How Much Does Security Camera Installation Cost in 2025?

Security Camera Installation Cost Factors

Security camera systems range in cost depending on the number of cameras, labor, equipment quality, and other factors.

Number of Cameras

Each camera ranges from $20 to $250 before labor, and the total number of cameras in your system is the biggest influence on total costs. Greater coverage equates to higher costs for cameras, installation, and other hardware.

Most systems feature at least two cameras, such as one both indoors and outdoors, while more thorough coverage of various entry points typically requires at least four cameras. For comprehensive coverage both indoors and outdoors, you may need six or more cameras—the total amount depends on your home’s size and floor plan. 

Camera Type

There are several types of surveillance cameras you can use, ranging from a controllable dome camera to a dummy camera, which functions as a deterrent rather than a surveillance device. 

Labor

Hiring a security camera installation specialist or electrician costs $80 to $200 per camera or $50 to $100 per hour. Fees may vary between these two contractors, but you can expect labor charges for this project to account for 50% to 70% of the total cost.

Basic installations carry the lowest cost and usually include camera setup, wiring, and system configuration. Complex installations may have customized designs with more complicated needs for upgrading or adding wiring, installing new outlets, and integrating your cameras with a larger smart home or security system.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Outdoor cameras cost about $20 to $55 more to install than indoor surveillance cameras. Outdoor cameras typically cost more than their indoor counterparts because they’re designed to withstand water, dust, and various weather elements. They also often feature enhanced resolution, infrared vision, and wider fields of view to provide clear footage over greater distances, but they may have greater installation requirements if they require hardwiring or solar power.

Indoor cameras range from plug-and-play standup cameras to hidden cameras that blend in with the decor throughout the home. Unlike outdoor cameras, indoor cameras don’t need weatherproofing or extreme high-definition settings to catch all the details.

Camera Quality

Camera quality depends on numerous factors, but resolution, frame rate, and field of view are the main specs for camera picture quality. High-end cameras generally come with superior specs, but the cost doesn’t always correlate with quality since many affordable brands and models offer comparable quality to high-end brands. Regardless of the camera cost, keep in mind that higher picture quality may translate to greater data storage needs.

Frame Rate

The security camera installation cost will vary between $80 to $150 for 15 frames per second (FPS) and $150 to $350 for 60 FPS. Mid-range cameras usually provide about 30 FPS. FPS refers to the number of images or frames the camera captures every second, and higher frame rates translate to smoother video quality.

Field of View

Measured in angle degrees or lens millimeters, the field of view (FoV) refers to the width, distance, and overall range cameras offer. Based on FoV, camera installations range from $80 to $1,000. Larger lenses correlate to smaller viewing angles but greater distances.

Alternatively, dome cameras rotate between 180º and 360º and have relatively small or wide-angle lenses. These cameras cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 but offer broader coverage.

Resolution

Resolution represents the number of pixels vertically and horizontally in a frame, so 1280 x 720 resolution means there are 1280 pixels in each row and 720 pixels in each column. Multiplied together, these figures indicate the number of pixels in the frame—for instance, 1280 x 720 frames have 921,600, which rounds up to one megapixel/1MP.

In other words, resolution and megapixels are directly proportional, and higher resolution translates to both more detailed image quality and higher costs. Basic security systems often include 1MP and sometimes 2MP cameras, which offer general surveillance without detailed facial or number recognition. 4MP and 6MP cameras provide detailed images without using excessive storage or bandwidth, and even higher quality cameras are generally reserved for large commercial or industrial spaces since they have high data requirements.

Additional Equipment and Services

Recording, storage, monitoring, and other installation equipment or add-ons vary depending on your system. For example, digital video recorders (DVN) are paired with wired systems, while IP-based systems use networker video recorders (NVR). Storage options likewise vary between local and cloud-based storage. See the following table for common expenses.

Brand

Security camera brands offer a variety of features, ecosystem compatibility, subscription models, reputation, and overall cost. Many brands market toward affordability, aiming to provide essential functions without high-end features, while premium brands market enhanced offerings that correlate with higher price points. Brands may also integrate with a greater smart home ecosystem, such as the Google Nest Cam or Ring.

Cost of Home Surveillance Camera Installation by Feature

Homeowners value additional security features, such as motion detection and microphones. Extra features often raise the price of each individual camera and the total project price.

Motion Detection

Installing a security camera with integrated motion detection costs between $40 and $150. Keep in mind that motion detection cameras don’t record constantly. These cameras only record when the sensor picks up motion, typically sending an alert to your devices.

For comprehensive monitoring, pair a motion detection camera with an alarm monitoring system. The alarm company receives the same motion alerts, saving you the time of contacting them or local authorities during an incident.

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition features cost $150 to $250 per camera. Facial recognition can alert you when certain people arrive at your home, such as family returning from school or work.

Microphone

Ranging from $100 to $200, installing a camera with a built-in microphone allows you to speak with visitors at your door, even when you’re not home. With two-way microphones, you can share a conversation with visitors, delivery services, and others.

Infrared and Night Vision

Night vision cameras cost $80 to $380 each, and they rely on and amplify light to brighten images. Infrared (IR) security cameras provide active night vision, and they cost around $150 to $400 to install. Consider an IR camera for clear images in areas with minimal light.

Security Camera Costs by System Type

Systems vary depending on power connections, data transmission, and storage, and each factor influences hardware and labor costs.

Analog CCTV

Installing a four-camera CCTV surveillance system costs around $1,300 on average. Each camera for a CCTV is between $75 and $350. CCTVs are uploaded to a hard drive, SD card, digital video recorder, or tape storage. These systems don’t require constant internet access and provide high security and video quality, but they require involved wiring and uninterrupted power.

Wired IP

Ranging from $100 to $500 per camera, installing a four-camera IP surveillance system costs between $500 and $1,500 in total. IP surveillance systems require constant internet access to transmit footage through ethernet to a local NVR or cloud storage. Wired IP requires either Ethernet or Power-over-Ethernet cable routing for electrical and internet connections.

Wireless IP

Wireless surveillance cameras average $100 to $250 per camera. These systems use battery or solar power instead of electrical system wiring but require Wi-Fi or data connection to transmit and store footage, making them ideal for flexible and simple installation. Wireless systems typically require cloud storage subscriptions.

Do Security Cameras Increase Home Value?

Security cameras can lend to slightly higher home appraisals and may also be a selling point for potential buyers. Security cameras offer several benefits that appeal to buyers, such as:

• Enhanced safety and security

• Modernized technology

• Convenience

• Lower insurance premiums

Budgeting for Security Camera Installation

Try these strategies to manage your installation budget without compromising on quality:

• Get multiple estimates to compare labor rates, services, and warranties.

• Bundle services, such as smart home setup, for cost-effective rates.

• Avoid overly complex systems—prioritize equipment and features that provide the most value for your home.

• Opt for simple installations with minimal wiring to reduce labor costs.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.