What Does CCTV Cost in 2025? A Complete Price Overview
, by Armia Ghali, 12 min reading time
"How much does a camera surveillance system cost?" It's one of the first and most important questions we get. However, the answer isn't as simple as a single number. Camera surveillance prices can range from less than a hundred euros for a single Wi-Fi camera to tens of thousands of euros for an integrated system for a large commercial building. This enormous bandwidth makes it difficult for consumers and business owners to determine a realistic budget.
Costs aren't determined solely by the number of cameras, but by a complex interplay of technology, installation, storage, and intelligence. In this ultimate 2025 pricing guide, we break down the cost of camera surveillance down to the individual components. We divide the market into clear segments, from a basic DIY kit to a professionally installed AI system, so you know exactly what you're getting for your money and which investment best suits your security needs.
More Than Just the Camera: The 5 Big Cost Factors
Before we dive into the pricing tables, it's essential to understand where the costs come from. The price of a camera system is determined by five main elements:
- Camera Type and Number: A basic 2MP Wi-Fi camera costs less than an 8K PTZ camera with 45x zoom. The number of cameras is a direct multiplier.
- Resolution and Sensor: Higher resolutions (4MP, 5MP, 8MP/4K) cost more. Specialized sensors like Starlight for color night vision or full-color further increase the price.
- Storage method: A separate SD card is inexpensive. A Network Video Recorder (NVR) with several terabytes of storage requires a larger initial investment, but offers greater capacity and functionality. Cloud storage has a monthly fee.
- Intelligence (AI): Basic motion detection is free. Advanced AI such as WizSense (vehicle and person recognition) or WizMind (facial recognition, "people counting") represents a higher technological value and therefore a higher price.
- Installation: DIY installation saves money on labor, but professional installation guarantees proper operation, optimal placement and reliability.
Segment 1: The Do-it-Yourself Starter (Budget: €100 - €400)
This segment is perfect for those looking for an easy way to get started with camera security. Think of monitoring an apartment's front door, a backyard shed, or an interior space. The focus is on convenience and low initial costs.
Features:
- 1 to 2 cameras
- Mostly WiFi cameras for ease of installation
- Resolution from 2MP (Full HD) to 4MP
- Storage primarily on an SD card in the camera
- Installation is completely Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
Dahua IPC-HFW1430DT-STW 4MP WiFi Camera
This is a perfect entry-level model. With 4MP resolution (twice as sharp as Full HD) and a built-in microphone, it delivers sharp images and sound. H.265+ compression ensures the SD card doesn't fill up too quickly. It can be installed and configured in minutes via the app.
| Element | Estimated Costs |
|---|---|
| 1-2 WiFi Cameras (4MP) | €100 - €250 |
| 2x MicroSD Card (128GB) | €40 - €60 |
| Installation costs | €0 (DIY) |
| Total Initial Cost | €140 - €310 |
Segment 2: The Solid Family Home (Budget: €800 - €2,000)
This is the most popular segment for owners of terraced houses and semi-detached houses. The focus is on a reliable, complete system that covers all vulnerable points (front and back, driveway). Stability is more important here than ease of installation, so PoE (Power over Ethernet) is the standard.
Features:
- 3 to 4 cameras
- PoE connection for maximum reliability
- Resolution from 4MP to 5MP
- Central storage on a 4- or 8-channel Network Video Recorder (NVR) with 1TB-2TB storage
- Installation can be DIY for the handy user, but professional installation is recommended.
A Complete 4-Camera PoE Set
A typical setup in this segment consists of a 4-channel PoE NVR and four cameras. For example, two Dahua 4MP Turrets for the front and rear, combined with two rugged dome or bullet models. This provides complete, 24/7 recording without monthly fees and with the reliability of a wired system.
| Element | Estimated Costs |
|---|---|
| 4-channel PoE NVR with 2TB HDD | €300 - €500 |
| 4x 4/5MP PoE Cameras | €400 - €800 |
| Cabling (UTP) and mounting material | €50 - €100 |
| Installation costs (optional) | €400 - €700 |
| Total Initial Cost | €750 - €2,100 |
Segment 3: The SME & The Demanding Homeowner (Budget: €2,000 - €5,000)
This segment focuses on small businesses (shops, offices) or owners of detached houses with large plots. Higher demands are placed on image quality (4K), night vision, and intelligence (AI). The goal is not just recording, but also proactive detection and analysis.
Features:
- 4 to 8 cameras
- PoE Only
- 8MP (4K) resolution is the standard
- Cameras with advanced features: TiOC (active deterrent) , Full-color/Starlight night vision
- 8-channel NVR with 4TB+ storage
- Professional installation is the standard
Dahua IPC-HFW3849T1-AS-PV-PRO 8MP TiOC
Cameras in this segment are more than just passive eyes. This 4K TiOC model features WizSense AI, which detects intruders and then proactively deters them with a siren and strobe. This prevents an incident instead of simply recording it. This is the core of a modern, proactive security system.
| Element | Estimated Costs |
|---|---|
| 8-channel PoE NVR with 4TB HDD | €500 - €900 |
| 6x 8MP (4K) AI Cameras | €1,200 - €2,400 |
| Professional Installation & Configuration | €800 - €1,400 |
| Total Initial Cost | €2,500 - €4,700 |
Segment 4: Professional & Business (Budget: €5,000+)
This is the domain of larger commercial buildings, parking lots, homeowners' associations, and critical infrastructure. Costs here are determined by the need for specialized cameras, advanced video analytics, and integration with other systems.
Features:
- 8 to 32+ cameras
- Mix of specialized cameras: PTZ cameras , panoramic cameras , thermal cameras
- High-end AI: WizMind with features such as AcuPick (fast search), license plate recognition (ANPR) and 'people counting'
- Powerful 16/32-channel NVRs with redundant storage (RAID)
- Integration with alarm systems and access control
Dahua SD8A840-HNF-PA 8MP 40x Zoom PTZ
A single camera like this can exceed the cost of 5 or 6 fixed cameras, yet it covers a huge area. With 40x optical zoom and AI Auto-tracking, it can follow a person across an entire parking lot. This kind of specialized hardware drives the cost in the professional segment.
| Element | Estimated Costs |
|---|---|
| 16-channel NVR with 16TB of storage | €1,200 - €2,500 |
| 1x High-end PTZ Camera | €1,500 - €3,000 |
| 10x 4K WizMind Cameras | €3,000 - €5,000 |
| Installation, project management & integration | €2,500 - €5,000+ |
| Total Initial Cost | €8,200 - €15,500+ |
The Cost of Installation: DIY vs. Professional Installer
💡 Pro Tip: Don't underestimate the installation
The most common mistake is investing in expensive cameras and skimping on installation. A poorly placed 4K camera with backlighting will produce worse images than a well-placed 4MP camera. Professional installation is an investment in the effectiveness of your system.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY):
- Cost: €50 - €150 for tools, cables and mounting materials.
- Advantages: Savings on labor costs.
- Disadvantages: Risk of incorrect placement (backlight, wrong angle), incorrect software configuration, no guarantee on installation, and it can be very time-consuming.
Professional Installer:
- Cost: Average €150 - €250 per camera , including cabling, mounting and basic configuration.
- Benefits: Optimal camera placement, correct and neat cabling, professional configuration of the NVR and app, warranty on installation, and expert advice.
- Disadvantages: Higher initial cost.
Hidden & Recurring Charges: What to Watch Out For
Purchase and installation are the biggest expenses, but also consider any ongoing costs.
Beware of the 'Subscription Trap'
Many consumer brands (not professional systems like Dahua) lure customers with inexpensive hardware, but then require an expensive monthly cloud subscription to use essential features like recording or AI detection. A system with an NVR has no mandatory monthly fees.
- Cloud Storage: Expect to pay €3 to €10 per camera per month. For a 4-camera system, this can cost up to €480 per year.
- Power consumption: A 4-camera PoE system with an NVR consumes continuous power. Expect to spend around €50-€100 per year on electricity.
- Maintenance: Optional, but an annual check-up by a professional (€100 - €200) can extend the life of your system.
Return on Investment (ROI)
CCTV isn't an expense, but an investment in safety and peace of mind. This investment can pay for itself in several ways.
💰 Insurance Discounts & Damage Prevention
- A 5-15% discount on your home contents or buildings insurance is common with a professionally installed camera system. This can equate to a savings of €50-€200 per year .
- The average financial damage from a home burglary in the Netherlands is €2,300 (excluding the emotional impact).
- Preventing a single burglary often means that a mid-range system will pay for itself immediately.
Source: Dutch Association of Insurers & CBS, 2025.
The ROI is simple: the cost of the system versus the potential cost of an incident. For a company, preventing a single theft from a warehouse overnight can mean an ROI of 1000% or more.
Conclusion: What is a Realistic Budget for You?
The cost of camera surveillance is directly linked to your needs and the risks of your situation. A "good" system isn't necessarily the most expensive, but rather the one that strikes the right balance between your budget and your security goals.
- For basic security of 1-2 points: A budget of €150 - €400 for a DIY WiFi set is realistic.
- For complete and reliable security for a standard home: Expect to pay €1,200-€2,000 for a professionally installed PoE system. This is the sweet spot for most households.
- For a business or large home with advanced needs: The investment starts around €2,500 and can increase depending on the complexity and number of specialized cameras.
Remember, investing in a solid system with professional installation will not only deliver better images, but also increased reliability, less frustration, and a greater deterrent effect.
Would you like an exact price for your situation?
Every property is different. Our experts are happy to prepare a free, customized quote based on your specific needs, property, and budget. This way, you'll know exactly what to expect.
