14,200–$37,600 for wood privacy, or $16,700–$33,400 for vinyl installed.

Does fence cost include installation?

Always clarify with contractors. "Installed cost" includes materials and labor. "Material cost" is materials only — add $5–$15/ft for labor on most fence types.

How long does a wood fence last?

Pressure-treated pine lasts 15–20 years. Cedar lasts 20–30 years. Regular staining and sealing extends lifespan significantly.