CostPrism
Business Updated June 2026

Home Security Cost Calculator

Calculate 2026 home security system costs — upfront equipment, professional vs. DIY installation, and monthly monitoring fees for ADT, SimpliSafe, Ring, and Vivint.

National avg: $45/month
Range: $15 – $120/month
Used by 29,140 people

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What Affects the Cost?

1. System Types

DIY systems (Ring, SimpliSafe, Wyze): $200–$600 equipment, no contracts, $10–$25/month monitoring. Professional-install (ADT, Vivint): $99–$500 equipment (often subsidized), 2–5 year contracts required, $30–$60/month monitoring. Smart apartment systems (Ring, Eufy): $50–$200 equipment, no monitoring required.

2. Monthly Monitoring Plans

Self-monitoring (app alerts only): $0–$10/month. Professional monitoring (police/fire dispatch): $15–$30/month (DIY systems), $28–$60/month (ADT, Vivint). Video storage monitoring: add $5–$15/month for 30-day cloud video history. Cellular backup (works without internet): included in most plans above $20/month.

3. Equipment Costs

Basic starter kit (1 hub, 2 door sensors, 1 motion sensor): $100–$200. Mid-range (hub + 4–6 sensors + doorbell camera): $250–$450. Comprehensive (full coverage, 2–4 outdoor cameras, smoke/CO): $400–$800. Professional install adds $99–$299 labor cost on top of equipment.

2026 Cost Reference Table

Type / Option Typical Cost Range
SimpliSafe (DIY, basic kit + monitoring) $200 equip + $20/mo monitoring
Ring Alarm (DIY, 5-piece kit) $200 equip + $10/mo monitoring
ADT (professional install, basic) $99–$499 equip + $28–$45/mo
Vivint (professional, smart home) $599–$1,500 equip + $30–$50/mo
Outdoor camera system (4 cameras) $200–$600 one-time
Video doorbell (Ring, Nest) $60–$250 one-time

Frequently Asked Questions

Monthly home security costs range from $10/month (Ring self-monitoring) to $60/month (ADT professional full-service). The average American homeowner pays $30–$45/month for professional monitoring. DIY systems cost $15–$25/month for the same level of 24/7 professional monitoring dispatch.

SimpliSafe offers equivalent 24/7 professional monitoring for $18–$28/month vs. ADT's $28–$60/month. SimpliSafe requires no long-term contract; ADT requires 3-year contracts with early termination fees of $800–$1,500. For most homeowners, SimpliSafe offers equal protection at half the cost.

Yes — studies show homes with visible security systems are 300% less likely to be burglarized. A University of North Carolina study found 60% of convicted burglars said alarm systems influenced their target choice. Even visible cameras and alarm yard signs have deterrent effect without active monitoring.

Compare Home Security Systems

DIY systems like SimpliSafe and Ring cost 50–70% less than professional-install systems while providing equivalent monitoring.

SimpliSafe — DIY Security from $15/mo ADT — Professional Monitoring from $28/mo

Tips Before You Start

  • ✓ DIY systems (SimpliSafe, Ring) cost 50–70% less than professional-install (ADT, Vivint)
  • ✓ Professional monitoring is worth the cost — it responds when you can't (sleeping, vacation, emergency)
  • ✓ Smart home integration (Alexa, Google) is included free on most modern systems
  • ✓ Video doorbell + outdoor cameras deter 60% of break-in attempts before they happen
  • ✓ Bundling security with homeowners insurance can earn 5–15% premium discounts

Cost by State — 2026

Based on national average pricing adjusted for local labor and material costs.