Chain-Link Fence Cost in Austin [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $1,817 - $4,462

The average homeowner in Austin, Texas, spends $2,899 to install a new chain-link fence, and most pay between $1,817 and $4,462. A fencing pro will consider things like materials and property size for your estimate.

How we get this data
Boy pulling his nephew in a wagon in the family backyard
Photo: Cavan Images / Adobe Stock
Boy pulling his nephew in a wagon in the family backyard
Photo: Cavan Images / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
  • The size of your lot and the shape of your property are the two most significant cost factors to consider, but fence height, mesh size, and materials matter, too.

  • The average lot size in Austin is 0.22 acres or close to 9,600 square feet, so adjust your cost expectations based on how your property compares.

  • Don’t forget to budget for your permit fees, which cost a flat rate of $132.86 in Austin.

  • Some homeowners may need to budget extra for land leveling, particularly on the west side of the city, where the terrain is more varied.

The average cost of a chain-link fence in Austin is $2,899, and most projects total between $1,817 and $4,462. Your cost will mostly depend on the size of your property, but the shape of your lot, the fence height, and material options can all play important roles, as well. Fence costs in Austin are higher than the national average, in part due to the higher labor costs that stem from the above-average cost of living.

7 chain link fence parts labeled, including the post cap, tension bands, and posts
Photos: genotar1 / Adobe Stock

Some residents in Austin, Texas, pay as little as $1,200 to install a chain-link fence, while others pay up to $5,000. You should consider all of the following factors to get an accurate estimate for where your total will fall within that wide range.

Length and Height

Chain-link fence installation costs $9 to $49 per linear foot, which includes materials and labor, with an average price range of $12 to $25 per linear foot. Contractors often issue estimates with a per-linear-foot calculation, and costs increase as the fence size gets larger.

The height of your fence also determines your per-square-foot costs. If you just need a fence to keep your dog contained, you’ll pay less for a shorter fence, whereas a taller fence for privacy will drive costs higher. Here’s what you might pay based on chain-link fence height:

Fence HeightAverage Cost Range (per Linear Ft.)
4 feet$9–$25
5 feet$10–$27
6 feet$12–$35
8 feet$14–$41
10 feet$20–$49

The most affordable types of chain-link fences (galvanized and wood-post) start at $6 per linear foot. On the other hand, the most expensive type (wrought iron) can reach prices up to $120 per linear foot.

Here’s how the type of chain link fence affects the cost in Austin:

Type of FenceAverage Cost Range (per Linear Ft.)ProsCons
Galvanized chain link$6–$10Resists rust in above-average rainfallCurb appeal
Cyclone or hurricane fence$9–$49Most resilient to supercell thunderstorms and tornadoesCurb appeal
Wood post chain-link Fence$6–$55Boosted curb appealHigher maintenance needs
Wrought iron post chain-link$63–$121Excellent durabilityMost expensive

Diamond Size

“Diamond size” refers to how large the opening is between each link. Smaller mesh offers more privacy but decreases visibility and requires more materials. The most common residential size is 2” x 2”, which costs $3 to $10 per linear foot. Decreasing the diamond hole to 1” x 1” costs between $9 and $19 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. Since Austin residents see some extreme weather, like supercell thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes that can blow debris into fencing, upgrading to a thicker gauge can improve fence longevity.

11.5-Gauge Chain9-Gauge Chain6-Gauge Chain
$1.75–$8.50 per square foot$2.25–$12.25 per square foot$4.75–$24.25 per square foot
Low security; light and thinMost common type for residential fencingBest for heavy commercial or security applications

Posts

Your fence needs posts to help it remain sturdy, and posts can also provide a bit of unique aesthetic flair. Putting in standard posts costs an average of $3.50 per linear foot, or $36 per post. Most 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

Your fence installer will have an easier time putting your fence in if you have clear and level land, and an easier installation means lower labor costs.

The eastern part of Austin is relatively flat and level, so you’re unlikely to need heavy leveling there, but you may need to budget a bit extra in the western part of Austin, where the topography is hillier and may require some prep work. Austin has heavy clay soil, too, which can contribute to even higher land leveling costs. Clearing trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features can also add to your total.

  • Land clearing cost: $300 to $3,400

  • Land leveling cost: $1,000 to $3,700

Add-Ons

Chain-link fences are basic in design and functionality, so you may need to consider the cost of add-ons to get more value from your fence. The table below includes average costs for common add-on services in Austin. Given the below-average property sizes and the above-average population density, you may specifically want to consider privacy screens, slats, or faux ivy to limit the view of your yard from neighboring properties.

Add-OnCost Range
Faux ivy$0.50–$1.25 per linear foot
Swing gates$120–$550 each
Privacy screens$3.50 per linear foot
Privacy slats$3.50–$12.25 per linear foot
Powder coating$7–$9.75 per linear foot

Fence Installation Pro Costs

On average, around 50% of your total cost will go toward labor when you hire a fence installation company in Austin. Expect labor alone to cost between $720 and $2,000, or between $9 and $49 per linear foot.

On an hourly basis, labor costs are higher than you’d see in most other cities, due mostly to the fact that the cost of living in Austin is 11% higher than the national average. Total project costs can be higher or lower than average based on individual property size, material choices, and necessary prepwork.

In addition to labor, you should budget for permit fees. Your installer will pull the necessary permits, but you’ll be responsible for the fee. The City of Austin charges a flat rate of $132.86 for fence permits. You’ll need a permit if any of the following apply:

  • You’re located in a floodplain

  • Any part of your fence will be over 7 feet tall

  • You’re located on a public right-of-way, and any part of your fence is over 6 feet tall

Angi Tip

While fence installation may seem like a weekend DIY project, it requires careful preparation and planning. We recommend contacting a pro to ensure the job is done to your specifications and with the best materials.

Ryan Noonan
Content Editor, Angi

Most homeowners don’t find chain-link fences particularly attractive, so you’re unlikely to see the same return on investment (ROI) you would from a higher-end cedar fence or something equivalent. However, chain-link fences do boost security, so you should see at least a small return.

You can maximize your ROI by choosing high-end materials, like wrought iron or wooden posts, or a black chain-link fence, or by investing in privacy add-ons, which are particularly desirable in areas with a high population density and smaller property sizes, like Austin. Choosing a more durable material, like thicker gauge fencing, can also boost ROI, as it’s more likely to stand up to the harsh weather in Texas.

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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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