3-Year Home Security Cost Calculator

Get the total cost of ownership — hardware, monitoring, cloud storage, and batteries — before you commit to a system.

TL;DR

Most buyers look at the hardware price and miss the 3-year subscription cost that often exceeds it. Use this calculator to get the real number.

  • Set monitoring to $0 if you plan to self-monitor
  • Cloud storage fees are separate from monitoring
  • Battery costs add up fast in high-traffic zones
  • Open-source alternative: Abode or eufy for zero ongoing fees

Enter Your System Details

Fill in the costs for the system you are considering. Use $0 for features you will not use or pay for.

🛒 Hardware & Setup
📅 Monthly Recurring Costs
Set to $0 if self-monitoring
Set to $0 for local storage systems
Your 3-Year Total Cost of Ownership
3-Year Total
$0
  • Hardware & Setup$0
  • Professional Monitoring (36 months)$0
  • Cloud Storage (36 months)$0
  • Battery Replacements (3 years)$0
  • Add-On Devices$0
  • Average Monthly Cost $0/mo
Compare Brands by Subscription Cost → Read: The Subscription Trap Test →
Want this as a PDF? Get the Free 3-Year Cost Worksheet — includes all brands and a blank comparison worksheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most DIY security systems require monthly subscriptions for remote access, cloud storage, and professional monitoring. A system with a $200 hardware kit and a $30/month monitoring plan costs $1,280 over 3 years — more than 6x the hardware cost.
Abode, eufy, and Reolink PoE systems all offer meaningful functionality without any subscription. Abode and eufy provide local storage and basic monitoring for free. Reolink PoE systems record 24/7 to a local NVR with no cloud fees ever.
Yes. Manufacturer battery life claims of "2 years" are measured in lab conditions with minimal motion activity. In a real high-traffic zone, many battery-powered cameras need replacement every 6-12 months.
Yes — the monitoring monthly fee field covers professional monitoring plans. If you plan to self-monitor without a paid plan, set that field to $0.
For a basic setup with 3-4 cameras and door sensors, budget $300-$600 for hardware. Add monitoring and cloud costs and the 3-year TCO typically lands between $500 and $2,000 depending on the brand and plan you choose.