The price of a chain-link fence is influenced by several factors, including the height of the fence, the thickness of the mesh, and the material used. Options for high-quality materials include stainless steel, aluminum, and steel coated in vinyl.

A chain link fence will cost you $12 to $33 per linear foot or an average cost of $23 per linear ft. Most homeowners pay between $1,240 to $5,190 (including professional labor costs), while the average overall cost is $3,210. 

 Below we look at all of the cost factors such as fence height and materials.

What we cover

Cost of the chain link fence

The table below summarizes the average cost to install chain link fences.

National average cost$3,210
Low-end price$1,240
High-end price$5,190

Chain link fence cost per foot

Compared to other fencing types, chain link fence installation is more affordable. A chain link fence will work well for your front and back yard.

Expect to pay between $12 to $33 per linear foot for a chain-link fence installed. This includes fencing material, posts, hardware, and top rails. 

chain link fence price guide

Cost of the chain link fence by finish

Chain link fencing comes in several finishes. The table below refers to a 4 ft. with 9 gauge wire and 2 inches of diamonds.   

Finish typeMaterials per linear footInstalled per linear foot
Stainless Steel$9 - $21$19 - $41
Galvanized$3.15 - $8.50$13.15 – $28.50
Aluminum$9 - $20$19 - $40
Vinyl coated$8.75 - $20.50$18.75 - $40.50
Aluminum coated$5.75 - $12$15.75 - $32

#1 Stainless steel chain link fence cost

Even galvanized chain link fences are, without doubt, the most popular on the market, stainless steel chain link fencing is more durable due to its alkali, temperature, and weather resistance.

For this type expect to pay near $9 to $21 per linear foot for the material only while the cost of an installed chain link fence ranges from $19 to $41 per linear foot.  

#2 Galvanized chain link fence cost

Galvanized chain link fencing will cost you around $3.15 to $8.5 per linear foot for material, and from $13.15 to $28.50 for chain link fence installed.

The positive side of the galvanization process is that allows the fencing to last longer. The biggest drawback of this type of fencing is that scratches can cause rust and break down eventually. 

#3 Aluminum chain link fence cost

With an aluminum chain link fence, you will have to pay from $9 to $20 per linear foot for material and between $19 to $40 per linear foot installed. 

Aluminum is a light and corrosion-resistant material that gives you a more pleasing look compared to galvanized steel. Also, aluminum requires very little maintenance and with its long life, makes up for the initial cost. 

#4 Vinyl coated chain link fence cost

A vinyl chain link fence will make your household budget easier from around $8.75 to $20.50 per linear foot for the material only and between $18.75 to 40.50 per linear foot installed.

The vinyl coating protects the fence from rusting and makes it last longer. Also, with vinyl coating, you have an option to choose the color for your fencing.

Unfortunately, this type of fencing has drawbacks too. The price is one of them and the most notorious is that the vinyl coating will eventually break down or tear off.      

#5 Aluminum coated chain link fence cost

Aluminum coated chain link fence, aka aluminized chain link fence, should cost you nearly $5.75 to $12 per linear foot for material. The fence installed will cost you from $15.75 to $32 per linear foot. 

Aluminum coating over the stainless steel will give extra strength and protection to the fence, and a smooth and bright finish with a corrosion-resistant barrier.    

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Chain link fence cost by height

Chain link fence installation cost varies by height so be sure what height will be the best option for your property. It is very important to mention that many municipalities have a code that dictates the acceptable heights of fences and different requirements for front yard or back yard. So check your local building codes before.

The prices presented in the table below refer to 9 gauge galvanized stainless steel with 2 in. diamond.

HeightMaterials per linear footInstalled per linear foot
3 ft.$2.25 to $3$12.25 to $23
4 ft.$3.15 to $3.50$13.15 to $23.50
5 ft.$3.80 to $4.10$13.80 to $24.10
6 ft.$5.25 to $5.40$15.25 to $25.40
8 ft.$6.25 to $6.55$16.25 to $26.55
10 ft.$7.85 to $8.25$17.85 to $28.25
12 ft.$9.50 to $10$19.50 to $30

Chain link fence cost by length

Besides height, the installation cost of chain link fences also differs by the length of the fence. The table below gives you prices for different fence lengths.

LengthCost range for material onlyCost range (installed)
100 ft. (small front yard)$300 - $700$1,300 - $2,700
200 ft. (small backyard)$600 - $1,400$2,600 - $5,400
300 ft. (medium backyard)$900 - $2,100$3,900 - $8,100
400 ft. (large back yard)$1,200 - $2,800$5,200 - $10,800

Chain link fencing cost per acre

An acre constitutes 43,560 square feet of land and 836 linear feet to fence in it. The table below represents the average costs for a chain link fence around sizes ranging from ¼ acre to 3 acres.