Procuring a home security system is a big decision. Not only do you have to worry about the upfront cost of purchasing and installing the system, but you also have to factor in the monthly or annual fees associated with monitoring services.
So, how much does home security cost? Read on to find out.
Average Cost of a Home Security System
A home security system’s cost can be broken down into three main categories:
1. Equipment Costs
The equipment cost is the upfront cost of purchasing and installing the system. This can range anywhere from $100-$2000, depending on the type of system you choose.
For example, a basic security system with just a few sensors and a control panel will be on the lower end of the spectrum, while a more comprehensive system with multiple cameras, motion detectors, and environmental sensors will be on the higher end. The average home security system cost ranges from $199 to $399.
2. Monitoring Fees
Many home security systems require a monthly or annual monitoring fee to keep the system operational.
This fee typically ranges from $20-$60 per month, depending on the features of the system and the provider.
A basic security system with 24/7 monitoring with no additional features will typically cost around $20-$30 per month.
For a system that includes additional features like home automation, professional installation, and cellular backup, the cost can be closer to $40-$60 per month.
3. Plan Level
The monitoring price also gets affected by the level of plan you choose. As mentioned above, the most basic plan may cost you $20-$60 monthly.
If you choose a more elaborate monitoring plan, such as monitoring water leaks, smoke, carbon dioxide, fire alarms, etc., then obviously, the price you will pay will be more.
4. Installation Costs
Installation costs can vary depending on the system’s complexity and whether or not you choose to have a professional do it for you.
For a basic system, you can expect to pay around $100-$200 for installation.
For a more complex system, or if you opt for professional installation, the cost can be closer to $500.
You can even choose to install the system yourself, although this is not recommended unless you are experienced with electrical wiring and installation.
5. Activation Costs
If you have opted for a monitored system, then you might have to pay the activation cost to connect your home to the monitoring system.
The activation fee ranges from $200 to $300, depending on your chosen brand.
Note that many companies often advertise “Zero activation cost,” but there is no such thing as zero activation cost.
These companies often add this fee to your monthly bill or monitoring charges, and without realizing you often end up paying more in the long run.
6. Maintenance
Security systems do go unnoticed when it comes to maintenance costs.
Because most wireless home security systems run on batteries, you will need to purchase new batteries for all your devices sooner or later.
Wired systems incur less maintenance, but wireless systems incur ongoing expenses and require more commitment from your side.
The only major expenses in terms of maintenance can occur when one or more devices break down.
In most cases, the companies cover such costs for the whole term or for a few years. Make sure you take a hard look at your contract to know more.
7. Smart Home Automation
If you already own a few smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa or Amazon eco, etc., you can consider opting for smart home automation with your home security plan.
You can find high-end packages that offer door locks, smart lighting, temperature control features, etc.
Some companies also offer these as add-ons which require you to pay for only the features you need. On average, you will have to spend $30-$300 for the number of items you add.
8. Wired Vs. Wireless Home Security System
The cost of home security varies greatly for wired and wireless home security systems.
The latter is usually more expensive. Many companies, such as Brinks, ADT, etc., offers wired home security system.
These are great for areas that have poor cellular networks and people who are scared of hackers. The average cost of a wired home security system is $800-$1600.
If you are looking for a modern and smart option that can be controlled via your smartphone, then a wireless home security system is a great choice.
These are often more expensive than a wired system. On average, you can expect to spend $200-$2000 depending on your choice of company, features you opt for, etc.
Additional Costs
Apart from the obvious, here are some additional costs that you may incur while purchasing a home security system:
1. Drywall Repair
The drywall Repair cost is often overlooked by homeowners. So if you are opting for a wired home security system, then you should know that you will incur drywall repair and drilling costs. Etc.
You might have to pay anywhere between $75-$350 for drywall repair. Not to mention, you might also have to spend on paint to fix the decor.
2. Permits
False security alarms can cause an unnecessary ruckus in your neighborhood. So many communities now require you to have the necessary permit if you opt to install a home security system.
So you will incur additional costs to obtain the necessary license or permit from your local authority. And this price may vary depending on where you live.
3. Emergency Response Plan
Within the professional monitoring plan, you can also opt for additional customization for a fee.
For example, you can ask the monitoring team to call or send a text in case the fire alarm or water leak alarm goes on, and so on.
You can essentially tell which course of action to take when a certain thing happens. You can expect to pay $30-$300 extra for opting for an emergency response plan.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Home Security Systems
So these are the factors that can affect the cost of home security:
1. Type of System
Many home security systems are available in the market, from simple alarm systems to more complex home automation systems.
Also, the type of system you choose directly affects the cost.
2. Number of Sensors
The more sensors you have, the higher the cost will be.
A basic system might only include a few door and window sensors, while a more comprehensive system could include multiple cameras, motion detectors, and environmental sensors.
Home Security Companies Comparison
| Home Security Company | Base Price | Monthly Fees | Contract | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivint | $599.99 | $29.99 and Up | 60 Month Contract | Professional |
| Cove | $249.00 and Up | $17.99 and Up | No Contract | DIY, Professional |
| SimpliSafe | $244.96 and Up | $0.00 to $27.99 | No Contract | DIY, Professional |
| Frontpoint | $392.40 and Up | $49.88 | No Contract | DIY |
Final Thoughts
A home security system can be a precious investment, but it’s important to consider all the costs before deciding.
The average cost of a home security system ranges from $199 to $399, plus an additional $20-$60 per month for monitoring fees.
Make sure to consider the equipment cost, monitoring fees, and installation costs when determining how much you’ll need to budget for your home security system.
FAQ’s
How much does professional installation cost?
You can expect to pay $280 to $1,150 for getting your home security system professionally installed.
Which home security systems does not charge monthly fees?
SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode, etc., are some home security companies that do not charge monthly fees.
Which is better DIY or a Professional home security system?
That depends on you. Professional installation costs more, so if you are on a tight budget, then go for a DIY home security system. If you want to opt for professional monitoring and are willing to pay a monthly monitoring price, then go for a professional home security system.
Shefali Jain is a Content Editor & Writer at National Planning Cycles.
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes.