How Much Does a Chain Link Fence Cost in 2025?

Chain Link Fence Cost Factors

Although it’s one of the simplest fencing options, various factors can still impact the price you pay for chain link fencing. Some key considerations include the material, size, type, posts, gates, and slats.

Material

Materials typically make up 50% of your overall budget. The total price varies depending on the type of materials you require. Standard mesh fencing can be as low as $2 per linear foot, while a driveway gate can run up to $200 per linear foot. 

Yard Size

Your yard size determines the price of installing a perimeter chain link fence. The table below will help give a rough idea, with prices based on an average four-foot high fence with a 2-by-2-inch diamond size and nine-gauge thickness in a square plot. 

Height

You’ll spend $8 to $40 per linear foot (including installation), depending on your desired height and material type. However, the average homeowner pays $10 to $20 per linear foot. You’ll usually find fencing quotes with a total project or per-foot pricing.

Fence Type

The style and finish of the fence also impact the total cost. The most common types include galvanized, cyclone or hurricane, black powder-coated, and wood with metal. Each varies in price, aesthetic, and durability. 

Galvanized

Strong galvanized wire mesh costs $5 to $15 per linear foot, including labor. Depending on height, you’ll spend $1.50 to $5 per linear foot for the mesh alone. Considered the basic utilitarian standard, this type is the most popular and cost-effective available.

Cyclone or Hurricane

Cyclone or hurricane fencing costs between $8 and $40 per linear foot. Standard galvanized chain link fencing is often referred to by this name. It sometimes has a PVC-coated mesh over metal, which is a good choice in coastal areas to protect from saltwater corrosion. 

Black Powder-Coated

Glued, extruded, or powder-coated black chain link costs $13 to $40 per linear foot. It comes in various low-maintenance and attractive colors, such as black and green. This type of coating works well for coastal and marine applications. 

Wood with Metal

In most cases, you’ll want to match the look and quality of your home and neighborhood with the fencing materials you choose. Mixing wood with black wire mesh creates a high-end look without the high-end price tag. You might also try another metal like aluminum or wrought iron for better aesthetic appeal.

• Wire with wood costs $5–$45 per linear ft.

• Wrought iron costs $30–$100 per linear ft.

• Aluminum and steel fencing costs $10–$60 per ft.

Gauge or Thickness

Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal strands. The higher the number, the thinner the strand. Decreasing the mesh size from two to one inch can double or triple the price to $55 per linear foot. Thicker mesh lasts longer and provides more security. Below are prices for standard two-inch residential mesh, not including labor:

Diamond Size

The smaller the diamond size of the chain link fencing, the stronger and more expensive it is. Below are typical material prices for the most common diamond sizes:

• 3 1/2” x 5”: $2–$5 per linear foot

• 2” x 2” (most common residential size): $3–$8 per linear foot

• 1” x 1”: $8–$15 per linear foot

Posts

Posts run an average of $30 each or $3 per linear foot as part of the complete project. For each post, materials run $20 (including the concrete to set them), and labor is $10. You’ll need posts with caps every seven to 10 feet. 

Most companies set the posts and come back the next day to start installing the fencing, though a few may opt for one-day installations. Most posts are made from metal, the most economical and sturdy option, but some homeowners opt for more expensive wooden posts for a natural aesthetic. 

Gate

Residential standard swing gates add $100 to $450 with labor or $50 to $320 for materials alone. Automated commercial rolling gates that are large enough to allow a car to pass through run $500 to $1,800 or more.

Privacy Slats

Chain-link privacy slats cost $5 to $15 per linear foot, including labor, or $3 to $5 for just the slats. These strips can be woven through the chain links, and options include redwood, vinyl, and aluminum. They won’t provide as much privacy as a wood or vinyl fence but are roughly half the cost. 

Other Chain Link Fence Cost Factors

In addition to the size and design of the fence, you’ll need to consider the cost of labor, paint, removal, excavation, permits, and additional fees.

Labor

Labor typically costs $3 to $20 per linear foot, making up 25% to 50% of the total project. Occasionally, a local chain link fence installer may work at $25 to $50 per hour, most notably in cases where you supply the materials. For 150 linear feet, labor will usually run you $1,000 to $3,000, regardless of how they bill.

Contractors charge more for taller fences, custom sizing, unusual shapes, and if they need to do any excavation or fence removal work.

Paint

If you don’t have a powder coating on your chain link fence, you can add color and an element of protection by painting it. Covering all the intricate fence diamonds can be challenging, and the fence often needs several coats. A primer goes on both sides of the fence first, followed by at least two coats of exterior-grade paint. Expect to pay $5 to $8 per linear foot to have a professional do this for you.

Old Fence Removal

To demolish an existing length of wire mesh, expect to spend between $3 and $5 per linear foot. For a chain link in usable condition, you can often sell it to the contractor for a fee reduction. Some scrap yards will also take it. The scrap or resale value can be upward of $6 per linear foot.

Excavation

For quality installation, the land where the chain link fencing is set must be level and free of large trees, shrubs, and roots. The cost to grade and excavate land is typically $40 to $150 per hour.

Permits

Building permits cost anywhere from $25 to $500. These are sometimes a legal requirement for security around pools or livestock and often stipulate specific diamond sizes. Permit requirements and prices vary between municipalities. Check with your local building code enforcement agency for details. 

Additional Hardware

Equipment rentals can cost from $25 to $150 per day for a cement mixer and post-hole auger. Professionals include tool pricing in the project price and sometimes as a line item. 

Additional Landscaping

Before you place anything on your property, consider barriers like trees, bushes, sheds, and driveways. Working around existing structures adds anywhere from $2 to $5 per linear foot.

Individual tree removal costs an average of $750, and tree stump removal costs are around $345. 

Does Installing a Chain Link Fence Increase Home Value?

Installing a chain link fence often won’t increase your home’s value directly, but it can help it sell faster. Many buyers look for homes with fences because they offer privacy and protection. Fences are especially important for buyers with dogs as they provide a safe area for their pets to run around. Depending on the design, a chain-link fence may also increase curb appeal.

Budgeting for a Chain Link Fence

Chain link fences vary significantly in price depending on their size and design. To keep your project budget-friendly, consider the following tips:

• The higher the fence, the more it will cost. To save on materials, choose the lowest height suitable for your property. 

• While installation should always be done by a professional, you can do some removal and disposal work yourself to reduce labor fees.

• Opt for a cost-effective style such as standard galvanized fencing.

• Keep corners limited, as you’ll be required to install a post and hardware at each. 

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real 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.