“How much is this going to cost us?”
If you’re researching access control systems and security cameras for your small business, this is probably the first thing you’re wondering.
And if you’ve tried Googling it, you’ve probably run into vague answers, wild price ranges, or worse—zero transparency.
We get it. As a business, you want to secure your property, your people, and your data, but you also need to plan a real budget. So, let’s cut the fluff and break down exactly what affects the price of an access control system.
The Truth: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Price
We’d love to tell you, “It’s $X per door, done and done.” But pricing an access control system isn’t like buying a desk or a laptop. It depends on your space, your needs, and your goals.
That said, there are predictable factors that drive the price up or help bring it down. Here’s what really matters when figuring out what your system will cost.
7 Factors That Affect the Price of Your Access Control System
1. Number of Doors and Entry Points
This is the most obvious one. More doors mean more hardware, more wiring, and more configuration.
- Exterior doors often cost more than interior ones due to the additional weatherproofing and durability requirements.
- Don’t forget side entrances, loading docks, employee-only areas, or garages. Each one adds to the total.
Quick tip: Start by counting your critical access points, not just the front door.
2. Type of Access Credentials
Are you using key cards? Mobile credentials? PIN codes? Biometric readers?
- Key cards or fobs are common and relatively inexpensive upfront, but come with ongoing replacement costs.
- Mobile credentials, which utilize smartphones, reduce these costs and are more secure.
- Biometrics, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, offer high security but often come at a premium.
Most modern systems are shifting toward mobile—easier to manage, lower risk, and no more lost cards.
3. Wired vs. Wireless Infrastructure
Your building’s layout has a significant impact here.
- New buildings might be easier (and cheaper) to wire during construction.
- Retrofits in older buildings may require wireless solutions or creative cable routing, which can raise labor costs.
Wireless can reduce installation time, but ensure it aligns with your security and compliance needs.
4. Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Systems
Old-school systems rely on local servers and IT management. Cloud-based systems (like Verkada) store data securely online and let you manage everything remotely.
- On-premises systems may appear cheaper upfront, but they often incur higher long-term IT costs.
- Cloud systems include features such as automatic updates, remote access, and simplified scaling.
Cloud-based solutions often provide better value over time, even if the initial price is slightly higher.
5. Video Integration and Surveillance Add-Ons
Want to match entry events with video footage? You’ll need a system that supports video surveillance integration.
- Some platforms, such as Verkada, combine access control and cameras in a single dashboard.
- Others require separate systems, which can result in higher costs, additional vendors, and increased complexity.
Bundling video and access control often saves money and serious headaches down the road.
6. Software Licenses and Subscription Fees
Don’t forget the “soft” costs. Most systems have some form of software licensing.
- Per-door or per-user pricing models are common.
- Cloud systems typically charge monthly or annually and usually include support, updates, and data storage.
- Watch out for extra charges to unlock “premium” features that should be standard.
Ask precisely what's included in your software plan so you’re not surprised later.
7. Installation and Labor Costs
Installation isn’t just about hanging readers on the wall.
- Do you need trenching for wiring?
- Are you mounting hardware in high-security or hard-to-reach areas?
- Is after-hours work required to avoid disrupting your business?
Labor rates vary by region and project complexity.
A good vendor will include labor, setup, and configuration in the quote, rather than adding them on after the fact.
So… How Much Does an Access Control System Actually Cost?
Let’s break it down by business size. These are general estimates, based on real-world projects we’ve worked on at AIS:
Small Office (1–3 doors)
$2,500 – $7,500
Simple setup with standard readers and cloud-based control. Ideal for small teams or single-location businesses.
Mid-Size Business (4–10 doors)
$10,000 – $25,000
More doors, zones, and likely some video integration. Often includes mobile credentials and remote management.
Large or Multi-Site Businesses
$30,000+
This range includes multiple buildings, cloud-based multi-site management, integrated video, and role-based access control.
Important: These are ballpark figures. The only way to get an accurate number is through a personalized assessment.
What’s Worth Paying For And What’s Not
Here’s what you should invest in:
System reliability – Don’t save a few bucks and end up with constant outages.
Future-proofing – Cloud-based, scalable platforms are more cost-effective in the long run.
Strong support – Pay for a vendor that answers the phone and fixes problems.
And what to skip?
Overly complex legacy systems – Expensive to maintain, hard to train new staff
Proprietary hardware with high replacement costs
"Starter kits" that don’t scale or integrate with anything else
Hidden Costs That Can Creep In
If you're comparing vendors, make sure to ask about:
- User limits – Some systems charge extra if you add more users later
- Extra fees for mobile credentials or integrations
- Support and training – Is it included or billed separately?
- Warranty and replacement – What happens if hardware fails?
Always request a complete, itemized quote. And make sure “support” isn’t just a line on a brochure.
How AIS Helps You Get the Right System at the Right Price
At AIS, we don’t do cookie-cutter systems. We assess your space, your needs, and your goals—then recommend a solution that fits.
We work with modern, cloud-based platforms like Verkada, which give you:
- Remote management
- Mobile credentials
- Easy video integration
- Real-time alerts
- Complete visibility across all your locations
And we don’t just sell it—we design, install, and support it. That means:
- No unexpected costs
- No nickel-and-diming
- No “Sorry, we don’t handle that” surprises.
Ready to Understand What Your Access Control System Might Cost?
Let’s have an honest conversation, without the sales fluff.
Schedule a free consultation with AIS. We’ll walk your space (virtually or in person), ask the right questions, and give you a clear quote. No pressure. Just clarity.
