Getting a security camera for your home is one of the best decisions you can make to keep your property and loved ones safe. Various types of security cameras are out there in the market. The cost of a security camera can vary widely depending on factors such as video quality, storage type, other features offered, and brand name.
Here, we discuss the costs involved in security camera installation and how much you can expect to pay.
Equipment Cost – How Much Are Security Cameras?
First, you need to buy a security camera that suits your needs. The price for a single camera can range from $20 to about $400. The average cost for indoor cameras is close to $100, and for outdoor cameras, it is around $200. For example, Nest Cam Indoor is $129, and Nest Cam Outdoor is $199.
Installation Costs – How Much Do You Need to Pay to Install a Security Camera?
Many security cameras today are DYI. That means you can install it yourself with little to no technical knowledge. These security cameras come with a basic mount and screws, and you can install them in less than 30 minutes.
However, some other cameras require professional installation. You can expect to be charged around $100 to $200 as an installation fee, depending on the type of camera and whether it requires additional accessories.
Storage Cost – How Much Will It Add to Your Bill?
The next is the storage cost. We recommend you get a security camera that is supported by cloud storage. This way, you can access the footage from anywhere.
Some security cameras, such as the Praetector or Wyze Cam, offer free cloud. However, with many other brands, you have to pay a monthly bill to store your security camera footage in the cloud. For example, Adobe offers three days of cloud storage for free. To access additional storage, you have to pay $10 per month for 14 days of storage and $20 for 90 days of storage.
Monitoring – How Much Does It Cost to Have 24/7 Professional Monitoring?
It is an optional cost. Most homeowners choose to monitor the security camera footage themselves, and it works just fine. While all companies do not offer professional monitoring, some make it optional, and some require it.
If you do not want to pay this additional charge, make sure you choose a security camera where this service is optional. Professional monitoring can cost $10 to $50 per month. Ring charges its customers $10 per month for this service, and for Nest, the cost is $19 per month.
When looking for a security camera for your home, consider these above points to estimate your budget. If you want to avoid a recurring cost, choose a brand that offers free cloud storage and doesn’t require professional monitoring. To further cut down your budget, get an easy-to-install security camera so that you do not need professional assistance to set it up. If you still have a question, send us a message, and our team will get back to you with all the information.