How Much Do Commercial Security Systems Cost in 2025?
If you’ve started researching the cost of a business security system in 2025, you’ve probably already discovered the hard truth: prices are all over the place. One provider tells you $2,000. Another quotes $15,000. A DIY kit online claims it can do everything for $499.
And somewhere in the middle sits every confused business owner asking:
“What does a business security system actually cost and what should we be paying?”
In this article, we’re going to answer that head-on. We’ll break down the price ranges, explain why costs vary so much, and show you what actually drives value - not just what drives the invoice.
This guide is meant to remove guesswork so you can make a confident, informed decision based on facts, not sales pitches.
What Drives the Cost of a Business Security System? (The Part Most Companies Never Explain)
The biggest pricing mistake businesses make is assuming the system cost is only about hardware. In reality, five major factors determine what you’ll actually pay:
1. The Size & Layout of Your Building
A 1,200 sq. ft. retail shop in Dartmouth will cost dramatically less than a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Moncton or a multi-floor office building in Halifax. More space = more cameras, more access points, more cabling, more labour.
2. The Level of Security You Want (Basic, Standard, or Advanced)
Basic security: A few cameras + basic alarm
Standard security: HD cameras + access control + monitoring
Advanced security: AI analytics + cloud video + smart automations
Your risk tolerance and industry requirements heavily influence cost.
3. The Type of Installation (Wired vs. Wireless)
Wired installations cost more upfront due to cabling and labour, but last longer and perform better in commercial settings. Wireless security camera installation is cheaper initially but not always ideal for warehouses, metal buildings, or large facilities because these environments weaken or block Wi-Fi signals. Long distances, steel beams, metal shelving, machinery, and thick insulated walls all interfere with wireless connectivity, leading to dropped footage, delayed alerts, and unreliable performance.
4. Cloud vs. On-Premise vs. Hybrid Storage
Cloud hosted video surveillance = ongoing subscription
On-premise NVR = higher upfront, lower ongoing costs
Hybrid = best reliability + long-term value
5. The Level of Integration You Need
Separate systems cost less. Fully integrated CCTV + access control + alarms cost more, but deliver more value long-term.
Typical Costs for Business Security Systems in 2025
Every business wants a real number. These ranges reflect averages for commercial-grade systems across Atlantic Canada.
1. CCTV Surveillance Systems: $1,500 – $6,000+
Entry-Level CCTV Systems: Starting at ~$1,500
Good for: small offices, retail, salons, single-door businesses
Expect:
2–4 HD cameras
Local NVR storage
Basic remote access
Limited analytics
Mid-Range IP Camera Systems: $3,000–$6,000
Good for: multi-room retail, small warehouses, office suites
Expect:
4–8 IP cameras
Night vision + motion alerts
Mobile access
Cloud or hybrid recording
Better reliability & clarity
Advanced IP + AI Systems: $6,000+
Good for: industrial sites, large facilities, logistics, multi-site businesses
Expect:
AI detection (people/vehicle classification)
License plate recognition
Smart alerts
High-resolution 4K cameras
Cloud backups
Multi-camera surveillance systems
2. Intrusion Alarm Systems: $500 – $2,000+
Basic Alarm Setup: $500–$900
Includes door contacts, window sensors, and a basic keypad.
Intermediate Systems: $900–$1,500
Adds:
Motion sensors
Glass break detectors
Sirens
Mobile alerts
Backup power
Advanced Intrusion Systems: $1,500–$2,000+
Includes:
Full mobile control
Automation
Wireless alarm system installation
Integrations with access control & cameras
Professional monitoring options
3. Access Control Systems: $1,000 – $4,000+
Entry-Level Access Control: $1,000–$2,000
Good for: small offices, back rooms, retail spaces
Includes:
1–2 doors
Keycard/fob readers
Control panel
Mid-Range Access Control: $2,000–$3,000
Good for: multi-door offices, clinics, retail locations
Adds:
Door hardware
User management software
Audit logs
Advanced Access Control: $3,000–$4,000+
Includes:
Biometric scanners
Mobile credentials
Multi-site access permissions
Door access control system installation
Video doorbell installation
4. 24/7 Monitoring Services: $25 – $75/month
Costs depend on whether you want:
Alarm-only monitoring
Full system monitoring (CCTV + access + alarms)
Environmental monitoring (water, temperature, smoke)
Monitoring is crucial for businesses that sit empty overnight, face higher risk, or need compliance documentation.
How to Optimize Your Security Budget (Without Cutting Corners)
Here’s the part most integrators won’t tell you: you can still get a great system without overspending. Here’s how.
1. Bundle CCTV + Alarms + Access Control
Bundling saves money for three reasons:
Shared hardware
Fewer site visits
Integration done upfront
Bundled systems are easier to maintain and cheaper long-term.
2. Choose Systems That Can Scale With You
Start with what you need today — add what you might need tomorrow.
Whether it’s adding more cameras, upgrading to AI analytics, or expanding access points, scalable systems prevent “rip and replaces.”
3. Leasing & Financing Options
Leasing helps businesses:
Lower upfront costs
Preserve cash flow
Access better equipment
Keep technology updated
This is popular for SMBs and rapidly growing companies.
4. DIY vs. Professional Installation (The Honest Truth)
DIY can work but mostly in homes, not commercial settings.
Professional installation ensures:
Correct camera placement
Full system integration
Local compliance
Reliable performance
The cheapest system in the world becomes the most expensive if it fails when you need it.
Understanding ROI: Why Security Isn’t Just a Cost - It’s a Safeguard
Lower Insurance Premiums
Many insurers lower premiums for monitored alarm systems and verified video surveillance.
Reduced Theft & Shrinkage
Even a basic CCTV system can save thousands in prevented losses.
Employee Productivity & Safety
Security creates a safe, accountable workplace.
Business Continuity & Reputation Protection
One incident can disrupt operations. A strong system keeps you running and protects your brand.
Bottom Line: Business Security Is an Investment - Not an Expense
At the end of the day, choosing the right business security system isn’t just about comparing equipment, it’s about finding a licensed security installer who will give you honest answers, transparent pricing, and long-term support. That’s why so many organizations across Halifax, Dartmouth, Moncton, Fredericton, and beyond trust Cabco for professional security installation.
Whether you’re looking for a clear security system installation quote, trying to understand the true security camera installer cost, or simply searching for a security installer near me that actually picks up the phone when you need them, our team is here to help.
We take the time to educate you, guide you through your options, and design solutions that fit your business — not the other way around. Reach out to us today to get started.
Ahona Saha
Marketing Manager
Cabco