The most economical way to enclose a large perimeter
Chain Link fence cost: $10–$35 per linear foot
Chain link is priced by wire gauge as much as by length — a 9-gauge residential fabric costs meaningfully less than the heavier 11.5-gauge commercial-grade mesh. It remains the default choice when the job is to enclose a lot of linear footage affordably rather than to create privacy.
- $20/ftnational average
- 15–20 yrstypical lifespan
- Lowmaintenance
- Noneprivacy level
Where chain link wins
- Lowest material and labor cost per linear foot
- Fastest to install of any material on this list
- Vinyl-coated versions resist rust and last longer than bare galvanized
Where it doesn't
- No privacy without added slats or screening
- Chain-link mesh can be climbed and offers little wind protection
- Bare galvanized steel will develop surface rust over time
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Estimate your fence cost
Answer a few questions about your project. The estimate updates instantly, and every dollar in the breakdown links back to the assumption that produced it.
Estimated installed cost
Live$3,700
$1,650 – $5,750 for 150 ft · a wide range — site conditions matter a lot here
- Materials 41% $1,519
- Labor 50% $1,856
- Gates 9% $325
Cost breakdown
- Chain Link, materials + labor (150 ft) $1,500–$5,250
- 1 × Walk gate (3–4 ft) $150–$500
Why this number?
Chain Link, materials + labor (150 ft). Chain Link installs for a national average of $10–$35 per linear foot at 6 ft height on flat ground. 45% of that figure is materials; the rest is labor.
1 × Walk gate (3–4 ft). Gates cost more per foot than straight fence line because each one needs a separate frame, hinges, and a latch that has to be built to swing freely.
This is a research-based estimate, not a quote. Get at least two written, itemized bids from licensed local contractors before signing anything. We don't sell your information or route you to lead-gen buyers.
2026 national pricing
Fence cost by material, per linear foot
Fully installed pricing — materials, standard hardware, and labor — for a 6 ft fence on flat ground. Your project will land somewhere in each range depending on style, height, and site conditions, which is exactly what the calculator above adjusts for.
| Material | Low / ft | High / ft | Avg / ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $12 | $30 | $20 | 15–20 yrs | High |
| Cedar | $20 | $45 | $30 | 20–30 yrs | Medium |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $25 | $55 | $38 | 25–30 yrs | Low |
| Chain Link | $10 | $35 | $20 | 15–20 yrs | Low |
| Aluminum | $25 | $50 | $35 | 25–40 yrs | Low |
| Wrought Iron / Steel Ornamental | $35 | $85 | $55 | 30–50 yrs | Medium |
| Composite | $30 | $60 | $42 | 25–30 yrs | Low |
| Split Rail | $8 | $20 | $14 | 15–20 yrs | Low |
Straight answers
Chain Link fence cost — frequently asked questions
How much does a chain link fence cost per linear foot?
A chain link fence installed by a professional costs $10–$35 per linear foot nationally, averaging around $20/ft, at a standard 6 ft height on flat ground. About 45% of that figure is the material itself; the remainder is labor.
How long does a chain link fence last?
Most chain link fences last 15–20 years with low maintenance. Climate, soil moisture, and how consistently it's maintained can shift that range in either direction.
What does 100 feet of chain link fencing cost installed?
At the national average of $20/ft, 100 linear feet of chain link fencing runs about $2000 installed, with a realistic range of $1000–$3500 before gates, removal, or regional adjustments. Use the calculator above to add those in for an exact figure.
Is chain link fencing high maintenance?
No — chain link is one of the lower-maintenance fencing materials. It generally does not require regular sealing, staining, or painting.