Installing a home security system costs, on average, $755 to $985. It is a significant investment, but it pays to have extra eyes and ears monitoring your home while you sleep or when you’re away.
But home security systems aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions. DIY security kits can cost as little as $70, whereas professionally monitored systems can cost up to $2,380.
This guide uses data from major metros and smaller cities across the U.S. Read on as we take a closer look at the different home security system options to help you better understand how much each package will cost you.
Cost by Location
Factors such as local labor costs, sales or service taxes, demand for the alarm system, and the cost of living in your area can cause the national average cost to fluctuate.
The table below is a snapshot of the average costs to install a home security system nationwide, including the equipment, labor, and activation fees:
| City | Average Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $764 – $996 |
| New York, NY | $942 – $1,231 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $662 – $863 |
| Orlando, FL | $676 – $881 |
| Atlanta, GA | $684 – $893 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $781 – $1,019 |
| Chicago, IL | $839 – $1,099 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Salem, OR | $746 – $971 |
| Spokane, WA | $751 – $981 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $706 – $916 |
| Roswell, NM | $707 – $919 |
| San Diego, CA | $806 – $1,053 |
Cost by Brand
The brand you choose for your home security system will play a significant role in cost, features, and your overall experience.
Some brands focus on affordable DIY systems, while others specialize in high-end, professionally monitored setups with smart locks, cameras, and home automation integration.
Below, we’ve compared the typical equipment costs and monthly fees of some of the leading home security system companies:
| Home Security Brand | Equipment Costs | Monthly Fees |
| Frontpoint | $70 – $350 | $40 – $50 |
| Cove | $100 – $175 | $15 – $35 |
| SimpliSafe | $100 – $292 | $30 – $80 |
| Abode | $100 – $350 | $6 – $14 |
| Guardian | $150 – $800 | $35 – $55 |
| Ring | $180 – $500 | $5 – $20 |
| Brinks Home | $200 – $800 | $40 – $53 |
| CPI | $250 – $600 | $25 – $45 |
| Xfinity | $300 – $500 | $10 – $45 |
| ADT | $350 – $530 | $25 – $40 |
| Vivint | $450 – $2,380 | $33 – $52 |
These prices do not include installation and activation fees.
Cost Estimator by System Type
Deciding which type of system to use and how to set up your system can also affect the cost of your project.
- Wireless home security systems: A completely wireless system costs between $200 and $2,000. You can activate, deactivate, and monitor your home security from your smartphone or other wireless device. Many are DIY systems, so you may not have to worry about using a professional setup and the costs that go along with it.
- Wired home security systems: The main difference between wired and wireless systems is the ease of installation. Installing wired systems often requires professionals to rewire your home. This type of security system ranges from $800 to $1,600.
Cost by Equipment Type
Most home security brands offer bundled packages tailored to your security needs. A typical starter kit includes a base station, two cameras, and two sensors. Costs start at $70 and climb up to $2,380 for systems with more cameras and sensors.
However, you may need to purchase additional equipment separately to customize your system. Here are their average prices:
| Type of Equipment | Average Cost (Material Only) |
| Glass break sensor | $5 – $225 |
| Key fob | $20 – $70 |
| Motion detector | $20 – $200 |
| Doorbell camera | $20 – $350 |
| Window and door sensor | $25 – $300 |
| Panic button | $30 |
| Smart smoke and CO2 alarm | $35 – $103 |
| Floodlight | $35 – $200 |
| Indoor or outdoor camera | $40 – $275 |
Monitoring Plan Cost
Alarm systems can either be professionally monitored or self-monitored. Professional monitoring provides 24/7 surveillance of your home and notifies you and emergency responders when the alarm is triggered. Home monitoring packages cost between $5 and $55 per month, depending on which plan and brand you choose.
A self-monitored system does not require a monitoring service but sends you notifications through a mobile app that allows you to notify authorities if there is a problem.
Installation Costs
The costs for the installation of a home system can vary depending on the brand and system type. Some companies offer free installation, while others provide DIY-friendly systems that you can set up yourself, eliminating labor costs altogether.
However, if professional installation is necessary and the company doesn’t provide it for free, expect to pay between $110 and $330. This typically includes:
- Mounting cameras for indoor and outdoor surveillance
- Installing window and door sensors
- Setting up video doorbells
- Configuring additional add-ons, such as motion detectors, smart locks, and alarm panels
Activation Fees
Many monitoring services directly or indirectly charge a one-time activation fee, usually around $155, to connect your equipment to their system.
Be sure to read the contract carefully or ask the security company if the activation fee is related to the installation cost, as some companies don’t disclose this information upfront when you request a quote.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Most DIY wireless systems are incredibly easy to install. Not much guesswork is required. However, hire a professional if you’re not tech-savvy. The $110 to $330 cost to properly set up an alarm system is well worth the peace of mind that professional installation will bring to your home’s security.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The cost of a home security system does not end with the equipment; you’ll need to consider several other factors while shopping around.
Cost by Home Size
The size of your home significantly affects how much you spend on an alarm system. Since a basic starter kit includes just a limited number of window and door sensors, you may need to purchase additional detection devices depending on the number of zones you want to monitor. Keep in mind that installation costs will increase as you add materials.
Cost of a Permit
In most states, a permit is required to install an alarm in a home security system, especially if it includes smoke or fire sensors or an alarm that automatically alerts authorities when triggered. These permits help local emergency services manage false alarms and ensure your system complies with local regulations.
The cost of a permit varies by location, but in general, you can expect to pay between $25 and $100.
Drywall Repair
Hard-wired systems require installers to cut into walls to access the wiring and make connections, so there will be a cost for wall repairs. Drywall repairs cost between $402 and $486.
Check out our guide for more information: How Much Does Drywall Repair Cost?
Protect Your Home Today
A home security system is a fantastic addition to any home. Although it can be expensive, its benefits are priceless. Whether you are away or asleep, it provides strong protection and monitoring around the clock.
If you choose a professionally monitored and installed home security system, you have come to the right place.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Read More:
— How Much Does it Cost to Install a Smart Door Lock?
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