How Much Does Automatic Gate Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
Installing an automatic gate costs around $3,160 for the average homeowner. The total price you'll pay depends on the materials and size of your gate.
More homeowners are choosing to install automatic gates at their driveway entrances to enhance privacy and home security. The average automatic gate installation cost is $3,160. However, you could also pay as little as $750 for a short vinyl gate or up to $11,000 for a large sliding aluminum gate with a double-swing opening.
As you can tell, many factors impact automatic gate installation costs. These include gate size, material, add-on features, and local labor rates. All these variables can make it tough to predict the actual cost of your automatic gate. However, this guide breaks down each cost factor in detail so you can have a reasonable budget in mind as you start to plan your project.
Cost by Gate Type
One of the biggest cost factors when installing an automatic gate is the type of opening mechanism the gate uses. The opening mechanism determines which direction (or directions) the gate can open, and different types of automatic gates come in a variety of price ranges.
| Type of Gate | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Sliding | $700 – $4,080 |
| Swing | $840 – $6,000 |
| Vertical Pivot or Lift | $500 – $12,000 |
Automatic Sliding Gate
An automatic sliding gate costs $700 to $4,080 on average. These gates move on a track with wheels, either as a single gate that spans the entire opening or two gates that meet in the middle. They require minimal clearance since they don't need to swing in or out. Sliding gates can be designed to move in a straight or curved line.
Automatic Swing Gate
An automatic swing gate costs $840 to $6,000 on average. Swing gates operate like a standard bedroom door, swinging on hinges that usually open inward. Alternatively, you can install a bi-fold swing gate that opens like French doors. Automatic swing doors require precise measurements, driveway slopes, and supports to operate properly.
Automatic Vertical Pivot or Lift Gate
Automatic vertical pivot gates, also called lift gates, cost $500 to $12,000 on average. They pivot 90 degrees to lift the gate off the ground. They take up minimal ground space because they lift straight up rather than moving horizontally, making them ideal for sloped driveways or properties with limited space.
Cost by Gate Size
Automatic gates are available in a variety of widths to suit different driveway sizes and other needs. Depending on what size gate you need, you may pay higher material costs.
| Gate Width (Linear Feet) | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 12 | $850 – $5,100 |
| 14 | $1,050 – $5,600 |
| 16 | $1,300 – $6,500 |
Cost by Gate Material
Certain automatic gate materials cost more than others. What you choose will likely come down to budget as much as aesthetics and function.
| Gate Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $340 – $2,200 |
| Wood | $440 – $5,130 |
| Steel | $740 – $5,130 |
| Wrought Iron | $740 – $5,150 |
| Aluminum | $2,090 – $3,150 |
Vinyl Automatic Gates
At $340 to $2,200, vinyl is the most affordable gate material. However, it still offers a durable option that resists corrosion and rot. It's lightweight, low-maintenance, and comes in a wide variety of colors.
Wood Automatic Gates
Wood gates cost $440 to $5,130, with costs varying by wood type. This timeless, sturdy material enhances curb appeal but comes with more maintenance due to insects, rot, and warping susceptibility.
Steel Automatic Gates
Steel gates cost a bit more at $750 to $5,130. They're quite heavy, but also low-maintenance and highly versatile, durable, and customizable.
Wrought Iron Automatic Gates
If you want an intricately detailed gate, wrought iron costs $740 to $5,150. This ornate material is durable but often sacrifices privacy for style.
Aluminum Automatic Gates
At $2,090 to $3,150, aluminum gates offer a lightweight metal option with corrosion resistance. Their lightweight construction also makes them more prone to denting.
Gate Installer Costs
You can hire a local gate installer for $30 to $80 per hour on top of material costs, depending on the type of pro you hire and the exact installation requirements. For example, common installation work may include removing the ground to insert posts, running electricity to the gate controls, and installing the gate itself. Depending on the complexity, you or the gate pro may need to hire additional outside help.
Electrician Costs
Electricians may be required for an automatic gate installation, but you should know before you break ground. If you do need one, you’ll want an experienced electrician, and you can expect to pay between $60 and $120 per hour for the work. Electricians may also be required if you don’t have existing power access near the gate motor or if you want to run additional features such as security cameras or motion sensors.
Additional Automatic Gate Installation Cost Factors
The price of installing an electric gate is affected by several important cost factors. While some of these are optional, some may be required based on the gate you choose and may not even work without them. Make sure to discuss these items before you start any work as it’s often much more expensive to add them later compared to adding them during the initial installation.
| Automatic Gate Add-Ons | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gate opener remote | $75–$300 |
| Gate security camera | $125–$2,000 |
| Motion, pressure, infrared, and radar sensors | $250–$1,250 |
| Gate keypad | $250–$650 |
| Gate intercom | $680–$4,500 |
Gate Opener Remote
A remote that opens the gate is a common addition and one that isn’t too expensive. The benefit is you can have multiple remotes and store them in cars or simply take them with you, and can be a convenience when it’s raining or snowing, and you don’t want to roll down the window to punch in a code.
Motion, Pressure, Infrared, and Radar Sensors
These are nice additions that enhance the convenience of an automatic gate, but they have drawbacks. The biggest issue with these systems is that they don’t offer the same security level as keypads or intercoms. For this reason, they’re best used for the interior of the gate (used when leaving the property).
Gate Keypad
A keypad is a common addition on gates in upscale neighborhoods due to their increased security and luxury feel, but that doesn’t mean they should be limited to multi-million-dollar homes. While not as inexpensive as remotes, they can add a touch of elegance to your property and they come with the benefit of never needing replacement as they’re impossible to lose (like a remote).
Gate Intercom
Intercoms are a good addition if someone is home to answer them or you can pair them with a phone. A downside is that they require attention, which, if you're busy, you may not be able to offer. Intercoms are commonly seen on gates where there is a guardhouse, a live-in maid, or a home where you can link the gate’s intercom system to a phone.
Gate Security Cameras
Security cameras are a good addition to almost any gate. Recent developments in tech have made security cameras more affordable than ever, and they offer not only immediate security, but recording of the property as well. This comes in handy not just for unwanted intruders, but for delivery drivers, neighborhood monitoring, and other situations where eyes on would benefit the homeowner.
DIY Automatic Gate Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have an existing gate that you want to automate, you can purchase a kit for $560 to $4,750 and get the job done yourself for while avoiding the cost of professional installation labor. This may allow you to install a higher-quality gate with premium materials.
However, proper installation is critical for the safety of your automatic driveway gate. Mistakes can lead to a gate that drags or doesn’t open at all, which can be dangerous in an emergency. If you don't have experience with knowing how to build a driveway gate, hire a pro to handle the job for you. Driveway gate installation costs $30 to $80 per hour, plus the cost of materials.
Does an Automatic Gate Increase a Home’s Value?
An automatic gate can increase a home’s value, but how much depends on the value of the home and the surrounding area. But in general, adding a gate can increase your property’s value by around 5%. If every home in your neighborhood is gated, not having one would have more of an effect than being the only gated house in a safe neighborhood. While difficult to estimate return on investment (ROI) because of this, having an automatic gate is certainly something that will entice more buyers if you’re in the market to sell.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need a permit for an automatic gate in most cities because it isn’t a structural change to your home, but you need to check. A pro can help you with this and since we don’t recommend installing an automatic gate yourself, you should already be in contact with one, making this a frictionless question. Outside of permit requirements, you need to consider your homeowners association (HOA), as some are against gated homes.
Automatic gates don’t use too much electricity, and you should see a minimal effect on your utility bill. In fact, certain gate systems are entirely self-sufficient and rely on solar panels attached to or near the gate to power the motor. While a gate is large and there is a powerful motor moving it, it’s not something that sees constant use throughout the day. For most automatic gates, expect to see a utility bill increase of only around $10 per month.
Yes, electric gates can be opened manually in an emergency. All electric gates in North America are subject to the UL 325 Standard for Safety, which requires at least two entrapment protection devices to be installed on an electric gate that allows emergency responders to bypass the gate and access the property.
