Chain link fence cost
Short answer
A chain link fence costs about $10–$25 per linear foot installed. A 150-ft fence runs roughly $1,500–$3,750.
Cost / linear ft
$10–$25
150 ft installed
$1,500–$3,750
Posts
20
Sections
19
What drives chain link fence cost
A chain link fence runs $10–$25 per installed linear foot, so a 150-ft run at 6 ft tall lands around $1,500–$3,750. Roughly half of that is labor — digging and setting 20 posts in concrete is the slow, expensive part, not the chain link material itself.
Chain link is sold in panels or mesh, so the per-foot price is steadier than board-built fences — but terrain matters more: sloped or rocky ground means stepped or racked panels and extra labor. Grade, gauge, and color/finish are the main material upgrades.
Every quote also moves with your yard: corners and gates each add a post, old-fence removal and haul-off is often billed separately, and hard soil or a permit can add a few hundred dollars. Get at least three local bids — regional labor rates are the single biggest reason two chain link quotes differ.
What affects your price
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Fence height | Taller panels cost more per foot; privacy heights add the most |
| Material grade | Heavier gauge / thicker profile and premium colors raise the price |
| Terrain & soil | Slopes, rock, and hard clay slow post-setting and add labor |
| Gates & corners | Each gate and corner adds a post and hardware |
| Old fence removal | Tear-out and haul-off is usually billed on top of the quote |
| Region & permits | Local labor rates and a permit can swing the total by hundreds |
Chain link vs other fence materials
| Material | Installed cost / ft |
|---|---|
| Chain linkthis page | $10–$25 |
| Wood picket | $12–$30 |
| Wood privacy | $15–$40 |
| Vinyl | $20–$45 |
| Aluminum / steel | $25–$55 |
Chain link fence planning tips
- Add privacy slats or a screen only after checking wind load — solid infill turns a fence into a sail.
- Call 811 (call-before-you-dig) to mark utilities before setting any posts — it is free and often legally required.
- Confirm the property line and your HOA / local height rules before buying materials.
- Set corner and gate posts first, then run the line posts between them for a straight fence.
Estimate your fence
Open the fence calculatorOther materials
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chain link fence cost per foot?
About $10–$25 per linear foot installed, including posts, panels, and labor. Material grade and terrain move it within that range.
How much does a 150-foot chain link fence cost?
Roughly $1,500–$3,750 for a 6-ft chain link fence — about 20 posts and 19 sections. Enter your exact length in the calculator.
What materials do I need for a chain link fence?
For a 150-ft run: 20 posts, 57 rails, and about 40 bags of concrete to set the posts.