Chain-link fence cost in Duluth, MN
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (150 linear ft)
- $1,600 – $6,750
- Per linear ft
- $10.50 – $44.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +9%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #54
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a chain-link fence in the Duluth area: $1,600 to $6,750 for 150 linear ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 9% higher than the US figure. Construction laborers earn a median of $29.49 an hour in the Duluth area, 30% above the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 150 linear ft in Duluth, MN, standard level
$3,150 to $5,200
About $20.50 to $34 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 66% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,550 |
| Labor | $1,950 | $3,550 |
| Permits and fees | $65 | $100 |
| Total | $3,150 | $5,200 |
Cost breakdown for 150 linear ft in Duluth, MN
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $860 | $1,350 | $1,850 | 32% |
| Labor | $710 | $2,750 | $4,800 | 66% |
| Permits and fees | $35 | $85 | $130 | 2% |
| Total | $1,600 | $4,200 | $6,750 | 100% |
What is behind the Duluth number
Labor is 66% of the midpoint bill here, against 60% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is construction laborers (60%), carpenters (40%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Duluth the blended ratio comes out at 1.18.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Duluth is at 95.3 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $1,450 nationally becomes $1,350 here (midpoint, 150 linear ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 88.8: $35 to $130.
Planning more than one job in Duluth?
Jobs that often go together with chain-link fence are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Duluth wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, gravel driveway comes out highest (+11%) and vinyl fence lowest (level); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood fence | 150 linear ft | $3,150 – $7,800 | +2% |
| Vinyl fence | 150 linear ft | $4,450 – $9,150 | level |
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $4,000 – $11,800 | +4% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,800 – $11,300 | +11% |
The best months for chain-link fence in Duluth
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Duluth (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For exterior installation, the comfortable months in Duluth are April through October: 7 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, November and December have an average daytime high under 45°F.
In January, February, March, November and December the average high stays below 45°F. Sealants, adhesives and some materials, such as vinyl, are harder to install well in the cold, and short daylight cuts the working day.
Duluth gets about 31 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 90 inches of snow. The wettest months are June, July and August (4.4 inches in June). Inside the workable window, April and October are the driest, at 2.5 and 2.9 inches. The station averages about 2 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20 | 2 | 0.9 | Cold |
| Feb | 25 | 6 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 36 | 18 | 1.5 | Cold |
| Apr | 49 | 30 | 2.5 | Workable |
| May | 63 | 41 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 72 | 50 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Jul | 78 | 56 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 76 | 55 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 67 | 47 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 53 | 36 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 37 | 23 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 25 | 10 | 1.5 | Cold |
Pick a size, pick a tier: chain-link fence pricing in Duluth
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Duluth. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from backyard (100 linear ft) to full lot (300 linear ft).
Basic
$1,600 to $3,650
4-ft galvanized, front yard
Standard
$3,150 to $5,200
6-ft galvanized backyard fence
Premium
$4,700 to $6,750
Vinyl-coated, 8 ft, extra gates
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| backyard (100 linear ft) | $1,100 – $2,450 | $2,100 – $3,500 | $3,150 – $4,550 |
| 150 ft (150 linear ft) | $1,600 – $3,650 | $3,150 – $5,200 | $4,700 – $6,750 |
| 200 ft (200 linear ft) | $2,100 – $4,850 | $4,200 – $6,950 | $6,250 – $9,000 |
| full lot (300 linear ft) | $3,150 – $7,250 | $6,250 – $10,300 | $9,300 – $13,400 |
Is Duluth cheap or dear? The local comparison
Same job, same size (150 linear ft), priced for the nearest metros. Minneapolis is the priciest of the group at $4,550. Wausau is the cheapest at $3,750.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MNthis page | $1,600 – $6,750 | $4,200 | |
| St. Cloud, MN155 miles | $1,600 – $6,600 | $4,100 | −2% |
| Minneapolis, MN160 miles | $1,750 – $7,350 | $4,550 | +8% |
| Eau Claire, WI175 miles | $1,550 – $6,550 | $4,050 | −3% |
| Wausau, WI210 miles | $1,500 – $6,000 | $3,750 | −10% |
| Fargo, ND215 miles | $1,500 – $6,100 | $3,800 | −9% |
| Minnesota (statewide) | $1,650 – $6,950 | $4,300 | +3% |
| United States | $1,550 – $6,150 | $3,850 | −8% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Duluth ranks #54 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Duluth is 3% below the Minnesota figure.
Elsewhere in Minnesota
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN | 1,951,650 jobs | $1,750 – $7,350 | $4,550 | +8% |
| Rochester, MN | 122,980 jobs | $1,600 – $6,750 | $4,200 | level |
| St. Cloud, MN | 103,920 jobs | $1,600 – $6,600 | $4,100 | −2% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Duluth against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crestview, FL | 125,050 jobs | $1,450 – $5,650 | $3,550 | −15% |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $1,600 – $6,700 | $4,150 | −1% |
| Norwich, CT | 126,450 jobs | $1,550 – $6,450 | $4,000 | −4% |
| Amarillo, TX | 123,930 jobs | $1,350 – $5,200 | $3,300 | −22% |
Optional extras in Duluth
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 1.07 for Duluth, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.18) and goods price index (0.95). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add one gate (flat) | $85 – $1,050 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Duluth bid
Height
A 4-ft fence runs $10-$20 per linear foot; 6- to 8-ft backyard fences run $15-$40+ (HomeGuide).
Coating
Black or green vinyl-coated mesh costs more than galvanized.
Gates
Gates are $80-$1,000+ before installation. Rolling or slide gates are the expensive end.
Who does the work: Duluth trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 2 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Duluth the blend is 1.18.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 60%) the local median is $29.49 an hour, which is 30% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $23.29 and $37.00 an hour. BLS counts 1,390 of them working in the area, 111.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Carpenters (47-2031), 40% of the weighting: a median of $29.10 an hour, in line with the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.05 and $36.50 an hour. About 620 work in the metro. That is 49.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (construction laborers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $460 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $380. That is a swing of roughly 9.1% to 11.0% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Duluth has 124,710 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 173rd by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 60% | $23.29 | $29.49 | $37.00 | $22.66 | 1.30 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 40% | $23.05 | $29.10 | $36.50 | $29.12 | 1.00 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.18 | |||||
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $3,150 to $5,200 for Duluth, MN is attached.
Detailed chain-link fence report for Duluth, MN, $9
The report lays out the chain-link fence numbers for Duluth, MN line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Chain-link fence in Duluth: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a chain-link fence in Duluth?
For 150 linear ft, expect $1,600 to $6,750 in the Duluth area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,150 to $5,200. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for chain-link fence in Duluth?
About $10.50 to $44.50 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $35 to $130 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $10 to $40.
+Is chain-link fence cheaper in Duluth or St. Cloud?
St. Cloud is 155 miles away. The midpoint for 150 linear ft there is $4,100, which is 2% less than Duluth ($4,200). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Duluth?
About 66% at the midpoint, or $2,750 out of $4,200. Materials are 32% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 60%.
+What would 200 ft (200 linear ft) cost in Duluth?
$2,100 to $9,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does chain-link fence need a permit in Duluth?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $35 to $130 for fees in the Duluth area (our national range of $40 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Duluth expensive for chain-link fence compared with the rest of Minnesota?
Duluth is 3% below the Minnesota statewide estimate ($4,300 at the midpoint). We cover 4 metros in Minnesota; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Duluth?
The BLS median is $29.49 an hour in the Duluth area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.29 to $37.00.
+What do basic and premium chain-link fence work cost in Duluth?
For 150 linear ft, basic work runs $1,600 to $3,650 and premium work $4,700 to $6,750. Basic means: 4-ft galvanized, front yard. Premium means: vinyl-coated, 8 ft, extra gates.
+When is the best time to install a chain-link fence in Duluth?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. April and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add one gate" add in Duluth?
$85 to $1,050, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Chain-link fence near Duluth
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Chain-Link Fence Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Visual Fence Pro: Chain Link Fence Cost & Pricing Guide for Contractors (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = Visual Fence Pro's $6-$13 per foot for residential galvanized 4-6 ft fence (taller or vinyl-coated fence costs more).