How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? [2025 Data]

Average Fence Installation Cost

Fence installation costs an average of $3,220, but your total depends on the type of fence, its length and height, and other factors. Most homeowners pay between $1,856 and $4,762 for fence installation, although prices may range from $400 to $13,700.

Cost by Fence Size

Fence installation costs between $6 and $50 per linear foot, depending on the material, with an average cost of $23 per linear foot. Naturally, larger fences will cost more due to higher material and labor costs.

Here’s how your fence installation cost is influenced by size:

Cost by Type of Fence

The type of fence is another crucial factor that affects the price, with picket, rail, and solid board fences costing the least (starting at $5 per linear foot). Shadow box and privacy fences are more expensive, starting at $10 per linear foot, because they require more material.

Here’s how fence type affects your cost per linear foot:

Cost by Fence Material

Costs vary among different fencing materials, with chain-link fences being the most affordable, ranging from $8 to $40 per linear foot. This is followed by wood, iron, PVC, and then aluminum. The pricing of each material varies based on design, so your final cost depends on your front yard fence idea.

Here’s a breakdown of fence installation costs based on material:

Fence Cost by Location

Average fence installation prices rise in regions with higher costs of living, such as Los Angeles ($2,000 to $5,400) and Boston ($2,000–$5,100). Fencing is more affordable in lower-cost areas, such as St. Louis ($1,800–$4,100) and Orlando ($1,600–$4,250). 

Here’s what you might pay for fencing installation in different cities:

Additional Fence Installation Cost Factors

Fence installation costs also depend on other factors, including labor rates, permits, removal of your existing fence, site preparation, and more. Here’s what to expect. 

• Labor: 50% of your total project cost ($1,600 on average)

• Permit for fencing: $20–$60

• Gates: $150–$2,000

• Concrete for post bases: $0.30 per pound

• Post caps: $30–$150 per cap

• Removing existing fence: $3–$5 per linear foot

• Land leveling: $1,000–$3,200

• Cost to remove a tree: $750 

• Landscaping:  $1,300–$6,200

• Working around utilities: 10%–30% increase in cost

• Painting or staining a fence: $3.50–$13 per linear foot for a professional job

Installing a Fence Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

On average, you can save $1,700 in labor fees if you install your fence yourself. You’ll need to rent equipment, obtain the necessary permits, and purchase materials, including a post-hole digger, drill, circular saw, and shovel. In most cases, your best bet is to hire a local fencing professional.

Here are the benefits of hiring a pro for fence installation:

• Avoids issues like leaning, sagging, or uneven gaps

• Handles challenges such as tree roots, rocky soil, or sloped terrain

• Saves you from heavy labor, like digging post holes or hauling materials

• Faster completion, as pros can often finish the job in one to three days

• Familiarity with zoning laws, setback requirements, and height restrictions

• Warranties and liability insurance

You might DIY fence installation in the following situations: 

• Small and straightforward projects (like a garden or short backyard fence)

• Basic carpentry or landscaping skills

• Level ground with easy soil

• Necessary tools can be obtained 

Replacing vs Repairing a Fence

Replacing a fence usually costs more up-front than repairing it.

• Average fence replacement cost: $3,220

• Average cost to repair a fence: $611 

Here’s when you might replace your fence:

• Older fence (15-20+ years old)

• Bad damage, such as broken sections, leaning, or rotting

• Widespread rot or rust

• Desire for a different look or material

• Doesn’t comply with code

• Prior repair attempts haven’t fixed the issue

Repairs are often better in the following situations:

• Relatively new fence (under 10 years old)

• Limited damage

• Tight budget

• Sound structure

• Desire to preserve style

Ways to Save Money on Installing a Fence

Here are some tips to help you save on fence installation costs.

• Choose a budget-friendly material: Select a material that strikes the right balance between budget, aesthetics, and durability. For example, chain link fences are the most affordable ($8 to $40 per linear foot), but you might prefer the look of wood ($10 to $45 per linear foot).

• Keep the design simple: If you need to stick to a strict budget, consider skipping additional gates, upgraded finishes, ornate styles, special features, and extra landscaping services. By cutting multiple extras, you could save $1,000 to $5,000 or more. 

• Less pickets: Pickets with decorative tips can cost 20% to 100% more than standard styles, so choosing a simple, rectangular picket is often the most budget-friendly option.

• Minimize posts: Posts are one of the most expensive parts of a fence because it takes time to set them correctly in the ground. You can reduce costs by choosing a design with fewer posts, saving about $50 to $200 per post.

• Get quotes from three contractors: Before you hire a fence contractor, take a look at the market. To get the biggest bang for your buck, interview at least three contractors and always check their references.

• Book during off-season: Though you can’t dig into frozen ground, you can sometimes save money by booking your job during winter or late fall, as long as the climate allows. Winter is a slower season for fencing contractors, so they’re much more likely to cut you a deal, which might be a discount of 10% to 25%.

• DIY when you can: You can save on fence installation costs by doing some of the labor yourself—like painting ($3.50–$13 per linear foot) or removing an old fence ($3–$5 per linear foot).

Does Installing a Fence Increase a Home’s Value?

Installing a fence can recoup up to 50% or more of its installation cost in resale value. Buyers especially like durable materials (such as vinyl, aluminum, or wrought iron) and privacy. A well-designed fence that enhances curb appeal can improve the home's attractiveness, while a mismatched or poorly maintained fence can lower desirability.