A corrugated metal fence is a great way to give your yard a sleek, modern look while also saving a little bit of green in the process. This guide will break down the costs of building this type of fence and what you should consider before doing so.
How Much Does a Chain-Link Fence Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,298 - $3,576
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $2,406 to install a new chain-link fence, but most pay between $1,298 and $3,576. A fencing pro will consider things like materials and size for your estimate.
How we get this data
Photo: Cavan Images / Adobe Stock
Photo: Cavan Images / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
Chain link is one of the most affordable fencing options, with prices as low as $8 per linear foot.
Choosing a fence with enhanced features might raise the price up to $40 per linear foot.
Factors affecting the cost of chain-link fences include height, gauge and thickness, number of posts, and more.
Smaller mesh sizes can increase the security of your fence, but they can also raise the cost by 50% to 100%.
Labor accounts for around 50% of the total cost.
Average Chain Link Fence Cost
Chain-link fence costs range from $1,298 to $3,576 for most homeowners, with an average of $2,406, including materials and labor. For a small 4-foot fence, you can pay as little as $530, but if you prefer a larger 8-foot fence, budget up to $6,100. You’ll likely spend between $8 and $40 per linear foot.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
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.
Cost by Fence Height
Chain-link fence installation costs $8 to $40 per linear foot, which includes materials and labor, with an average price range of $10 to $20 per linear foot. Contractors often issue estimates with a per-foot calculation, and costs increase as the fence height rises.
Here’s what you might pay based on chain-link fence height:
| Fence Height | Average Cost Range (per Linear Ft.) |
|---|---|
| 4 feet | $8–$20 |
| 5 feet | $9–$22 |
| 6 feet | $10–$29 |
| 8 feet | $12–$34 |
| 10 feet | $17–$40 |
Cost by Fence Design
The most affordable types of chain-link fences (galvanized and wood post) start at $5 per linear foot. On the other hand, the most expensive type (wrought iron) can reach prices up to $100 per linear foot.
Here’s how the type of chain link fence affects the cost:
| Type of Fence | Average Cost Range (per Linear Ft.) | 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 |
Additional Chain Link Fence Cost Factors
While the average cost is $2,406, many factors influence the price of a chain-link fence, including labor rates, gauge, mesh size, and more. Here’s what to expect.
Professional fence installation: 50% of the total cost (around $1,200, on average)
Gauge (thickness): $1.50–$7 per square foot for 11.5-gauge chain (thinner the metal strands); $2–$10 per square foot for 9-gauge chain (most common for residential fencing); $4–$20 per square foot for 6-gauge chain (best for heavy commercial use)
Mesh size: 2–3 times more expensive for a decreased mesh size, which has advanced security and durability
Diamond size: $3–$8 per linear foot for standard 2”x2” opening size between each link; $8–$15 per linear foot for 1”x1” diamond size
Posts: $3 per linear foot ($30 per post)
Permits: $20–$60
Land surveying: $1,000–$3,200
Gates: $100–$450 for a standard residential swing gate; $500–$1,800 for an automated rolling gate
Coating: $6–$8 per linear foot extra for powder coating; $10–$30 per linear foot for colored vinyl
Privacy slats: $3–$10 per linear foot
Faux ivy: $0.50–$1 per linear foot
Privacy screens: $3 per linear foot.
Removal of old chain-link fencing: $3–$5 per linear foot
Land leveling: $900–$3,000
Land clearing: $250–$2,800 per half-acre
Chain-link fence repairs: $300–$800
DIY Chain-Link Fence Cost vs. Hiring a Pro
Professional fence installers charge between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, and this job takes anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. Installing a chain-link fence yourself costs $500 to $1,000, or around half the cost of hiring a pro, but there are advantages and disadvantages to consider.
When installing a chain-link fence, consider hiring a fence installation pro near you for the following situations:
You need to install gates or tension wire properly.
You want a clean, professional finish with evenly stretched mesh.
The ground is hard, sloped, rocky, or requires concrete post footings.
You’re unsure how to handle corner posts or end post bracing.
You want to ensure long-term tension and stability.
You need the fence to meet code, HOA requirements, or property line regulations.
You might DIY chain-link fence installation in the following situations:
You’re willing to spend at least 25 hours on the project.
You have the time and the proper equipment (or you can obtain it).
The fence line is relatively short and straight, and the ground is level.
You're familiar with basic fencing hardware.
You’re installing a fence for utility or function, not curb appeal.
In the end, fence contractors charge $25 to $50 per hour, but they are experienced enough to finish the job quickly and overcome any obstacles.
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.
Mix up the height: To save money, consider a lower height or mix and match the height to suit different parts of your property. For example, a 4-foot fence costs $8 to $20 per linear foot, while a 10-foot fence costs $17 to $40 per linear foot.
Skip the concrete: If your soil is suitable, save labor costs ($25 to $50 per hour) by pounding the posts directly into the ground. This is only applicable to certain types of soil, however, so consult an expert beforehand.
Limit corners: Each corner requires a post and associated hardware, so go with a design that limits corners as much as possible.
Do some of it yourself: Removing old fencing ($3–$5 per linear foot) and adding privacy slats ($3–$10 per linear foot) are 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.
Next Steps
The average labor cost for installing a chain-link fence is $1,200.
Many homeowners hire a fencing pro to ensure proper tensioning, secure gates, and code-compliant results, especially on uneven terrain.
You can save by choosing a lower height and cost-effective materials, such as wood posts instead of wrought iron.
You might also DIY certain tasks, such as removing your old fence and adding privacy slats.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to fencing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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