Chain link fence cost: per foot, by yard size and by state
A typical backyard, 150 ft of fence: about $3,400 to $4,400, typically $3,700. That's a new 4 foot chain link fence in 11 gauge fabric with posts and top rail, priced by the foot, plus the contractor's overhead, profit and sales tax. Everything in, it runs $22.75 to $29.25 a linear ft.
Anthony Hicks30+ years in construction. Updated November 5, 2026.
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What it costs
| Job | Cost |
|---|---|
| A small yard, 100 ft of fence | $2,250 to $2,950 |
| A typical backyard, 150 ft of fence | $3,400 to $4,400 |
| A large yard, 250 ft of fence | $5,600 to $7,300 |
About $22.75 to $29.25 a linear ft, everything in.
Totals include the contractor's overhead and profit (20%) and the state's average sales tax. Prices as of November 2026.
What’s in these numbers
Each total is a typical job, priced the way a contractor’s estimate is priced:
- A new chain link fence, 4 feet high, 11 gauge galvanized fabric, with the posts and the top rail, by the linear foot.
- Overhead and profit: 20%, the standard markup on a contractor’s estimate.
- Sales tax on the materials, at the state’s average rate.
Not in them: gates, privacy slats, vinyl-coated fabric, taller fence, tearing out an old fence, a survey and permits.
Chain link or wood
On the same yards, priced the same way:
| Yard | Chain link, 4 ft | Treated wood privacy, 5 to 6 ft |
|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,250 to $2,950 | $3,250 to $4,450 |
| 150 ft | $3,400 to $4,400 | $4,850 to $6,700 |
| 250 ft | $5,600 to $7,300 | $8,100 to $11,200 |
Totals include the contractor’s overhead and profit (20%) and the state’s average sales tax. The fence installation cost guide has wood and cedar by state.
What moves the price
- Height. Taller fence takes more fabric and longer posts.
- Gauge. Lower gauge numbers are heavier wire: 9 gauge is heavier than 11.
- Coating. Vinyl-coated fabric and privacy slats add to galvanized.
- Gates. Walk gates and rolling drive gates are priced on their own.
- The ground. Slopes, rock and roots slow the post holes.
- Where you live. Pick your state in the box above.
Common questions
How much does chain link fence cost per foot?
$22.75 to $29.25 a linear ft for 4 foot, 11 gauge chain link with posts and top rail, with overhead, profit and sales tax included.
How much is 200 feet of chain link fence?
About $4,550 to $5,900 for 4 foot fence, by the price per foot above, before gates.
How much to fence a backyard in chain link?
About $3,400 to $4,400 for 150 feet, typically $3,700.
What gauge is chain link fence?
The gauge is the wire’s thickness, and lower numbers are thicker. Chain link for these fences comes in 11 and 9 gauge; the heavier 9 gauge costs more per foot.