How Much Does a Chain Link Fence Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,296 - $3,554
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $2,381 to install a new chain link fence. Depending on materials, size, and type, most spend between $1,296 and $3,554.
Prices for installing a chain-link fence depend on a few factors, like fence length and height, coatings, and more. In this guide, we’ll explain how much chain-link fences cost and provide some insight into cost factors to help you get an accurate estimate.
- Average
- $2,381
- Low end
- $550
- high end
- $6,000
How to Calculate Chain Fence Costs
To understand your out-of-pocket costs, calculate the expense of a chain link fence by factoring in its length, height, and preferred materials.
Length
Begin by assessing the perimeter for installation. Measure the length of each side by linear foot, considering any corners or irregularities in the landscape. Remember, you must account for any elevation or terrain changes affecting the installation process.
Height
Next, consider the desired height of the fence, which often depends on factors like privacy needs or local regulations. It is always a good idea to consult with a professional or refer to local building codes to ensure your fence meets any requirements.
Material
Consider the type and gauge of metal used for your project. Galvanized steel offers durability and resistance to rust, while vinyl-coated steel provides additional protection against corrosion. The wire gauge determines the thickness and strength of the fence. Thicker gauges offer increased durability and security but come at a higher cost.
Posts
To determine the number of posts needed for a chain link fence, start by calculating the length of the fence line and spacing the posts evenly every 6 to 10 feet. Consider any corners or changes in direction that may require additional posts for stability.
Finishing and Labor Costs
Gates, post caps, and other extras like privacy slats or decorative elements that further customize your fence add to your costs. You also need to consider the expense of hiring a local fence installer.
Chain-Link Fence Installation Cost Factors
While the average cost is $2,381, there are some crucial factors that influence the cost for a chain link fence. Small fenced-in areas with 3-foot chain-link fences might cost you as little as $400, while enclosing an entire yard with a 6-foot chain-link fence fitted with privacy panels might cost around $6,000 or more.
As you discuss the project with local fencing contractors, you should expect to consider materials, dimensions, labor, and more.
Fence Height
The size of your fence and its overall dimensions is a primary cost factor, as it determines the materials required and how much labor is needed to get the job done.
Chain link fence installations cost $8 to $40 per linear foot, which includes materials and installation, with an average price range of $10 to $20 per linear foot. Contractors typically issue estimates with a per-foot calculation, though these costs increase as the fence height goes up.
A standard chain link fence that is six-feet high comes in at $10 to $20 per linear foot, while an eight-foot fence costs $12 to $34 per square foot.
| Chain Link Height | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 4 feet | $8–$20 |
| 5 feet | $9–$22 |
| 6 feet | $10–$29 |
| 8 feet | $12–$34 |
| 10 feet | $17–$40 |
Gauge and Thickness
The thickness of the chain that creates the links, otherwise called its gauge, reflects the project cost as it determines the cost of materials. Basically, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the metal strands, translating to a lower cost of materials.
Thicker strands last longer, provide more security, and are generally more resistant to rust and inclement weather.
| 11.5-gauge chain | 9-gauge chain | 6-gauge chain |
|---|---|---|
| $1.50–$7 per square foot | $2–$10 per square foot | $4–$20 per square foot |
| Low security; light and thin | Most common type for residential fencing | Best for heavy commercial or security applications |
Mesh Size and Diamond Size
The standard mesh size is two inches, meaning the point at which portions of the fence interlink measures two inches. For advanced security and durability, some homeowners decrease this mesh size down to a single inch. This requires twice the materials and one-inch mesh is more difficult to source. In other words, going this route could double or triple your overall cost, up to $55 per linear foot.
“Diamond size” refers to how large the opening is between each link. Smaller mesh decreases visibility and requires more materials. The most common residential size is 2” x 2” and costs $3 to $8 per linear foot. Decreasing the diamond hole to 1” x 1” costs $8 to $15 per linear foot.
Posts
Your fence needs posts to help it remain sturdy and to provide a bit of unique aesthetic flair. Putting in some posts costs around $3 per linear foot, or $30 per post. Often, contractors wrap this cost into the overall estimate as you can’t have a fence without something to hold it together.
Most posts are made from metal and come in standard shapes and sizes, but some homeowners choose wooden posts for a more natural aesthetic or decorative or custom-color posts for a more unique look. These options are all more expensive.
Labor
Labor accounts for around 50% of the total cost to install a chain-link fence, or around $1,200, on average. Professional fence installers charge $25 to $50 per hour, depending on experience, and this type of job takes anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to complete. Most contractors just lump their labor into the price as a single total, though, so they technically don’t charge by the hour.
Labor costs can increase with taller fences and those with unusual shapes and custom sizes, as both require more work to transport to the job site and dig posts for. Labor costs can also go up if you need tree or stump removal where your fence is to be installed, or if you need ground leveling for a safe installation.
Chain Link Fence Cost by Type
Chain-link fence design sticks to the script in most cases, but you do have some options to choose from.
| Type of Fence | Cost Range per Linear Foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized Chain Link | $5–$8 | Withstands moisture and resists rust, which can extend the lifespan of your fence |
| Cyclone or Hurricane Fence | $8–$40 | Withstands high winds, water, and corrosion |
| Wood Post Chain Link Fence | $5–$45 | Combines strength of chain-link fencing with classic wooden look |
| Wrought Iron Post Chain Link | $30–$100 | Protects against extreme weather; tailored aesthetic |
Permits
Most municipalities require a building permit for any fence, including a chain link fence. Permits ensure that your fence doesn’t exceed the height and set back limitations set by the local building code. Additionally, some areas dictate diamond and mesh sizes, especially in areas surrounding pools or livestock. Building permits total between $20 and $60.
Land Surveying
When building a fence, it’s wise to hire a local land surveyor to conduct a basic boundary survey to confirm your home’s property lines. Otherwise, you may mistakenly build a fence on your neighbor’s property. Land surveying costs about $525 on average, though it can range between $200 and $1,000, depending on the size of your property, the time of year, your terrain type, and whether it’s a rush job.
Additional Chain Link Fence Costs to Consider
While materials and labor make up most of your costs, there are some additional factors to consider.
Gates
Gates are certainly handy, but keep in mind they do slightly reduce the overall security of your fence. A standard residential swing gate costs $100 to $450, which includes materials and labor. Automated rolling gates are more expensive, at $500 to $1,800, depending on their size and features. You could pay more, depending on the size and location of the gate, but chain-link gates tend to be some of the most affordable, so the cost shouldn’t get too much higher.
Coating
Chain link fences are metal and, as such, are susceptible to rust, particularly in parts of the country with a heavy rain season, harsh winters, or salty air. Coating your fence with a more durable material helps make your fence more resistant to rust and adds a bit of visual flair.
There are many types of chain-link fence coatings out there, each with its own price range and typical use case scenarios.
Powder coating: This coating costs an additional $6 to $8 per linear foot, and it adds a textured matte finish to enhance curb appeal.
Colored vinyl: This vinyl is available in black, green, blue, and white, costing $10 to $30 per linear foot.
Privacy Options
One of the potential downsides to chain-link fences is that they don’t offer much in the way of privacy, as you and everyone in your neighborhood can see right through them. However, you can add some privacy slats or other materials to make your yard less visible from the outside by covering your chain-link fence.
Add privacy slats to the fencing: $3 to $10 per linear foot.
Add faux ivy: $0.50 and $1 per linear foot.
Add privacy screens: $3 per linear foot.
Removal of Old Fencing
In with the old and out with the new. Old fencing requires removal before new fencing is installed. You can expect to pay between $3 and $5 per linear foot for fence removal, or you could DIY this part of the job to save some money. You might also be able to recoup these costs by selling, recycling, or scrapping the materials. Talk to your pro about reselling the materials before going ahead with the removal.
Land Clearing and Prep
While flat land is not always necessary to build a fence, you will need enough space to anchor the posts and string the chain link panels. Unlike some other types of fences, chain-link fences aren’t ideal for installing on steep slopes. If you do opt to even out your yard, the price of land leveling for a fence ranges from $900 to $3,000 on average.
You may also need to clean away trees, roots, stumps, bushes, and shrubs where your posts will be placed. Land clearing costs as little as $250 for a half-acre that is only lightly forested with shrubs, trees, or rocks. If your fence cuts through a densely forested area, prices will start at $1,800 per half-acre.
| Additions to Chain Link Fence | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Gates | $100–$1,800 |
| Coating | $6–$30 per linear foot |
| Privacy Slats | $3–$10 per linear foot |
| Permits | $25–$500 |
| Fence Removal | $3–$5 per linear foot |
| Land Clearing | $900–$3,000 |
| Land Surveying | $380–$745 |
Cost to Install a Chain Link Fence Yourself
Installing a chain link fence yourself costs $650 to $1,700, or around half the cost of hiring a pro. Learning how to build a fence is doable for experienced DIYers, so long as you have the time to spare and plenty of equipment on hand.
Expect to spend at least 25 hours on the project, and much more if you run into any hiccups. Buying or renting equipment drives up the cost, as well. For instance, renting a cement mixer to set the poles costs $25 to $150 per day. Other helpful tools include gas-powered post hole augers, wire cutters, pipe cutters, fence stretchers, and more. These tools eat into any potential savings unless you have a fully-stocked garage or toolshed.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Fence contractors charge $25 to $50 per hour, but they are experienced enough to finish the job quickly and overcome any obstacles. Installing a new fence often requires light excavation duties or some general landscaping, which most fence companies can tackle for you. Chain-link fencing is relatively lightweight, but stretching is to avoid sagging, setting the post holes plumb, and getting everything level can be a real challenge, even for experienced DIYers.
We recommend hiring a professional if you’re installing your fence on your property line, if there are trees, roots, or stumps to remove in the process, or if you don’t have help available from friends or family members to lift and hold the fence into place while you work. In any of these cases, hiring a chain-link fence installer near you is likely well worth the investment.
5 Ways to Save on Chain Link Fence Costs
Here are some simple tips to consider when installing everything from chain-link to vinyl fencing.
Limit corners: Each corner requires a post and associated hardware, so go with a design that limits corners as much as possible.
Mix up the height: Higher fences cost more, so consider a lower height or mix and match the height to suit different parts of your property.
Skip the concrete: If your soil is up to snuff, save money by pounding the posts directly into the ground. This is only for certain types of soil, however, so talk to an expert beforehand.
Do some of it yourself: Removing old fencing and adding privacy slats are all easy tasks to accomplish on your own, and they can save you a few hundred dollars.
Go in with neighbors: If you live in a close-knit community, reach out to your immediate next-door neighbor about splitting the cost of a chain link fence for the portion that sits between both of your homes.
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’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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
In the vast majority of cases, chain-link fences are less expensive than wood fences. Installing a wood fence costs anywhere from 20% to 30% more than a chain-link fence, or an average of $3,100, whereas a similarly sized chain-link fence will average around $2,400. Even with add-ons and additional protective finishes, a chain-link fence is very likely to cost you less than a wood fence. The only exception would be a split rail wood fence, which can cost about half the price of a chain-link fence or less.
A chain link fence does not lower your property value. However, chain links are not the most attractive materials—so it probably won’t raise the value either. If this is a concern, opt for wooden posts to provide visual flair and go with a color coating on your fence. Putting in a functional and attractive gate also helps up your resale value when installing a chain-link fence.
The life expectancy of a chain link fence is around 15 years when properly maintained. Chain link is more durable than wood, but does sag and expand over time, particularly when exposed to the elements. Investing in galvanized, powder-coated, or vinyl-coated chain-link fencing will cost you more, but they can increase the lifespan of your fence to 20 to 30 years, so it might be worth it in the long run. Plus, these finishes require less maintenance over the years.