The average cost of a home security system is now $366 in the US. This is for a minimally viable system, including the first month of monitoring ($20-50 per month). However, if you’re just looking for a self-monitored camera system that you set up, it will definitely cost less than this, especially over time. The cost of technology (cameras, sensors etc) doesn’t vary too much by state but installation costs differ among companies and types of systems and state taxes (or lack thereof) could add 5-10% to the cost of hardware.
We’ve looked at the advertised rates for the top 10 home security solutions in the US (see below). Here’s about how much a home security system will cost you these days
Compare current prices* for top 10 home security systems:
Security Provider |
Lowest Price |
Full Features |
Monitoring Cost |
Current Deals |
SimpliSafe |
$199 |
$400 |
$18 |
|
Ring |
$99 |
$500 |
$20 |
|
Vivint |
$600 |
$1,000 |
$29.99 (required) |
|
Frontpoint |
$129 |
$479 |
$44.95 (required) |
|
Abode |
$299 |
$349 |
$20 |
|
ADT |
$900 |
$1,200 |
$49.99 (required) |
|
Brinks |
$199 |
$1,099 |
$39 |
|
Cove |
$250 |
$500 |
$15 |
|
Xfinity Home |
$360 |
$600 |
$30 |
|
Link Interactive |
$350 |
$600 |
$31 |
* see provider’s website for most current pricing and deals as they change regularly.
What is the average cost of a home security system in the US?
There are several kinds of home security systems for you to choose from with differing costs. Prices vary based on what you need and our pages can help you determine that. Above are the advertised rates for the top 10 home security providers in the United States. Keep in mind that low prices can mean fewer features and protections for your home. While higher prices on a home security system don’t always mean you’ll have a safer home, sometimes you get what you pay for. Hopefully our vast trove of data and resources here at CrimeGrade.org can help you make a decision that’s best for your situation.
What factors affect the cost of home security?
There are a number of components that go into the cost of a home security system, ranging from the initial set up to monthly or annual servicing fees and the costs to maintain hardware. Some of these can be mitigated by installing systems yourself or by using self-monitoring cameras, but if you are using a company-based security system, be prepared to fork over money from the get-go.
Some factors affecting the cost of a home security system are:
- Installation – installation costs can range from virtually $0 to over $1500, depending on the size and complexity of the system and the layout of your home. If installation involves altering the structure, such as a wired system that requires cutting into walls and ceilings, costs will be higher. Some companies will send all the materials to you and have you set up your own system. A basic professional system installation averages about $300.
- Equipment costs – a basic set up includes a central control panel, window and door sensors, motion detectors and a siren. Some companies may throw these in for free for using their monitoring services, but often charge more per month to cover the costs. Also, many companies offer a lower "starter kit" to entice new customers, but be aware that some of these kits often don’t have enough devices to cover your whole home and you will have to buy more to compensate. This can add up really fast. Add-ons such as cameras, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and glass break sensors will also increase your price substantially. It’s important to get a complete estimate of your security needs and an itemized list of what you need to buy before committing to a company. The basic equipment set up averages approximately $600.
- Monitored vs self-monitoring – While some systems are sensors connected to an alarm that is self-monitored, many are supervised by professional companies that keep an eye on your house at all hours. This can cost you an additional $15 to $65+ a month, depending on the services and the type of monitoring you employ.
- Fees, Taxes & Contracts – State taxes for hardware, activation fees, cancellation of contract fees, and maintenance costs all add up in determining and budgeting for a security system.
How much do security cameras cost on their own?
If a monthly monitored plan feels like overkill for your needs, you can buy security cameras on their own and set them up yourself. Ring has packages with property and doorbell cameras that allow you to view what is happening in real-time around your premises without signing a contract with the company. Other camera setups may have cloud storage options that will store video for a short time.
Companies like Comcast and Frontpoint aren’t the best choices for just hardware on its own. You’ll more than likely head to Best Buy, Amazon or some other retailer to shop for that equipment by itself, which should give you a lot of choices on the matter.
Security cameras on their own can range from $20 to more than $400, but on average you can expect to pay about $100 for indoor cameras and $200 for outdoor cameras.
How can I save money on a home security system? Any cheap options?
When it comes to the safety of your family, you know that no cost is too high. However, there are a few ways to save money on a home security system. The first is to count the number of entry points to your home, like doors and windows, instead of relying on just the size of your house. These are the most important parts of the home to secure and there is no need to overpay because of a large square footage.
Secondly, the chances of a burglar scaling the side of your home to enter through an upstairs window is slim, so skip the second level unless you have something that will aid in their ascent, like a covered patio.
Lastly, see if there are any prepay, senior, first responder, or military discounts available through your chosen company. Some companies will offer up to 5% if you pay for an entire year of monitoring upfront. Oftentimes these discounts are not advertised heavily so it’s always good to ask.
Self-monitoring systems are a possible solution for those who are budget-conscious. For just the cost of the equipment, often found at national retailers like Best Buy or on Amazon, you can set up a camera system that will help deter intruders.
There are a lot of companies out there that will promise to keep you and your household safe. It’s important to sit down and assess your needs before committing to any one of them. Knowing how many of each item you will need to make your home as secure as you need it to be, how much installation and other upfront costs are, and the length of the contract you are signing will help keep you from overpaying for your system.