How Much Does a Privacy Fence Cost to Install in Chicago, IL? [2026 Data]

The average cost of a privacy fence in Chicago, IL, is $4,455, but it often ranges from $1,865 to $8,288. If you’re trying to price out this project, your total will depend on a few factors, including the fence’s length and material. Let’s walk through them so you can get an idea of how much you’ll spend on a privacy fence in the Windy City.

Privacy Fence Cost Factors

Here are the individual factors that influence the overall cost of privacy fence installation in Chicago, IL.

Size

Fence installation is priced by linear foot, with an average range of $10 to $50 per linear foot fully installed. So, the larger your yard, the higher the cost. The fence material also greatly impacts the price, as does your yard’s layout.

The table below shows the average cost range for fences of various sizes, from 50 to 300 linear feet.

Material

A privacy fence can add beauty to your property. Wood privacy fences blend with surrounding trees, while metal fences complement a chic, modern vibe.

The table below shows the average cost of a privacy fence by material for a 150-linear-foot fence.

Note that the cost of a board-on-board privacy fence will be higher because they require more materials and more complex installation.

Prep Work and Additions

If you need to remove an old fence or get rid of some pesky stumps that are in the way of your dream fence installation, you’ll end up paying a bit more. Many people also decide to add plants like hedges around their new privacy fence to complement the fence’s aesthetics and increase privacy even more.

Fencing Pro Costs

Once you’ve totaled up the cost of fencing materials and prep work, you can factor in two more expenses: labor and permits.

Labor

Hiring a qualified fence installer in Chicago, IL, is the easiest and safest option when building a privacy fence, but it does come at a cost. On average, you’ll spend $10 to $15 per linear foot of fencing (or about $50 an hour). But keep in mind: If your yard is uneven or on a steep slope, your pro’s rates could be higher due to the extra time and labor required to complete the job.

Permits

Privacy fences—which are a minimum of 6 feet tall—will require a building permit and zoning approval in Chicago, IL. Before getting to work, your contractor will need to secure the proper permits from the Department of Buildings (DOB). You should see the permit fees (and the labor cost your pro charges for pulling them) listed in your project estimate.

Does Installing a Fence Increase Home Value?

Most homeowners will see a 30% to 70% return on investment (ROI) after building a fence. There are a lot of benefits to installing a fence, including added privacy, reduced noise, and improved pet safety. That’s especially true in a big city like Chicago, IL, where private outdoor space can be hard to come by.

How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data 

To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.

Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.

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