Average Cost Range
$200 – $1,500
National Average
$600
Home security system installation costs between $200 and $1,500 for equipment and setup, with the national average around $600. Monthly monitoring fees range from $10 to $60 per month depending on the provider and level of service. DIY systems cost less upfront, while professionally installed systems offer more comprehensive coverage.
Cost Breakdown
| Item / Type | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Security System | $100 | $500 | $250 |
| Professional Installation | $500 | $1,500 | $800 |
| Security Cameras (4-pack) | $200 | $1,000 | $500 |
| Video Doorbell | $100 | $350 | $200 |
| Smart Lock System | $150 | $400 | $250 |
| Motion Sensors (per unit) | $20 | $75 | $40 |
| Monthly Monitoring (basic) | $10 | $30 | $20 per month |
| Monthly Monitoring (premium) | $30 | $60 | $45 per month |
Labor Costs
Professional installation typically costs $100–$300 for a basic system and $300–$600 for a comprehensive setup. Many security companies offer free installation with a monitoring contract commitment.
Factors That Affect Home Security Cost
System Type
DIY systems like Ring and SimpliSafe are the most affordable, while professionally installed systems from ADT or Vivint cost more but offer more comprehensive coverage and support.
Number of Components
A basic system with a hub, keypad, and a few sensors costs less than a full setup with cameras, smart locks, smoke detectors, and flood sensors. Each additional component adds $20–$200.
Monitoring Level
Self-monitoring is free or low-cost, but professional 24/7 monitoring with police dispatch costs $20–$60 per month. The level of monitoring significantly affects long-term costs.
Home Size
Larger homes require more sensors, cameras, and potentially signal repeaters to ensure full coverage. A 3,000+ sq ft home may need twice as many components as a small apartment.
Contract Length
Some companies require 2–3 year monitoring contracts in exchange for free or discounted equipment. Month-to-month plans offer flexibility but may have higher equipment costs upfront.
Tips To Save Money On Home Security
Start with a DIY System
DIY security systems like Ring, SimpliSafe, and Wyze offer excellent protection at a fraction of the cost of professionally installed systems. Most are easy to install in under an hour.
Ask About Insurance Discounts
Many homeowner's insurance companies offer 5–20% discounts for homes with monitored security systems. This can offset a significant portion of monthly monitoring fees.
Avoid Long-Term Contracts
Choose a provider with month-to-month monitoring to avoid cancellation fees. Companies offering no-contract plans often provide competitive pricing and better customer service.
Bundle Smart Home Features
Many security systems include smart home features like lighting control and thermostat integration. Bundling these features into one system is cheaper than purchasing them separately.