Someone is always watching. The phrase may sound like an ominous “Big Brother” slogan from a future dystopia — or a gentle reminder of a higher power, if you’re a spiritually inclined mind — but it’s pretty much true in this day and age. Your internet browsing and clicks are tracked and thoroughly analyzed by the websites you visit, and anywhere public that you go in any major U.S. city most likely has surveillance cameras stationed throughout. The only spaces in which we still have a choice in the matter (for the most part) is in our private homes and businesses. Despite concern regarding surveillance and privacy invasion in our high-tech world however, it seems that people do generally consider security to be a positive attribute. Steadily rising sales in user-friendly home surveillance and the stone-faced bodyguards that accompany anyone with a trace of celebrity status points towards our society’s growing acceptance of security as a necessary aspect of our lives.
So how much does having this measure of safety cost us? The dollar range is actually quite wide, and it depends on many factors such as location, level of security, and whether it comes in the form of human and animal resources or technology. Curious about what other people are paying for their peace of mind? Here’s the rundown!
Keeping a Guard Dog: $800 – $10,000 per year
The oldest home security practice is keeping guard dogs, and many people still rely upon this traditional method. The cost of keeping a dog varies greatly, depending on many factors such as how much was initially paid for the dog (it can still cost up to $500 to adopt), the quality and quantity of the toys, leashes, beds, and food provided to the dog, whether the dog’s diet is supplemented, whether grooming is done by the owner or professionally, and how often the dog has to visit a veterinarian. Though it’s hard to predict how much a dog will cost in the long run, it can be much more than just a sentinel to the owner — after all, they say a dog is a man’s best friend, and friendship is priceless.
Living in an NYC Building with Security: $5000 – $24,000 per year
Those who can choose to reside in the Big Apple have more to worry about than just sky-high rent and mortgages — the amenities/maintenance fee adds another couple hundred to thousands of dollars per month to their bill! This fee usually includes security in the lobby, as well as other perks such as gym use or pool use. Unfortunately, it’s not customary for people to be able to select what they pay for, so they can’t just pay for the security guy and cameras and opt out of everything else. Even with a rock-bottom fee, NYC dwellers probably can’t escape $400 or so a month. Yikes!
Living in An Inexpensive City’s Building with Security: As low as $600 per year
Luckily for those NOT living in New York City, San Francisco, or another overpriced hub of culture, having a security guy with a nice surveillance setup in the lobby won’t be burning such a deep hole in the bank account. The monthly amenities/maintenance fee for buildings in other U.S. cities can be as low as $50 per month.
Installing a Home Surveillance System: $150 – $5000
Many homeowners who don’t live in a building with shared security cameras and guards opt to purchase and install their own surveillance system for protection. Though the initial installation can be a hassle, avoiding monthly fees is a great incentive for people to monitor their property on their own. A very basic system can be purchased for as low as $150, while a high-resolution 16-channel system can cost up to $2500. For those who aren’t a fan of DIY projects, hiring an installer can add a couple hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the number of cameras owned. Modern home systems usually come with remote viewing options and motion-triggered alerts, and having visible surveillance cameras outside a home deters criminals from causing trouble in the first place.
Hiring a Bodyguard: $200 – $900 a day
Most clients who utilize bodyguards only require a basic level of protection for a few specific dates. Much like living costs, average bodyguard costs depend largely on the location of the client. For those living in New York City, hiring a bodyguard for a day can cost around $650 a day, while Los Angeles clients can hire the same caliber of protection for only $200 a day. If international travel is involved, the rate can jump to $900 a day, however. Next time you see your celebrity crush out and about with a man in black, you’ll know the facts!
So how important is your property and family’s security to you, and how much would you be willing to pay for it?