What Does a Home Security System Cost?
Home security systems typically cost $100 to $2,000 upfront, averaging around $600. The range reflects a wide spectrum from basic self-installed DIY kits to professionally installed, fully integrated smart-home security systems with comprehensive coverage. Monitoring is a separate recurring charge on top of that figure.
Basic DIY Kit: $100 to $300
Self-installed systems from Ring, SimpliSafe, or Wyze provide essential coverage door and window sensors, a hub, a keypad, and basic motion detection for $100 to $300 in equipment cost. These systems pair with a smartphone app and optional professional monitoring at $15 to $40 per month. They are appropriate for renters and homeowners who want functional security without professional installation or long-term contracts. Installation is straightforward: devices are battery-powered and mount with adhesive or screws in a few hours. (For more on this, see Hidden Costs of Home Security Systems.)
Professional System With Installation: $99 to $1,000
Professionally installed systems (ADT, Vivint, Brinks, local security companies) include hardware, professional installation, and typically a monitoring contract. Upfront cost runs $99 to $1,000 depending on the sensor count and camera coverage: ADT posts equipment minimums of $269 to $369 plus a $99 installation fee, and promotional installs start at $99 all-in. The installation fee is sometimes waived with a long-term monitoring contract. Professional monitoring is billed separately at $25 to $60 per month. These systems offer cellular backup (unlike internet-only DIY systems) and 24/7 professional response. (For more on this, see DIY vs. Professional Home Security Systems.)
Comprehensive Smart-Home System: $1,200 to $2,500
Full smart-home security integration cameras at every entry point, smart locks, video doorbells, glass break sensors, smoke and CO detectors, environmental sensors, and home automation costs $1,200 to $2,500 in equipment and professional installation. These systems are typically sold by integrators (ADT’s higher-tier programs, Vivint Smart Home, local security/automation companies) and include dedicated professional installation and full smart-home configuration. (For more on this, see What Affects the Cost of a Home Security System?.)
Home Security System Cost at a Glance
Here is a quick reference for home security system costs by system type and installation method. All ranges below include equipment; installation cost and monthly monitoring are noted separately.
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic DIY kit (self-installed) | $100 to $300 in equipment | Includes essential door and window sensors, a hub, a keypad, and basic motion detection. Professional monitoring optional at $15 to $40 per month with no long-term contract for most DIY platforms. |
| Professional system with installation | $99 to $1,000 upfront | equipment minimums of $269 to $369 plus a $99 installation fee, or $99 all-in on a promotional install. Cellular backup included. Monitoring is a separate recurring charge of $25 to $60 per month, typically on a 2 to 3-year contract, with an early termination fee of 75 percent of the monthly charges remaining on the term. |
| Comprehensive smart-home security system | $1,200 to $2,500 installed | in equipment and professional installation Includes cameras at every entry point, smart locks, video doorbell, glass break sensors, smoke and CO detectors, and full smart-home integration. Professional monitoring at $40 to $60 per month, billed separately. |
Cost figures on this page were checked against published pricing on September 2, 2026. How we source cost data.
Monthly monitoring costs are ongoing and add significantly to the total cost of ownership over a 3 to 5-year period, and they are the larger lifetime cost: a professionally installed, monitored system totals $2,000 to $4,000 over a standard 36-month contract, and ADT’s early termination fee is 75 percent of the monthly charges remaining on the term. Compare total cost including monitoring when evaluating system options.
Planning Your Project Budget
The cost ranges in this article are based on industry data and are intended as planning benchmarks, not fixed prices. The actual cost for your project depends on your specific home, your local labor market, the current price of materials, and the scope the contractor confirms after a site inspection.
Always get at least two written quotes on equivalent defined scope before committing to any home services project. Wide price variation between quotes usually reflects differences in material quality, scope completeness (what is included and what is not), or contractor overhead and experience level rather than simple price competition.
Use the cost data in this article to ask better questions during the quoting process: What material is included? What does that per-square-foot or per-linear-foot rate include and exclude? Are permits, cleanup, and disposal included? What is the warranty on labor? These questions turn a quote into a comparable basis for decision-making.