How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?
A standard home security setup, consisting of a control panel, multiple entry sensors, motion detectors, and CCTV cameras, typically costs between $800 and $2,000. Larger homes, which require a more comprehensive system, can expect to spend $2,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the property's size.
The
cost of a home security system
varies widely from one property to another. The final price can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the
equipment, installation,
and
monitoring requirements. How do you decide which security options work best for your home?
To help you choose, let’s break down what you’re paying for when you install home security and alarm monitoring systems, covering cost categories with specific ranges. By the end, you should have a practical estimate to reference when comparing quotes.
What Is the Average Cost of a Home Security System?
The overall cost of your home security equipment
depends on several factors, including professional installation fees and property coverage. Review the table below to see what other homeowners typically pay for their home security devices.
| System Type | What It Includes | Typical Upfront Cost | Monitoring Cost (Monthly) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Starter Kit | Hub, one to two entry sensors, optional motion sensor | $150 to $300 | $0 to $20 (self or app-based) | Condos, apartments |
| Standard Professional System | Control panel, multiple entry sensors, motion detectors | $800 to $2,000 | $25 to $65 | Detached homes, townhouses |
| Smart Home Security Package | Cameras, video doorbell cameras, smart hub, mobile app | $1,500 to $3,500 | $30 to $80 | Homes needing active monitoring + video |
| Full Security + Environmental | Smoke, CO, flood, temperature sensors + cameras | $2,000 to $4,000+ | $40 to $90 | Larger homes or properties with multiple risks |
Source:
Unsplash
Smart Home Security Package Inclusions and Costs
Before choosing a professional monitoring and equipment package,
carefully review the inclusions to ensure they meet your needs. You’ll get the best value for your money with a
full-perimeter, comprehensive home security system that comes with the following:
Motion and Entry Sensors Cost
Door and window sensors typically cost between $20 and $60. Adding a motion detector for each one drives the price by $30 to $100 more per unit. Note that you need multiple sensors to cover all entry points.
Surveillance Cameras
Indoor cameras typically cost
between $100 and $200, while outdoor security cameras
with weather protection are slightly pricier, ranging from $150 to $300. The more expensive models often come with
night vision and smart alerts. For
video doorbell cameras, you can score HD ones for
$150 to $250.
Control Panels, Hubs, and Keypads
Primary control panels generally cost
$100 to $300, and extra keypads for back entrances or bedrooms can add
$50 to $150 each. Buying them in bundled packages gives you better deals.
Environmental Sensors
Environmental sensors help you catch hazards early before they cause damage. These types of equipment, each with its own specific purpose, come at similar price points:
- Smoke alarms typically range between $40 and $100
- Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors cost $50 to $150
- Flood leak sensors cost $30 to $80 each
- Temperature sensors typically cost between $25 and $60
Learn more:
A Guide to Basic Home Security Features
Source: Unsplash
Home Security System Installation Costs
The
installation fee
that professionals charge
depends less on the cost of equipment and more on the labour involved. They account for home layout, wiring routes, and device placement. A complex project that requires retrofitting would cost significantly more than an easy DIY installation setup.
Wired vs. Wireless Equipment
Wired systems are more expensive to install because they require drilling and cable routing. Installing a wired home security camera and alarm system may require electrical upgrades to the affected walls.
Although expensive, they’re generally more reliable because they’re less susceptible to interference, power loss, or signal jamming. They provide higher-quality security monitoring footage.
Alternatively, wireless third-party devices are easier to install and set up, but they require constant monitoring and charging, or regular battery replacement. Forgetting may come at the expense of security.
Number of Devices Being Installed
Every additional door sensor, window sensor, and other security and smart home integrations you add will increase your setup time. As a result, your technicians would have to charge more.
It’s common for larger homes with
multiple entry points to pay three or four times more than those who live in small apartment units. See how many entry points you’ll need to cover to get a rough estimate.
Placement Difficulty
Placement is also a critical factor to consider. It’s more expensive to set up systems in
hard-to-reach places, such as high ceilings, exterior walls, and roof eaves. Likewise, outdoor cameras may need weatherproofing seals, conduit, or ladder work, which adds to the total cost.
Removing or Replacing Old Equipment
Note that you may incur additional costs if your technicians need to remove professionally installed systems. Safely disconnecting old panels, wiring, or sensors requires considerable effort.
Smart Devices and Smart Home Compatibility
Syncing different security and smart home devices (e.g., Alexa and Google) requires technical expertise, especially if you want everything to work under one remote control. Automation routines and mobile app setup can extend installation sessions.
Learn more: A Guide to Home Security and Automation
Source: Unsplash
How Much Are Monthly Home Security Monitoring Fees?
Monthly monitoring fees largely vary depending on whether you choose
basic alarm monitoring,
video monitoring, or
full smart-home automation. However, they often
fall within a predictable range. Here’s a table breakdown of what to expect:
| Monitoring Plan | What It Includes | Typical Monthly Fee (Canada) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Monitoring | 24/7 intrusion alerts + panel monitoring | $25 to $35/mo | Smaller homes, limited devices |
| Smart Monitoring | App access, automation, remote arming | $35 to $55/mo | Homeowners using smart locks, sensors |
| Video Monitoring | Cloud storage + live video + alerts | $45 to $70/mo | Homes with cameras or doorbell cams |
| Full Security + Automation | Cameras + hazards + automation | $60 to $90/mo | Larger homes or full-coverage systems |
FAQs About the Average Cost of Home Security System Installation
How much does it cost to install a home security system?
Professional installation usually ranges from $100 to $500 for standard systems. However, multi-camera indoor and outdoor setups for larger homes can reach $800 to $1,500.
Wireless equipment costs less to install, as wired security cameras typically require electrical wiring adjustments. Likewise, DIY systems are less expensive to install but take more time.
What is the average cost of home security per month?
Professional monitoring security services typically cost between $25 and $65 per month. However, if you need to install other smart home devices, the total cost can increase by around $100. Packages with advanced features, like video verification or hazard detection, can reach $70 to $90 per month.
What is the most cost-effective home security system?
For small condos or apartments, consider using simple DIY kits with basic sensors. In most cases, the building already provides perimeter security, so your main concern is your unit.
For larger property types, professional home monitoring provides the best long-term value. Ensure your system covers all indoor and outdoor entry points to eliminate any potential blind spots.
In Summary
- Home security pricing ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the equipment, installation, and monitoring.
- DIY starter kits typically cost between $150 and $300, while professionally installed systems range from $800 to $2,000 or more.
- Smart security packages with cameras and app controls range from $1,500 to $3,500.
- Full systems with environmental sensors cost $2,000 to $ 4,000 or more upfront.
- Door and window sensors cost $20 to $60 each; motion detectors add $30 to $100 per unit.
- Indoor cameras cost $100 to $200, outdoor cameras $150 to $300, and doorbell cameras $150 to $250.
- Control panels and hubs run $100 to $300, with extra keypads adding $50 to $150.
- Environmental sensors (e.g., smoke, CO, flood, temperature) range from $25 to $150 depending on type.
- Installation fees vary based on labor, wiring, device count, and complexity.
- Monthly monitoring in Canada typically costs between $25 and $90, depending on whether you opt for basic monitoring, smart automation, or video support.
- DIY systems are suitable for condos; larger homes require professional monitoring.
- The most accurate price is from a custom assessment of your home.
Customize Your Home Security System With PasWord Protection
Online price ranges can only go so far. The real cost of a home security system largely depends on your specific needs. So, instead of guesstimates, get an accurate security assessment from PasWord Protection!
We’ll provide a customized setup that secures all entry points in your home, ensuring no vulnerable areas remain. Our alarm monitoring and full-perimeter surveillance will keep your home safe from intruders.
Contact our specialists today and discover how tailored, proactive security measures can help protect your home and family.
