Home Security System Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost of a home security system including equipment, professional monitoring, and smart home integration. Compare DIY vs professional installation options.

🏠 Home Security📐 Security Cost = Equipment + Installation + Monthly Monitoring

Number of bedrooms

Number of entry points (doors+windows to protect)

Security type

Installation type

Please enter valid values.

Formula & Reference

Variable	Formula	Units
Home Security System Cost Calculator	Security Cost = Equipment + Installation + Monthly Monitoring	$/year

Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1

Professional ADT

3BR, 8 entry points, pro monitored, pro install.

Equipment: $480 | Install: $200
Monthly: $45 x 12 = $540
First year: $1,220 | Ongoing: $540/yr

✓ $1,220 first year / $540/yr

Example 2

SimpliSafe DIY

3BR, 8 points, DIY monitored, DIY install.

Equipment: $350 | Install: $0
Monthly: $20 x 12 = $240
First year: $590 | Ongoing: $240/yr

✓ $590 first year / $240/yr

Example 3

Ring Cameras Only

Doorbell + 3 cameras, no monitoring.

Equipment: $400 | Monthly: $0
First year: $400 (Ring Protect plan optional at $100/yr)

✓ $400 equipment only

Real-World Applications

🏠

Homeowners

Choose the right security system for your budget and needs.

💰

Financial Planners

Include home security in annual homeownership cost estimates.

📊

Insurance Advisors

Calculate premium savings from security systems (5-20% discount).

🏡

Renters

Evaluate portable security options for apartment living.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️

Paying for professional installation when DIY is easy

Modern DIY security systems (SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode) are designed for easy self-installation. Save $200-$500 by installing yourself if you're comfortable with simple setup.

⚠️

Long-term monitoring contracts

Some professional security companies (Vivint, ADT) require 2-5 year monitoring contracts. Read the contract carefully; cancellation fees can be $500-$1,500. DIY systems offer month-to-month flexibility.

⚠️

Not checking for insurance discounts

Most homeowners insurers offer 5-20% discounts for monitored security systems. At $1,400/year insurance, a 15% discount saves $210/year - covering most of the monitoring cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best home security system? ▾

Top-rated: SimpliSafe (best DIY value), Ring Alarm (best ecosystem), ADT Blue (best professional monitoring), Vivint (best smart home integration), Abode (most flexible). The best choice depends on your needs: monitoring vs no monthly fee, professional vs DIY installation.

Do home security systems actually deter burglars? ▾

Research suggests security systems reduce burglary risk by 60-300%. Visible cameras and yard signs are deterrents even without active monitoring. Most burglars choose unprotected homes over those with visible security.

What is the average cost of monitored home security? ▾

Equipment: $200-$700. Professional installation (if required): $100-$300. Monthly monitoring: $15-$60. First-year total: $500-$1,500. Annual ongoing: $180-$720.

Ring vs SimpliSafe vs ADT? ▾

Ring: best camera integration, Amazon ecosystem, $10/month with Ring Protect Plus. SimpliSafe: best value monitored system, month-to-month, $20-$25/month. ADT: oldest, most monitored stations, professional install required, $40-$60/month.

Can home security lower my insurance? ▾

Yes. Discounts vary by insurer: 5-20% for professional monitored systems. Central station monitoring is typically required for the full discount. Smart locks and smoke detectors add additional small discounts. Total savings: $100-$400/year for most homeowners.