Home security pricing varies widely depending on whether you're adding a couple of cameras or a fully monitored whole-property system. Here's what Tampa Bay homeowners actually pay.

Basic Camera Systems: $1,000–$4,000

A handful of cameras covering entrances and key exterior areas, self-monitored through an app, typically runs $1,000-$2,500 installed. Expanding to full property coverage — front, back, side yards, and interior common areas — with higher-resolution cameras commonly runs $3,000-$4,000+.

Monitored Alarm Systems: $500–$3,000 Install, Plus Monthly Monitoring

A professionally installed alarm system with door/window sensors and motion detectors typically runs $500-$1,500 for equipment and installation, with 24/7 professional monitoring adding a recurring monthly fee (commonly $30-$60/month depending on the monitoring provider and service level).

Access Control: $300–$5,000+

A few smart locks on main entry doors runs $300-$1,000. Full property access control — gates, garage integration, and multiple entry points with credential-based access — scales up significantly higher depending on the number of access points and whether gate/vehicle access is involved.

Full Integrated Systems: $6,000–$20,000+

Combining cameras, monitored alarm, access control, and video doorbell/intercom into one integrated system, often tied into a broader smart home platform, typically runs $6,000-$20,000+ depending on property size and how many entry points and cameras are involved.

What Actually Moves the Price

  • Camera resolution and count. Higher-resolution cameras and more coverage points both add cost, but resolution matters more for actually identifying a face or license plate after the fact.
  • Wired vs. wireless. Wired cameras avoid battery replacement and Wi-Fi reliability issues but cost more to install, particularly in a retrofit.
  • Monitoring tier. Self-monitored (you watch the app) vs. professionally monitored (a monitoring center responds to alerts) is a meaningful ongoing cost difference.
  • Integration complexity. Tying cameras, alarms, and locks into one unified system costs more than installing each separately.

Getting an Accurate Quote

Ask for camera count, resolution, and coverage areas specifically, and clarify whether monitoring is self-monitored or professionally monitored with a monthly fee — these two systems solve different problems and aren't directly comparable on price alone.