How Much Does an Electric Fence Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
An electric fence costs an average of $1,337, but prices commonly range from $1,027 to $1,647, depending on the fence’s size, labor prices, and permits.
On average, an electric fence costs between $1,027 and $1,647 with an average cost of $1,337, including labor and materials.
The total length of your electric fence is the biggest determining cost factor at $2 to $6 per linear foot.
Other electric fence cost factors include fence type, labor, permits, landscaping repairs, and ongoing maintenance.
Set aside funds for prep work—like clearing brush or leveling tricky terrain—when you build out your total project budget.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing an electric fence costs $1,337 on average. While a simple, low-end electric fence can cost as little as $425, a high-end fence covering a wider area can cost up to $2,050. Important cost factors include the fence's length, how many strands of wire it uses, and the complexity of the fence installation.
Electric Fence Cost per Linear Foot
The average cost to fence a yard with electric fencing, including labor and materials, is $2 to $6 per linear foot.
| Electric Fence Size (Linear Feet) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 200 | $400–$1,200 |
| 300 | $600–$1,800 |
| 400 | $800–$2,400 |
| 500 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$6,000 |
Electric Fence Cost per Acre
If you have a larger yard or a farm, you’ll pay by acreage. The acreage of a yard determines its perimeter and the linear length and width of the fence. A 1-acre square invisible electric fence that requires 830 feet of fencing costs an average of $1,000 for a standard installation with mid-grade wire.
Surrounding more acreage costs more in total, but it costs less per acre.
| Acres | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 2 | $2,000–$10,000 |
| 3 | $3,000–$15,000 |
| 4 | $4,000–$20,000 |
Cost by Type
Not all types of electric fences cost the same. An invisible electric fence is more affordable than an aboveground electric fence. The cost of electric fences also depends on how they are powered. Here are the costs associated with the various types of electric fences.
| Fence Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Invisible | $2–$6 per linear foot |
| Aboveground | $1,900–$3,000 |
Invisible Electric Fence
An invisible electric fence keeps livestock inside a set boundary by sending a mild shock through a collar when they cross the buried wire. It won’t keep wildlife out, so use it only for containment.
This type of electric fence is less expensive than a traditional wooden or chain-link fence. Expect to pay $2 to $6 per linear foot, or $1,000 to $5,000 per acre, to install an underground, invisible electric fence. A local electric fence pro will charge between $800 and $2,400 for an average fence that’s 400 linear feet long.
| Invisible Fence Length (Linear Feet) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 200 | $400–$1,200 |
| 300 | $600–$1,800 |
| 400 | $800–$2,400 |
| 500 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$6,000 |
Aboveground Electric Fence
Expect to pay between $1,900 and $3,000 for an aboveground electric fence for livestock. As with any other type of fence, the total cost is determined by the size of the fenced area and the choice of materials. The more strands in the fencing and the higher the quality of the wire, the higher the fence cost.
Labor Cost for Fencing Pros
Most local fence companies base their installation fees on the length of the fence. Expect to pay between $0.12 and $0.20 per linear foot for labor alone, depending on the terrain and the number of wires in the fence.
Additional Costs
Your costs can also change based on permit needs, accessibility, prep work, landscaping, and more.
Permits
Municipalities have different regulations regarding the installation of electric fences. While some require the property owners to obtain a permit, others don’t. If you need one, getting a permit costs an average of $50 to $200.
Most cities do not allow homeowners to install an electric fence in a residential area. Electric fences are often only permitted in rural areas to enclose livestock or keep wild animals out.
Accessibility
Steep slopes or rocky ground slow crews down and increase costs since moving posts, wire, and tools requires extra time.
Prep Work
Before installing the electric fence, the fence line needs to be cleared of any brush or trees. Additional clearing could be required to allow the equipment necessary for the installation to access the fence line. The cost to remove trees and shrubs can range from $50 to $2,000 per plant, depending on the job size.
Number and Type of Strands
In addition to the total length, the cost of an electric fence also depends on the number and type of strands of wire the fence has. Electric fences have between one and 11 wire strands, ranging from thin wire to high-tensile steel.
Three wires of electric fencing are suitable for most livestock, including cattle, horses, and hogs. The spacing and height of the wires will depend on the type of animal. If you want to create a taller fence with narrower gaps that can keep out wild predators or deer, you will need more wires, which will increase your overall electric fence cost.
Other factors that can impact the cost of an electric fence include the distance between the posts and whether the fence is temporary or permanent. These can all directly affect the total cost of materials.
Landscaping Repairs
Sometimes, basic prep work is not enough to ready an area for an electric fence installation. You must repair deep ruts, uneven terrain, and other severe damage before the fence can be installed. You can consider updating the area around the fence installation site for aesthetic purposes, too. In that case, landscape installation costs anywhere from $1,250 to $6,300, depending on the scope of the project and the type of landscaping you prefer.
Ongoing Maintenance
Build a yearly line item for upkeep—replacement insulators, charger batteries, and regular vegetation trimming all add to your overall cost.
Check for and replace worn insulators and battery-powered chargers, as applicable. Regular maintenance of overgrowth and vegetation around the fence line helps prevent future problems, as does periodic electrical conductivity testing.
In most cases, fence repairs cost between $300 and $940. Depending on the cost of repairs, consider replacing sections of the electric fence rather than repairing them.
Does Installing an Electric Fence Increase Home Value?
You could notice a modest increase in resale value, especially in rural areas where buyers want built-in protection against predators or a convenient way to corral livestock. Electric fences can offer a moderate return on investment, with potential value added varying by location and property type.
Homes in rural areas with known wildlife problems appeal more to potential buyers if a professionally installed electric fence is already in place to deter predators and deer from invading the property. Electric fences also appeal to livestock owners who want to contain their cattle, pigs, or other animals.
Budgeting for Installing an Electric Fence
To help you maximize your budget and minimize costs, consider these money-saving tips when hiring a professional to install an electric fence on your property:
Get at least three detailed estimates from different electric fence contractors to compare pricing and services.
Schedule installation during the fence contractor's off-peak seasons, late fall or winter, to potentially receive discounts.
Combine the electric fence installation with other landscaping or property improvement projects to negotiate a package rate.
Take care of some initial site preparation, like clearing vegetation, to reduce labor costs.
Opt for mid-range materials that balance durability and affordability, avoiding both the cheapest and most expensive options.
Explore various electric fence designs, including the number and type of strands, to determine the most cost-effective solution for your specific needs.
Utilize existing fence posts if possible to reduce new construction costs.
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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Electric fences need a constant power source, can injure people or animals if installed incorrectly, and require consistent training. Some animals, such as sheep and goats, take more coaching than cattle. Severe weather or outages can also knock the system offline, so keep a backup plan ready for containing your animals.
An electric fence lasts 20 years or more. Livestock learn to avoid the shock quickly, but harsh weather, predator activity, and falling behind on maintenance can all shorten that lifespan. Inspect the posts, wires, and chargers regularly and promptly address any necessary repairs to keep your fence in optimal condition.
Yes—if you need a quick, budget-friendly barrier, an electric fence is often worth the investment. Electric fences use fewer materials than wood or chain link, go up faster, and are easy to expand. Just remember: the system depends on steady power and regular checks, so factor those ongoing costs into your decision.
Electric fences require power to operate and depend on a constant electrical supply for proper function. They are powered by either a battery or an electrical outlet. A stable power source is essential because weather extremes or outages can interrupt the operation of the fence, making regular testing and maintenance vital to ensure continuous containment.
Electric fences use a defined amount of power, drawing between four and 25 watts from a standard electrical source. This low power consumption makes the system extremely energy efficient, with operating costs remaining below $5 per month for an average-sized yard. The efficient usage ensures that the fence delivers a reliable shock without imposing high energy expenses.
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