The average U.S. homeowner spends between $2,000 and $5,000 to install a fence, but may pay as little as $500 or as much as $10,000, depending on the type of fence and other factors. Professionally installed fences cost $15-$25 per linear foot on average, according to home services website Angi .
Fence costs can vary depending on the function, such as keeping pets inside or just adding privacy to your home. Add-ons such as gates, landscaping and painting can increase the total cost.
Expect a fencing professional to charge from $25 to $80 per hour for installation, depending on the difficulty of the job. Here’s what to know.
Fence cost by type
Fence costs vary widely depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design. Fences that don’t use as much material, such as invisible fences and split-rail fences, are typically less expensive.
| Fence type | Cost per linear foot | Cost for 200 feet |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $8 to $40. | $1,297 to $3,562. |
| Picket | $5 to $30. | $3,200 to $16,000. |
| Composite | $11 to $45. | $2,200 to $9,000. |
| Vinyl | $15 to $40. | $2,118 to $5,028. |
| Wrought iron | $25 to $55. | $5,000 to $7,000. |
| Split rail | $15.50 to $39. | $2,250 to $5,500. |
| Invisible or electric | $3 to $9. | $1,000 to $3,400. |
Not all companies will charge exactly the same amount for the same materials, says Joe Marchionni, owner of Amity Home Maintenance Solutions in Connecticut.
“It depends on the company you hire. Some fencing companies are only set up to do chain link, whereas others prefer wood or vinyl,” Marchionni told NerdWallet in an email. “They almost all claim to do everything, but their pricing for materials might change a bit depending on the volume they order products in.”
» MORE: The cost to build a deck
Fence type features
The material or type you choose determines the cost, maintenance and longevity of your fence. Here's what to know:
- Chain link: Durable and low-maintenance, but less privacy and can be less aesthetically pleasing.
- Picket: Can be made of wood, vinyl, or metal. Prices can vary widely depending on the material and picket distance.
- Composite: Aesthetically pleasing and weather-resistant, but can be more expensive depending on height.
- Vinyl panel: Offers a lot of privacy and is low-maintenance, but more expensive than a wood fence.
- Wrought iron: Durable and aesthetically pleasing, but can be very expensive if the design is intricate.
- Split rail: Wood material. Works well for property boundaries, but isn’t the best for pets or privacy.
- Invisible or electric: Runs wire underground to deliver a shock when your pet touches the perimeter. Typically lower cost.
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Factors that increase fence cost
Your fencing installer will assess your yard to determine the challenges of installing your fence. Prices can vary by region, but it’s ideal to get multiple quotes from installers and compare.
Expect each of the following factors to add to your total installation cost:
- Substantial grade changes in your yard can make the installation process more complex and require more material than flat land.
- Poor soil condition can cause issues with standard installation. If your contractor cites this as a reason for a surcharge, ask them to explain the issue.
- Underground utility lines can make digging and setting posts more difficult, according to Marchionni. Avoiding these lines can increase the installation cost.
- Number and style of gates can increase costs. Gate sections are typically more expensive and more difficult to install correctly than standard fencing panels.
- Taller fences can cost more due to the additional materials and more challenging installation.
- Seasonal popularity can make it harder to find an installer, and costs may be higher. The spring is typically the busiest season, according to Marchionni.
Costs to maintain a fence
Some fence types require regular or occasional maintenance to prolong their lifespan. Vinyl panels may crack, and wood fences can look better when stained. Galvanized chain link fencing typically lasts the longest and is the most weather-resistant option.
Repairing a fence generally costs between $20 and $30 per square foot. Here are a few examples of common fence repairs and their cost:
- Restaining a wood fence: about $750 to $4,250.
- Fixing a leaning fence: around $500.
- Fixing a hole or crack: $125 to $500.
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- 1. Angi.com. How Much Does Fence Installation Cost?. Accessed Jul 3, 2025.
