A privacy fence cost ranges between $31.50 to $53.50 per linear foot, including materials and labor. If you’re looking to add security or curb appeal, this could be a valuable investment for your property.
At these rates, enclosing an average yard of 150 to 200 linear feet will require a budget of $4,725 to $10,000. However, the final price will depend on factors like fence style, material choice, and height.
Our cost range is based on the average prices of privacy fence installations collected from our survey across the U.S., so you can get a better estimate of the price range in your area.
Cost by Location
Your fencing budget also varies with the cost of living in your area, which can lead to lower or higher prices for materials and labor. Here are some examples of price ranges for privacy fence installation for a sample of major metros and rural cities across the United States:
| City | Average Cost Per Linear Foot (Materials and Labor) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $31.40 – $53.30 |
| New York, NY | $34.50 – $61.40 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $29.80 – $49.20 |
| Orlando, FL | $30.10 – $50 |
| Atlanta, GA | $30.20 – $50.20 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $31.80 – $54.50 |
| Chicago, IL | $32.90 – $57.40 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Salem, OR | $31 – $52.30 |
| Seattle, WA | $33.30 – $58.40 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $30.10 – $49.80 |
| Roswell, NM | $30.20 – $50.20 |
| Fresno, CA | $32.10 – $55.30 |
These prices are for 6-foot-tall privacy fences installed on relatively level and easy-to-dig terrains.
Cost by Fence Size
Most professional fence installers will price your project based on how many linear feet of privacy fencing your yard needs. That means size is probably the biggest influence on the price of your fence.
Different materials, fence heights, and styles have their own price points, but in general, you can expect to pay about $31.50 to $53.50 per linear foot for a privacy fence (as opposed to a picket fence, split-rail fence, or ornamental fence that doesn’t provide as much coverage).
Use the table below to estimate the cost of your project:
| Fence Size in Linear Feet | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| 100 | $3,150 – $5,350 |
| 150 | $4,725 – $8,025 |
| 200 | $6,300 – $10,700 |
| 250 | $7,875 – $13,375 |
| 350 | $11,025 – $18,725 |
Cost by Fencing Material
One of the most common materials for privacy fences is vinyl, but it is not one of the most affordable. Chain link, though not the most common, is the most affordable type, but for privacy, you’ll need to consider the cost of adding privacy slats.
Here’s how the price varies with the material you choose:
| Privacy Fence Material | Cost Per Linear Foot(With materials and installation) |
| Chain Link | $12 – $39 |
| Bamboo | $14 – $22 |
| Wood | $16 – $39 |
| Vinyl | $27 – $50 |
| Composite | $31 – $59 |
| Aluminum | $52 – $90 |
- Chain link is a durable and long-lasting option, especially when galvanized to prevent rust. However, it does not provide privacy on its own unless you add privacy slats or fabric inserts, which will increase the overall cost.
- Bamboo is an affordable option, which comes in solid rolls or panels. It is also an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option that doesn’t require sealing. However, it’s less durable than other materials.
- Wood is a classic and versatile choice that can be built in various styles, painted, or stained to match your aesthetic. Costs vary based on the type of wood and its grade.
- Vinyl is probably the best for privacy since it comes in solid, durable panels without any gaps. It’s also easy to clean and low-maintenance but lacks airflow, which can make it prone to cracking in high winds.
- Composite is a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood that resists rot, warping, and pests. This type of privacy fence is made of recycled plastic and wood fibers. While more expensive upfront, it is cost-effective in the long run.
- Aluminum is the most expensive and least common privacy fence option on our list, but it provides a sleek, modern look and is highly durable, requiring minimal maintenance.
Professional Installation Cost vs. DIY Cost
If you want to save a little money (about 20% to 30% in labor costs) by installing your privacy fence DIY, you can expect to spend at least a few days on the project. You should consider asking a friend to help because an extra pair of hands can make the job easier and may even be necessary for some steps.
Ultimately, hiring a professional to install your fence ensures the project runs smoothly without hiccups, so if you’re not experienced, give them a call.
Cost by Fence Height
Standard privacy fences usually stand 6 feet tall. However, an 8-foot privacy fence is also an option in some places. Check your local building codes and HOA regulations to determine if you can have an 8-foot fence in your neighborhood.
If you decide to go the taller route, it will cost you about 10% to 15% more than the 6-foot alternative.
| Fence height | Cost per linear foot (includes materials and installation, without gates) |
| 6 feet | $19 to $48 |
| 8 feet | $33 to $73 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Cost of Gates
The cost of a privacy fence gate, which depends on its height and how decorative it is, could add anywhere from $138 to $3,150 to your overall costs. The high end costs refer to gates with automatic sensors. That’s the price per gate for your privacy fence, so double or triple the price if you need more than one gate.
Cost to Install on Sloped Land
The level of the land around your fence can affect the price, too, not just the fence itself.
If your backyard has an incline, the contractor may have to re-grade the land before installing anything. The exact price of land grading depends on your property’s terrain, of course, but you can expect it to add $500 to $3,165 to the cost of your fencing project.
Cost of Fencing Permits
Permits can add anywhere from $24 to $167 to your total project cost, so don’t let a large permit fee surprise you. Check if you need a permit and how much it will cost you early in your budget planning for your privacy fence.
Whether or not you need a permit to build a privacy fence depends on where you live and how tall the fence is. A 6-foot fence might not require one, but an 8-foot fence typically needs a permit, and some HOAs might not allow a fence this tall.
If you’re hiring a contractor, he or she can probably handle all the necessary permits for you, and all you’ll have to do is pay. If you are not having your privacy fence installed by a pro, check your local municipality’s building regulations to ensure you acquire the permits you need before you start building it.
Cost of Fence Line Survey
Depending on property size and terrain, a fence line survey costs between $200 and $1,200. A fence line survey marks the property boundaries and prevents legal hassles that might arise from accidentally installing the fence on your neighbor’s land.
Cost of Fence Removal
If you want a new privacy fence to replace a run-down one, expect to pay $4.50 to $9 per linear foot of fence to remove the old posts and panels. Your contractor can help you there, too, since most fence installers offer to tear down the existing fence and haul it away.
Just as they usually charge for fence installation by the linear foot, your contractor will charge for removal based on how many linear feet of fence they must dig up.
The type of fence you need to remove can also affect the cost since some may be more difficult to remove than others.
FAQ About Privacy Fences
The cheapest privacy fence is bamboo rolls or panels. There are cheaper fence materials, such as hog wire and chain-link, but they’re see-through and, therefore, don’t make good privacy fences. You’ll end up paying more to add privacy slats to these fences.
Vertical wood fences are cheaper than horizontal ones and tend to be more durable and long-lasting.
Both are viable options. Nails are usually cheaper, but screws tend to last longer and are easier to remove in case you need to make repairs at some point.
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