Nationally, most installed fences cost between $20 and $60 a linear foot in 2026. A 100-foot run therefore comes to roughly $2,000 to $6,000 before gates.
The dollar figures here are national ranges that HomeGuide published for 2026. They are not quotes from The Fence Company of Boston. Local labor, material prices and the conditions on your lot move the real number up or down. Figures last checked October 2026.
What is the fence cost per foot?
- Chain link: $9 to $30 per foot, installed.
- Wood: $20 to $50 per foot, installed.
- Aluminum: $25 to $75 per foot, installed.
- Vinyl: $30 to $60 per foot, installed.
- Wrought iron: $50 to $85 per foot, installed.
What does a 6-foot wood privacy fence cost?
Published 2026 figures put a privacy fence of that height at $25 to $60 a foot with labor. Here is the math for two common yards. An 80-foot back line works out to $2,000 to $4,800. A 120-foot run around three sides works out to $3,000 to $7,200. Gates and tear-out of an old fence are added to that.
Which is the cheapest fence to have installed?
Chain link. Its range starts near $9 a foot, lower than any other material on the list. If you need a solid screen, the least expensive option is normally a pressure-treated pine stockade or dog-ear fence.
How do I keep my large dog in the yard on a budget?
Go with chain link at 5 or 6 feet. It is strong, it is the lowest-priced material, and privacy slats can be woven in at a later date. Check the bottom edge, because a gap at the ground is where dogs get out.
Is aluminum cheaper than wrought iron? How does vinyl compare?
| Material | National 2026 range, installed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $25 to $75 per foot | Looks like iron, does not rust, light in weight |
| Vinyl | $30 to $60 per foot | Solid panels, good for privacy |
| Wrought iron | $50 to $85 per foot | Heaviest and most costly of the three |
So aluminum usually comes in under iron, and its range overlaps the vinyl range. Which one wins on your job depends on the style and the height.
What extra does a gate cost on top of the fence?
A gate is a separate item with its own price. Four things set it: how wide the opening is, what the gate is made of, the hinges and latch, and whether it has an opener. Walk gates cost the least. Double driveway gates and powered gates cost the most. Ask for every gate to appear separately on the quote.
Is there a charge extra for a slope, brush or old fence removal?
- Old fence: taking it down and hauling it away is labor and a disposal fee.
- Brush and roots: the line has to be clear before posts can go in.
- Slope: panels must be racked or stepped, which takes more time.
- Rock: a hole in ledge takes far longer than a hole in soil.
None of these can be priced from a phone call. They are measured during the site visit.
I collected several quotes and they are far apart. Which do I trust?
Trust the one whose paperwork is the most complete. Put the quotes side by side and tick off the same list on each: footage, height, material grade, post size, post depth, gate count, tear-out, permit and clean-up. A big price gap nearly always traces back to an item that one bidder priced and another skipped. Once the scope matches, the totals tend to move together.
Does a new fence add value to a house?
Somewhat. Buyers who have pets or young kids like a fenced yard, and a tidy fence makes the lot look cared for. Do not expect to get every dollar back at sale. Questions about your tax assessment go to the assessing department in your city or town.
Want a price for your own yard? The estimate is free, done on site, and the quote comes in writing. Call (508) 690-4738.