Security budgets are shaped by facility size, risk profile, and how many locations need coverage. Below are realistic benchmarks for planning a commercial security investment, along with the factors that move the number up or down.
Average Security System Costs by Facility Type
Single-entrance small office (up to 5,000 sq ft)
A foundational system with a handful of cameras, one or two access-controlled doors, and basic monitoring software typically runs $8,000 to $20,000 CAD installed.
Mid-size commercial facility (5,000-25,000 sq ft)
Facilities with multiple entrances, a larger camera count, and access control across several doors generally range from $25,000 to $75,000 CAD, depending on coverage requirements.
Large facility or campus (25,000+ sq ft)
Distribution centers, corporate campuses, and large retail footprints with comprehensive camera coverage, multi-door access control, and integrated alarm systems typically fall between $100,000 and $500,000+ CAD, driven by square footage and the number of controlled points.
Multi-site organizations
Organizations rolling out standardized security across multiple locations typically see a lower per-site cost than a single custom-designed site, because equipment, licensing, and monitoring can be centralized and templated across the portfolio.
These figures cover equipment, installation, and standard system configuration. They do not include ongoing monitoring subscriptions, which are typically billed separately on a monthly or annual basis.
What Actually Drives Security Costs Up or Down
Number of access points and cameras
Cost scales directly with the number of doors requiring access control and the number of cameras needed for adequate coverage. A facility with many entrances or a large perimeter costs more to secure than a compact single-entry building of the same square footage.
Cloud-managed vs. on-premise systems
Cloud-managed platforms often reduce upfront hardware and server costs but carry ongoing licensing fees. On-premise systems can have a higher initial cost but lower recurring fees. The right model depends on IT resources and how the organization wants to manage the system long term.
Integration with existing systems
Facilities that need security integrated with existing IT infrastructure, HR systems for access credentialing, or building management systems will see added cost for integration and programming work.
Compliance and industry requirements
Regulated environments such as healthcare, finance, and government facilities often require additional documentation, audit trails, and specific certifications, which adds to both cost and project timeline.
Monitoring and response model
Self-monitored systems cost less on an ongoing basis than systems with 24/7 professional monitoring and guard dispatch, but the right choice depends on the facility’s risk profile and after-hours exposure.
How to Budget for a Security Project
1. Start with a risk assessment, not a product list. The number of doors, cameras, and sensors needed should come from a walkthrough of the facility, not a generic package.
2. Decide on cloud vs. on-premise early. This decision affects both the upfront quote and the long-term cost of ownership, so it should be settled before pricing equipment.
3. Plan for multi-site standardization if applicable. Organizations with more than one location save the most by locking in a standard design that can be replicated, rather than pricing each site independently.
4. Budget for monitoring and maintenance separately from install. A complete security budget should account for ongoing monitoring fees, software licensing, and periodic maintenance, not just the one-time installation cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a commercial security system?
Most mid-size commercial facilities (5,000-25,000 sq ft) fall between $25,000 and $75,000 CAD installed, depending on the number of doors and cameras required.
Is cloud-based security more expensive than traditional systems?
Cloud-based systems typically have lower upfront costs but include ongoing licensing fees, while traditional on-premise systems often have higher upfront costs and lower recurring fees. Total cost of ownership depends on the timeframe being evaluated.
Does the security system cost include monitoring?
Installation quotes typically cover equipment and setup only. 24/7 professional monitoring is usually a separate ongoing subscription.
How many cameras does a commercial building typically need?
This depends entirely on square footage, number of entrances, and specific risk areas identified during a site assessment. There is no reliable one-size-fits-all number.
A site-specific risk assessment is the most accurate way to scope a security system for your facility and budget.
Written by Gianfranco, Digital Marketing Manager at GAV MGMT