Chain-Link Fence Cost in Baltimore [2026 Data]

 Installing a chain-link fence in Baltimore costs $1,896 on average, with most homeowners paying between $1,040 and $2,967. The biggest factors that determine the cost are the height and length of the fence, but materials, labor costs, add-ons, and more will also play a part. We break down these factors and more so you can budget correctly for this project.

Chain-Link Fence Cost Factors 

The cost to install a chain-link fence in Baltimore, Maryland, depends on factors like the fence’s height and length, material, gauge, and diamond size. You’ll also need to consider labor costs, permit fees, and land prep costs when budgeting as well. Let’s explore these factors and how they’ll affect your total project cost. 

Length and Height

Chain-link fence installation costs $6 to $32 per linear foot, which includes materials and labor, with an average price range of $8 to $16 per linear foot. Baltimore’s median lot size is smaller than the national average at just over 6,000 square feet, so you’ll pay less for a chain-link fence than in other parts of the country. 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:

Type of Chain-Link Fence

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:

Diamond Size

“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 $2 to $6 per linear foot. Decreasing the diamond size to 1” x 1” costs $6 to $12 per linear foot.

Gauge (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. 

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 $2 per linear foot, or $24 per post. Often, contractors wrap this cost into the overall estimate, as you can’t have a fence without something to hold it together.

Land Clearing and Prep

If your property needs any work to get fence-ready, it can cost $200 to $2,200 per half-acre for land clearing and prep. Smaller projects like minor brush clearing or leveling along the fence line will come in at the lower end of the range, while you can expect to pay more for major grading, tree removal, and large rock relocation.

Add-Ons

Chain-link fences are known for being fairly basic, but you have options for customizing and upgrading your fence. You can add privacy features, install gates for easier access, or add coating to make a custom color or black chain link fence for a more customized look. Here are some common add-ons and how much they cost:

Fence Installation Pro Costs

Unless you have experience installing fences, it’s best to hire a fence installation pro in Baltimore, Maryland, to ensure the job is done right. A pro can prep your property properly, shorten how long it takes to build your fence, and make sure your fence is compliant with all city codes and regulations. 

Hiring a fence installation pro with the experience and equipment to correctly install your fence can save you time as well as future headaches that may result from an improperly installed fence.

Labor

Labor accounts for around 50% of the total cost to install a chain-link fence, or around $1,000, on average. Professional fence installers charge $20 to $40 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.

Permits

You’ll need to obtain a permit from the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Development before installing your fence. Failure to obtain a permit can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and additional fees to inspect the work and ensure it’s compliant with city codes. If the work isn’t code-compliant, you’ll need to remove the installed fence. 

Fence permits cost $10 per 100 linear feet or fraction thereof. The homeowner is ultimately responsible for ensuring a permit has been obtained, so be sure to clarify with your fence installation pro whether they’ll pull it or if you need to.

Does a Chain-Link Fence Increase Home Value?

The affordability of chain-link fences will affect your return on investment (ROI)—a chain-link fence offers an ROI of around 30%, compared to a 50% ROI on other, more expensive types of fences. That said, a fenced-in yard can make your home easier to sell. Pet owners and parents often look for a home with a fence for dogs or children for safety’s sake.

A well-maintained chain-link fence will maximize your ROI. It’s worth investing the cost to repair your chain-link fence to keep it in good condition, whether that’s tightening a chain-link fence, replacing damaged chain, or recoating the fence for a fresh look.

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 survey 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. 

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