Home Services
Home Security: What It Costs and What to Check
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Most home security systems cost $25 to $50 a month for monitoring. Equipment costs about $199 to $599. Setup costs $0 to $299.
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What affects your security system price
Price range
- Monitoring: about $25 to $50 a month
- Equipment: about $199 to $599
- Installation and setup: about $0 to $299
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the company. Source: HomeGuide (data updated 2024).
What moves the number
- Who watches. A company that watches your home all day costs a monthly fee. Watching it yourself on your phone costs less, or nothing.
- Gear. Cameras, doorbells, sensors and smart locks all add cost.
- Setup. You can set up some systems yourself. Others need a pro.
- Contract. Some companies give you cheap gear if you sign a long contract.
What to ask before you choose
- "How long is the contract, and what does it cost to cancel early?" Some last 3 years or more.
- "Who owns the equipment?" If you leave, can you keep it?
- "Does the price go up after the first year?"
- "What happens if my power or internet goes out?" Ask about backup batteries and cell backup.
- "Will this lower my home insurance?" Many insurers give you a discount for it. Call yours to check.
The catch: that "free equipment" deal usually comes with a long contract. Add up the full cost over the whole contract before you sign. And if a salesperson signs you up at your door, the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule usually gives you 3 days to cancel.
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Cost information is not a live rate, quote or offer. A provider shown here is not an endorsement. Each provider sets its own prices, privacy and contact rules.
Questions people ask
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