This article breaks down the cost to own a Simply Safe system, including upfront hardware, monitoring plans, and ongoing fees. It shows typical total price ranges, per-unit costs, and factors that influence the final quote. The price details cover cost, pricing, and budgeting decisions for a DIY or professionally installed setup.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Kit Hardware | $199 | $299 | $399 | Includes base station, keypad, entry sensors; extras raise price |
| Monthly Monitoring | $0 | $20 | $40 | Self-monitoring vs professional monitoring |
| Annual Monitoring Equivalent | $0 | $240 | $480 | 12-month sum for plan |
| Installation Time | 0 hours | 1-2 hours | 4+ hours | DIY vs professional |
| Per-Device Add-Ons | $25-$100 | $50-$150 | $150-$300 | Extra sensors, cameras, or sirens |
Assumptions: Midwest or general U.S. labor rates, standard kit, typical 8-12 sensor layout, standard home access.
What You Pay Up Front for Simply Safe Hardware
Upfront hardware costs typically range from $199 to $399 for a basic kit, with larger setups climbing higher. A starter bundle usually includes a base station, keypad, and a handful of entry sensors. If a system adds cameras or additional glassbreak sensors, the initial price can reach $500 or more. Per-unit pricing applies when adding extra door/window sensors at about $25-$50 each or indoor cameras around $100-$150 each.
Monthly Monitoring Plans and Total Yearly Cost
Monitoring plans commonly cost $20-$40 per month, or roughly $240-$480 per year. Some plans include professional monitoring, cellular backup, and 24/7 response, while self-monitoring incurs no monthly fee but may limit response times. The cost formula per year is approximately monthly rate × 12.
Equipment Costs by System Size
System size drives the upfront price more than any other factor. A 5-piece kit (base, keypad, two door sensors, motion sensor) might sit near $299, while a 10- to 15-piece setup with cameras and glassbreak sensors can approach $600-$800 before any promotions or bundled discounts.
Professional Installation vs Do-It-Yourself Pricing
DIY installation reduces labor charges but may require more time. Professional installation can run $75-$125 per hour in some markets, with a typical install lasting 1-3 hours for a basic system. If you opt for a pro install that includes camera mounting and network setup, expect higher costs, potentially $150-$300 in some regions.
Regional Price Variations Across the United States
Prices tend to be higher in urban areas and lower in rural regions. Expect hardware to stay within the $199-$399 range but service charges and add-ons may shift by region. Some markets show only minor differences, while others reflect regional labor and permitting norms that can nudge total quotes up by 10-20% in coastal metros.
Add-Ons and Optional Accessories Pricing
Optional accessories such as indoor cameras, extra sensors, and sirens add $25-$300 per item. Cameras typically cost $100-$150 each, motion detectors $25-$60, and extra keypads $50-$100. Bundle discounts can reduce per-item costs when purchased together with a starter kit.
Renewal Fees and Long-Term Cost for Service
Long-term ownership cost includes ongoing monitoring, cellular service, and potential alarm verification fees. If you stay with a standard plan, anticipate $240-$480 per year. Some households may see price bumps if equipment ages or if you add advanced features like high-resolution cameras or cloud storage tiers.
How to Reduce Simply Safe Costs Without Sacrificing Security
Control scope, timing, and material choices to curb costs. Start with a smaller kit and add only the essential sensors first, then expand. Schedule installation during off-peak periods to potentially lower labor quotes. Consider reusing existing devices where compatible, compare regional quotes, and opt for self-monitoring if 24/7 response is not a priority.
Major Cost Components for a Simply Safe Quote
The following table breaks down typical cost components for a Simply Safe system.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | $199 | $299 | $399 | Starter kit plus add-ons |
| Installation Labor | $0 | $60 | $300 | DIY vs professional |
| Monitoring | $0 | $20 | $40 | Monthly fee |
| Additional Devices | $25 | $75 | $300 | Per item |
| Taxes/Fees | $0 | $30 | $80 | Regional variations |
| Promotions/Discounts | $0 | $0-$50 | $100 | Seasonal offers |
Prices reflect U.S. market norms and include typical ranges for hardware, service, and add-ons. Always check current promotions or bundles that can lower the overall cost.