How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?

If you’re just settling into your new home, you’ve likely spent a pretty penny on moving already, so the last thing you want to do is pay too much for a new home security system.

Pricing out a home security system can be difficult and confusing. Even when the prices are displayed on the provider’s website, you have to wonder, “What is this really going to cost me?”

The upfront cost of a home security system ranges between $250 and $1,500+. These costs include equipment, installation, and activation fees, and can be one-time, upfront charges.

A monitored security system is truly the best way to protect your home. The average monthly cost for home security monitoring services is around $32/month ($384/year). Monitoring prices can be as low as $9.99/month ($120/year) for basic monitoring, and upwards of $100/month ($1,200 annually) for more premium services with financed equipment costs.

Whether you're looking for a DIY home security system or one with professional monitoring, every alarm system is a little different. Here are some of the best home security companies to consider.

Nothing’s worse than finally moving into your new place, cracking open your first bill, and finding unexpected charges attached. You can avoid having a negative experience by understanding the different costs you may encounter. Get familiar with these four types of costs so you can avoid unnecessary charges.

An activation fee is one of those hidden fees that you don’t hear about until you’re already on the hook. Though this is a one-time charge, it can put some dents in your wallet. Activation fees range between $0 and $199, and it’s important to know that it is a separate charge from the installation fee.

Make sure to not only ask but READ the contract before you sign to see if there is an activation fee. Many customer complaints come from verbal agreements not being fulfilled because they are not found in the contract.

Most home security companies have done away with activation fees, but it's still smart to ask about it.

Some home security companies charge a separate installation fee to set up their equipment in your home. The truth is, professional installation isn’t necessary if you want to save an appointment and installation fee. That said, if you want someone to do everything for you, Vivint or ADT are solid options.

Advances in security technology make it super easy to install your home security system yourself. Here's a list of providers who offer DIY security equipment so you can skip these fees:

• Frontpoint
• SimpliSafe
• Cove
• Abode
• Ring

But if you're tired of "doing it yourself" after a big move, we don't blame you. Most of these DIY home security companies now offer professional installation for a fee ranging from around $69 to $200 depending on the scope of the project. If you want help, ask about pro install when you buy your DIY system.

This monthly charge is for the service of having your home monitored 24/7 by an external monitoring center. This cost is based on the monitoring plan and equipment you chose during signup.

The current monthly average for professional home security monitoring in the US is $31.83, according to SafeWise. Depending on the system you choose, you could get monthly monitoring for as little as $10 per month.

Most home security companies are pretty straightforward with their monitoring package pricing. Some companies, however, set a base monitoring price and adjust it (add to it) depending on the specific equipment you have monitored. Live video monitoring and smart home integration usually cost more.

For instance, let’s say your base monitoring price is $42.99/month; if you add monitored security cameras to your system it can tack on $15/month. Additional charges could also be added for each monitored smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector (generally around $2 per smoke and detector $6 per carbon monoxide detector). This could bring your monthly monitoring cost to $65.99/month.

Make sure to READ the contract to see whether additional monthly costs apply to monitor the equipment you have selected before you sign up.

Like most businesses, home security companies market their lowest possible prices.  It's important to understand the pros and cons of certain deals. You might pay less up front, but you could end up paying more in the long run.

How exactly are companies lowering their costs on expensive security equipment and who is it actually benefiting—you or the company? Home security companies lower their system prices in a few different ways:

1. Entry-level pricing. The advertised price generally represents the lowest service provided by the company. In the security world that could mean a bare-bones system with landline monitoring.

A cellular monitoring system provides a great deal more security than a landline. Cellular monitoring is more reliable and there aren't any lines/wires to cut. It can cost more, but the extra reassurance is worth it.

2. Reduced upfront costs for customers who sign a monthly monitoring contract. This is great for people who want an affordable home security option but can’t afford the heavy upfront costs of installation, activation, and equipment purchasing. The upfront costs are essentially spread out over the life of the contract, increasing your monthly payment slightly but saving you from paying these charges in a lump sum.

3. DIY home alarm systems. By setting up and installing the system yourself, you bypass installation charges and you may pay a smaller monitoring fee. The downside can be a hefty out-of-pocket equipment cost that must be paid when you order your system.

So far we've focused on the cost of a home security system, which can be calculated in simple dollars and cents, but there are other factors that contribute to a system’s value. Often, spending a little bit more will get you a greater overall return on your investment. Here are some questions to keep in mind when considering the value of your home security system:

• Equipment functionality. Does it work properly or frequently break down? How well do alarms and mobile alerts work? Look for features like geofencing, home automation integration, etc.
• Amount of equipment. What are you getting for your money? Are you paying a lot for only a few sensors and a base station or do you get valuable security extras like a doorbell camera and full mobile app access?
• Customer service. How easy is the company to work with? Do they maintain your system? What is their cancellation policy and equipment warranty? If you sign a contract, verify the cancellation terms—some companies require you to buy out the entire remainder of your contract,
• Bells and whistles. What cool, cutting-edge technology are you getting with it? Look for proactive security equipment, like Vivint's cameras that scare off lurkers with flashing lights, pre-recorded messages, and whistles.

The value of your security system comes from its ability to deter a break-in, limit the time a burglar has, or help you catch the culprit. Although having a non-monitored system is better than nothing, a professionally monitored system gives you so much more.

With a professionally monitored security system you have someone ready to respond in an emergency situation. You want your home to be protected 24/7 but it's hard to keep up on alerts by yourself—in between meetings, at soccer practice, or while relaxing on vacation somewhere far away from home.

If you miss an alert, it could spell disaster—whether it's a break-in or a home fire. A monitored system covers you around the clock and ensures help is called if an alarm is triggered and they can't reach you to verify a false alarm. Leave it to the security company to watvh out for trouble so you can live your life knowing your home is safe.

• Duress signals: Also called panic buttons or panic codes, you have the ability to enter a code into your system that means you're under duress (like a home invasion). This alerts the monitoring center that you need immediate help but are unable to be contacted (armed burglary in progress, etc.).
• Medical alert monitoring: Pendants worn around the neck or wrist signal a monitoring agent to dispatch an ambulance.
• Guidance: Monitoring agents are trained to offer guidance in an emergency situation. Self-monitored systems can only notify you if a sensor is triggered.
• Emergency response plans: You can customize your own emergency response plan which allows you to choose to immediately notify authorities or contact a third party relative or individual.

A home security system is always worth the investment, whether it’s professionally monitored, self-monitored, or a local alarm system. Statistics prove that home security systems work.

Your post-move budget and personal preferences will affect what you prioritize in your security system for your new home. It's important to remember that it protects more than just your stuff, like your big screen TV, jewelry, or sports car. It also protects you and your family from home invasion, fire, flood, and other disasters.

Whether its a professionally installed system like Vivint with all of the bells and whistles, or an easy-to-install-yourself system like SimpliSafe with flexible monthly subscriptions, the benefits of getting a home security system for your new living space far outweigh the costs. 

• Ultimate Guide to Home Security Equipment
• How to Install a DIY Home Security System