Security Camera Installation Cost in 2025?

Dahua 4MP Security Camera System

Determining the cost of installing a security camera system can be challenging due to various factors. With advancements in technology, security cameras equipped with advanced features, once available only to businesses with large budgets, are now accessible to the general public. Features such as people, vehicle, and pet detection, alongside color night vision and audio recording, are increasingly common. However, when visiting alarm or security company websites, the pricing section is often missing, with the option to fill out a form for a quote instead.

Providing a flat-rate price is difficult due to the many variables involved in installing a security camera system. In this article, we will outline these variables to equip you with the knowledge needed to estimate the installation cost.

1. Security Cameras

The first major expense to install a security camera system comes from purchasing the cameras. With a wide range of manufacturers and rebranded products offering proprietary software, navigating the options can be overwhelming. Security cameras typically fall into three categories:

Ring Spotlight Pro

• Consumer Grade: Brands like Arlo, Ring, Eufy, Wyze, TP-Link, and Blink offer affordable options ranging from battery-operated to plug-in cameras. Advancements in technology have improved battery life and overall picture quality with higher resolutions. Prices range from $24.99 to $249.99 per camera.

Reolink CX820

• Prosumer Grade: Manufacturers such as Reolink, Lorex, Amcrest, Swann, Hikvision, Dahua, and UNV blur the line between prosumer and professional-grade cameras. Features like clear night-time images and advanced analytics are now accessible. Prices range from $39.99 to $3999 per camera.

Axis M31

• Professional Grade: High-end brands such as Hanwha, Axis, Avigilon, Bosch, Verkada, and Speco offer advanced features, including specific search capabilities like identifying "a man in a blue shirt" or "a red car." Additional features, like compatibility with other manufacturers and low-light sensors for maximum night-time visibility, make these cameras ideal for professional use. Prices range from $109 to $4999.

Resolution is another factor impacting cost. While not the sole determinant of image quality, higher resolutions like HD (2MP), 4MP, 8MP, and 12MP generally come with a higher price tag.

UNV NVR

2. Network Video Recorder (NVR)

An NVR serves as the recording hub of a security camera system, receiving, storing, and processing digital footage. Several factors influence the cost of an NVR:

• Channels: NVRs support varying numbers of cameras, with options ranging from 4 channels to 36 channels or more. The number of cameras in your system will determine the required channel capacity.

• Storage Space: Higher-resolution footage and a greater number of cameras consume storage more quickly. NVRs typically offer storage capacities from 1TB to 8TB and beyond, with higher storage increasing costs.

• Advanced Features: High-end NVRs include ONVIF protocol compatibility, enabling integration with different camera brands. They also offer advanced analytics like vehicle, people, and pet detection. Prices range from $139 to $59,000.

3. Labor and Installation

Labor and installation costs are often the largest portion of the overall expense. Several factors can impact these costs:

• Property Layout: Running cables, installing the security camera, and adjusting camera views typically can take between 2 and 3 hours per camera.

• Cable Type: The choice between CAT5e or CAT6 cables can affect costs.

• Installer: Larger companies may charge higher installation fees due to overhead and higher expenses, translating to an increased cost to install your security camera system, while independent installers who do work on the side might offer lower rates but may lack licensing or insurance.

Now that you have a understanding of what can cause the cost to install a security camera system, check out our free online security camera installation quote generator tool for better budget plan.

Thinking about installing your own security camera system? Check out our blog on how to install a hardwired security camera system if you're felling brave.