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Camera System Cost Calculator
Modern IP camera systems with NVR storage and AI-enabled remote monitoring increasingly substitute for 24/7 security guards. This calculator builds the upfront install cost (cameras, cabling, NVR) plus annual monitoring cost so property managers can compare camera-based security against traditional guard service.
Year 1 total
$18,900
Upfront installation
$15,300
Annual monitoring
$3,600
Cameras
$7,200
Cabling / install
$5,600
NVR/DVR
$2,500
How the math works
Camera unit cost: analog $80-150; IP HD $150-350; IP 4K $300-600; AI-enabled $500-1,000+. Cabling install $250-500/camera, more for outdoor or long runs. NVR $1.5K-5K depending on channels and storage.
Cloud-based VSaaS (video surveillance as a service) skips upfront NVR cost but adds $20-100/camera/month. Better for small sites; on-premise NVR cheaper for 16+ cameras.
How to Use
- Enter camera count and type (analog / IP HD / IP 4K / AI-enabled).
- Enter NVR/DVR cost and per-camera cabling cost.
- Enter monthly remote monitoring fee.
- Read year-1 total, upfront, and ongoing monitoring cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
On-premise vs cloud NVR?
On-premise: $1.5-5K NVR, no monthly fee, requires storage management. Cloud (VSaaS): $20-100/camera/month, scales easily, no NVR. Cloud cheaper under ~12 cameras; on-prem cheaper at 16+.
AI vs standard cameras?
AI cameras detect people, vehicles, license plates, line crossings, loitering — reduces false alarms 80-90%. Worth the 50-100% price premium for high-priority sites.
Replacement cycle?
Cameras 5-8 years; NVR 4-6 years; cabling 15-20 years. Build replacement reserve $0.50-1.50/SF/year for security tech.
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