Chain Link Fence Cost: Prices per Foot, by Height and Type
POSTED November 9, 2026
A new chain link fence usually costs about $8 to $40 per linear foot installed, and most homeowners land somewhere around $10 to $20 per foot. For a typical backyard, that works out to roughly $1,300 to $3,600 all in. Below are the published ranges, what pushes your price up or down, and what to expect in Central Florida.
Prices in this guide are national ranges published by the cost sites named in each section, not Complete Custom Fence quotes. They were checked in November 2026.
Chain Link Fence Cost per Foot
Here is what the major cost sites report for an installed chain link fence:
| Source | Price per linear foot | Average or typical total |
|---|---|---|
| HomeGuide | $9 to $30 | $2,600 average for a 4 ft fence, 50 to 200 ft long |
| HomeAdvisor | $8 to $40 (most pay $10 to $20) | $2,391 average, most between $1,297 and $3,561 |
About half of that is labor. HomeGuide puts labor at $5 to $15 per foot, with materials making up the rest.
Cost by Fence Length
HomeGuide breaks it down by total length, across all heights:
| Fence length | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| 100 feet | $900 to $3,000 |
| 150 feet | $1,350 to $4,500 |
| 200 feet | $1,800 to $6,000 |
To ballpark your own yard, measure the fence line and multiply by the per-foot range. If you are not sure where your property line is, our guide on measuring property lines for a fence walks through it.
Cost by Height
Taller fences need more wire, longer posts and more labor. Per foot, installed:
| Height | HomeGuide | HomeAdvisor |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | $9 to $26 | $8 to $20 |
| 5 ft | $10 to $27 | $9 to $22 |
| 6 ft | $10 to $28 | $10 to $29 |
| 8 ft | $12 to $30 | $12 to $34 |
Four feet is the most common height for backyards and pets. Six feet is more typical for security or commercial lots.
Galvanized vs. Black Vinyl-Coated Chain Link
Plain galvanized steel is the cheapest option. Black vinyl-coated chain link costs more but blends into landscaping and looks much cleaner, which is why many HOAs prefer it.
- Galvanized: $9 to $30 per foot (HomeGuide)
- Black or vinyl-coated: $10 to $32 per foot (HomeGuide). HomeAdvisor puts the average for black vinyl-coated at $23 per foot and says coated chain link generally runs 25 to 50 percent more than galvanized.
Gates, Privacy Slats and Other Add-Ons
- Walk gate: $60 to $270 installed for a single swing gate (HomeGuide), or $110 to $415 for black chain link (HomeAdvisor)
- Double drive gate: $150 to $470 installed (HomeGuide), or $185 to $775 for black chain link (HomeAdvisor)
- Privacy slats: $5 to $18 per foot installed (HomeGuide)
- Removing an old fence: $3 to $7 per foot (HomeGuide)
Need a gate wide enough for a boat or trailer? See our gate installation page.
What Changes the Price in Central Florida
Pool barriers
If the fence encloses a pool, Florida Statute 515.29 applies. The barrier has to be at least 4 feet high from the outside, and gates must swing outward, away from the pool, and close and latch on their own. Chain link can work, but the mesh size and gate hardware have to meet the rules, which can add cost.
Permits and HOAs
Permit rules depend on where you live. According to Angi, the City of Orlando does not require a permit for a single-family fence 6 feet or shorter unless it encloses a pool, sits on a corner lot or has a powered gate, while unincorporated Orange County requires one for most installs. Always confirm with your city or county, and check your HOA’s fence rules before you buy anything. Many HOAs in the area allow only black coated chain link, or none at all.
Lot size and slope
Long runs bring the per-foot price down. Slopes, tree roots and tight access bring it up, since crews have to step or rack the fence to follow the ground.
Chain Link vs. Other Fence Types
Chain link is the least expensive fence you can install. For comparison, HomeGuide lists wood at $20 to $50 per foot, vinyl at $30 to $60 and aluminum at $25 to $75. If you want privacy, chain link with slats is the budget route, but a vinyl or wood privacy fence looks better. Our privacy fence cost guide compares those prices.
Chain link also lasts. HomeGuide estimates 15 to 20 years. For a material-by-material comparison, see what fence lasts the longest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 100 feet of chain link fence cost?
About $900 to $3,000 installed, according to HomeGuide. Height, coating and gates move it within that range.
Is black chain link worth the extra cost?
For most homes, yes. It is less noticeable, holds up better and is more likely to get HOA approval. Expect to pay roughly 25 to 50 percent more than galvanized.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Galvanized chain link is usually the cheapest installed fence per foot.
Can chain link be used around a pool in Florida?
It can, as long as it meets the pool barrier rules in Florida Statute 515.29, including at least 4 feet of height and self-closing, self-latching gates.
Get a Real Price for Your Yard
National averages are a starting point, but your price comes down to your fence line, your material and your lot. Complete Custom Fence has installed fences across Lake, Orange and Seminole counties since 2007, and every project starts with a free estimate. Request yours here, or browse our fence installation services first.
Learn more about our chain link fence installation.
Luke Payne is the founder and president of Complete Custom Fence, a family-owned fencing company based in Groveland, Florida. With 20+ years of experience in the fencing industry, Luke has led his team in designing and installing custom fence systems tailored to the unique landscapes of Central Florida. Under his leadership, Complete Custom Fence has completed over 2,500 projects, offering services in aluminum, vinyl, wood, and chain link fencing for both residential and commercial clients.
Luke’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has earned the company an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and a reputation for excellence in the community. He continues to oversee operations, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of professionalism and durability.
