How much does it cost to install security cameras? There is no one-size-fits-all price.
The cost of installing a security camera depends on what you need installed, where it needs to go, and how reliable you want the system to be. A small wireless camera at the front door is a very different job from installing a full CCTV system for a double-storey home, shop, or warehouse.
Before booking a professional security camera installation, it helps to understand what actually affects the quote.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through realistic price ranges, the main cost factors, hidden extras, and when professional help is worth it.
How Much Does Security Camera Installation Cost in Australia?
How much will it cost to install security cameras?
There's no clear, definitive answer; it depends on the setup. A small house with one or two cameras is a very different project from a shop, office, warehouse, or large property requiring a full CCTV installation.
Security camera installation cost in Australia typically begins at $500–$800+ for the installation of 1-2 cameras.
A standard 4-camera system often costs around $1,200–$2,500+, while larger 6–8 camera systems can reach $2,500–$4,500+.
The cost of CCTV installation varies from $3,500 to $10,000+ for commercial installations and depends on the size of the area, the quality of the cameras, access, storage, and setup requirements.
Table Of Contents
Typical Costs
| Setup Type | Typical Cost Range in Australia | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic 1–2 camera setup | $500–$800+ | Small homes, apartments, entry points |
| Standard 4-camera setup | $1,200–$2,500+ | Most homes, driveways, front door, backyard |
| Larger 6–8 camera setup | $2,500–$4,500+ | Larger homes, rentals, warehouses, shops |
| Commercial CCTV setup | $3,500–$10,000+ | Offices, shops, strata, warehouses |
To put that into perspective, the price of a CCTV camera in Australia fluctuates significantly before labour is factored in.
A handful of camera sets can be found in retail stores for just a few hundred dollars or more than $1,000, depending on the brand, resolution, storage, and features.
For instance, Bunnings sells different camera models of the Arlo, Swann, and Eufy systems at varying prices—2K and 4K.
I would use these as a 'ballpark' figure rather than a fixed price. The final camera installation price can vary depending on cable runs, roof access, double-storey installation, NVR storage, app software installation, WiFi signal strength, and the need for new power and data points.
Home security systems in Australia can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, making it more accurate to get an on-site quote rather than a rough estimate over the phone.
What Is Usually Included in a Security Camera Installation Quote?
Security camera installation costs can vary widely from one quote to another. Here is what a proper quote may include:
| What’s Included | Possible Costs |
|---|---|
| Cameras | $100–$500+ each |
| Mounting brackets/fittings | $20–$100+ |
| Cabling | $100–$500+ |
| NVR/DVR system | $300–$1,500+ |
| Cabling | $100–$500+ |
| Hard drive/storage | $100–$400+ |
| Cloud subscription | $7.99–$17.99+ monthly |
| App setup | Often included, or $50–$150+ |
| Wifi/Network setup | $100–$300+ |
| Labour | Varies by site |
| Testing and handover | Often included |
To give you an idea of the possible range of CCTV camera prices in Australia, Officeworks offers some security camera products priced from $199 (a single smart camera) to a multi-camera system of Swann 4 cameras for $1,297 – before labour costs are applied.
Another one to look at is cloud storage. Arlo's Australian plans offer a single camera for $7.99 on the Basic plan and $12.99 for unlimited cameras, with the Plus plan priced at $17.99 monthly.
Labour is the part that many people forget. The average cost of an electrician's service in Australia starts at approximately $80–130, and the hourly rate is about $80–100, depending on the service and location.
Always check what is actually included. A low camera installation price might only cover basic labour, while a complete CCTV installation quote should cover the system, setup, testing, and handover.
Main Factors That Affect Security Camera Installation Cost
The exact price depends on the functions the security system is required to perform.
A small home with two cameras at the front and back door is a very different job from a double-storey property, warehouse, shop, or office. That’s why the cost of installing a security camera can go up or down pretty quickly.
There's a significant difference between a small house with two cameras on the front and rear doors, and a double-storey home with a camera in every room, a warehouse, a shop, or an office.
Here are the main factors that affect security camera installation costs:
Number of Cameras
This is the big one.
- More cameras mean:
- More hardware
- More mounting points
- More cable runs
- More setup time
- More storage needed
So yes, the price for installing 4 CCTV cameras is likely to be more expensive than installing a single or two cameras. However, if you require complete coverage throughout the driveway, front entry, side access and back garden, it may still be a better option.
Camera Quality
Not all cameras are built the same.
The CCTV camera price changes depending on whether you choose:
- 1080p, 2K, or 4K resolution
- Night vision
- Motion detection
- Audio recording
- Wide-angle viewing
- Weatherproof outdoor cameras
- Vandal-resistant cameras
- App viewing and alerts
The better the camera, the more you will have to pay for installation, but you also get better footage.
Property Size and Layout
Typically, a single-storey house is easier. A double-storey house, with a long driveway, a detached garage, a roof cavity, a shopfront, a warehouse, or a strata-type property may take longer.
The more difficult it is to install the CCTV camera system cables neatly and safely, the more expensive the installation will be.
Wired vs Wireless Setup
While the initial cost of a wireless camera might seem lower, there are several factors to consider, such as robust WiFi connectivity, proper positioning, charging or power, and secure installation.
Wired and PoE tend to be more expensive during initial setup but can be more reliable in larger homes and businesses. A registered cabler must carry out cabling work in Australia, and they must be registered for the type of work to be performed.
If new electrical wiring is required, this must be installed correctly as well. Electrical wiring must be carried out by a licensed electrician.
Storage and Monitoring
Storage also affects the CCTV cost.
You may need:
- NVR or DVR storage
- A larger hard drive
- Cloud storage
- Remote phone viewing
- Motion alerts
- Multiple user access
There are security cameras that use wireless technology and store recorded images on memory cards or external hard drives, and others that store them in the cloud.
Residential vs Commercial Security Camera Installation Costs
I tend to break it down into two categories: home CCTV and business CCTV. The gear may look the same, but the work behind the wall is often very different.
Typical Costs
| Property Type | Possible Cost Guide | What Usually Affects the Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small residential setup | $500–$800+ | 1–2 cameras, simple access, basic app setup |
| Standard home setup | $1,200–$2,500+ | 4 cameras, driveway, entry points, backyard |
| Larger home or rental | $2,500–$4,500+ | More cameras, long cable runs, double-storey access |
| Small commercial CCTV setup | $3,500–$5,000+ | NVR, 4+ cameras, storage, business-grade setup |
| Larger commercial setup | $5,000–$10,000+ | Wider coverage, more storage, after-hours recording |
The cost of installing security cameras in a home typically depends on the number of cameras, the number of storeys, cable access, and remote viewing. A 4-camera system is often used because it can be installed to cover the front door, driveway, side gate, and backyard.
Other reasons homeowners might hire a residential electrician are for installing new power points, cabling, or electrical work related to the camera installation.
Generally, commercial jobs are higher-priced. Wider coverage, more cameras, larger storage, better night vision, staff access control, and after-hours clear recording are often required in shops, offices, strata sites, and warehouses.
You can find some commercial CCTV specialists offering a small-business-grade NVR and 4-camera setup for around $3,000-$5,000, depending on the complexity.
For shops, offices and warehouses, commercial electricians may be needed where the CCTV setup connects with broader electrical work or business fit-out requirements.
Wired, Wireless, and PoE Cameras: Which Costs More?
Whenever someone asks me how much they should spend on installing security cameras, I often reply, "Wireless, wired, or PoE?" That decision can make the cost of the security camera installation go up just as rapidly.
| Camera Type | Possible Costs |
|---|---|
| Wireless cameras | $500–$1,500+ |
| Wired cameras | $1,200–$3,500+ |
| PoE cameras | $1,500–$4,500+ |
The initial costs of a wireless camera are typically lower. It may be cheaper to install the camera, as there will be fewer cables involved, but it still requires placement, WiFi, and charging/power.
For wireless cameras that require mains power close to where they are mounted, this may increase the total project cost as a power point installation will also be required.
To give you some perspective, a power point installation in Australia is listed on Hipages at $150-$300 per power point.
Generally, wired cameras are more expensive than wireless cameras due to the additional labour required for installation. You're paying for cleaner cable runs, increased reliability, and reduced reliance on WiFi.
PoE cameras are in the middle to high range. Popular with IP cameras and neat CCTV installations, PoE relies on Ethernet cabling to power devices that don't have built-in power.
PoE or wired systems are often recommended for a more reliable setup. Note that in both wired and PoE systems, registered cabling may be required.
DIY vs Professional Security Camera Installation
I’m all for a good DIY job when it makes sense. If you’re putting up a battery camera, a simple WiFi camera, a rental-friendly camera, or a doorbell camera, DIY can be a decent option. Your main cost is usually the camera itself, so the security camera cost can start at a few hundred dollars, depending on the brand, storage, and features.
However, when people ask me, “How much does it cost to install security cameras properly?”, then it changes.
| Option | Usually Suits | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| DIY setup | Battery cameras, Wi-Fi cameras, doorbell cameras | Lower upfront camera installation cost |
| Professional setup | Hardwired CCTV, PoE, multi-camera homes, commercial sites | Higher upfront cost, usually better reliability |
| Full CCTV supply and install | Homes or businesses wanting cameras, cabling, storage, app setup and testing | Higher total CCTV installation cost, but cleaner and more complete |
I suggest professional installation with hardwired CCTV, PoE, double-storey, commercial or anyone who doesn't want to deal with neat cable runs, correct camera angles, proper recording, and app setup.
In certain scenarios, such as installing the camera with a power supply, cabling, outdoor installation, or fixing existing electrical problems, professional electrical services might be required.
So, is DIY cheaper? Usually, yes. However, if you want a dependable security camera system that can capture the right areas and operate when you need it to, hiring a professional to install security cameras may be worth your while.
Extra Costs That Can Appear During Installation
The one thing I always tell people to save for. While simple on the surface, the base security camera installation cost may change due to a few site surprises.
When cameras are consistently dropping out or power isn't reliable, a professional electrical fault finder may be required before the system functions correctly.
That can increase the cost of CCTV installation, but it can save you from spending money on cameras that still won’t record properly.
Installing the lights can also help with nighttime photography at dark entryways, side paths, and driveways. Any camera can struggle to capture images in very low-light conditions.
Typical Costs
| Property Type | Possible Cost Guide | What Usually Affects the Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small residential setup | $500–$800+ | 1–2 cameras, simple access, basic app setup |
| Standard home setup | $1,200–$2,500+ | 4 cameras, driveway, entry points, backyard |
| Larger home or rental | $2,500–$4,500+ | More cameras, long cable runs, double-storey access |
| Small commercial CCTV setup | $3,500–$5,000+ | NVR, 4+ cameras, storage, business-grade setup |
| Larger commercial setup | $5,000–$10,000+ | Wider coverage, more storage, after-hours recording |
Security Camera Installation Cost FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions homeowners ask when planning a security camera installation, covering not only installation costs but also system types, placement, installation time, and what to expect throughout the process.
We trust that the information provided has been useful, even if it didn't address every query. For any additional questions, please reach out to us directly, and we'll be glad to help.
Is Security Camera Installation Worth the Cost? 
Very few ask about the cost of installing a security camera, as they want the best. They ask because they want to understand if the price of the security camera is reasonable. Usually, yes, as long as the system is placed properly.
A good CCTV setup can help you see who is coming near your home or business; monitor driveways, side gates, garages and entry points; keep an eye on parcels and deliveries; access footage remotely while you are away; review footage if something happens; and support safer business premises for staff and visitors.
Cover your entry/exit areas, driveways, and streets in front of houses, and ensure cameras are used only for your property and have sufficient storage. I look at the cost to install security cameras as part of the bigger picture: visibility, recording quality, access, storage, and reliability.
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