Dallas homeowners face a unique security challenge: rapid population growth has brought both prosperity and property crime concerns to neighborhoods from Uptown to Oak Cliff. With the metro area housing over 7.6 million people and a median household income of $83,398, many families want comprehensive protection but struggle to understand what a quality security system actually costs.
The biggest mistake I see homeowners make is shopping for one stop security solutions without understanding the real pricing structure. They get sticker shock when quotes come in 50-70% higher than advertised rates, then either overpay or choose inadequate protection.
Here’s what security systems actually cost in Dallas, why the prices vary so much, and how to get the best value for your investment.
Understanding ADT Security Costs Without Long-Term Contracts
The most common question I get is about ADT monthly cost and whether you can avoid multi-year commitments. ADT’s standard contracts run 36 months, but several alternatives exist in Dallas.
ADT Traditional Pricing:
- Basic monitoring: $45-50/month
- ADT Command panel: $52.99/month
- Professional installation: $99-199
- Equipment: $200-800 upfront
ADT security no contract options include:
- Month-to-month plans: $60-75/month (20-30% premium)
- Bring-your-own-device monitoring: $20-30/month
- Local Dallas companies offering flexible terms
The reason contracts exist is simple: companies subsidize equipment costs through monthly fees. Without contracts, you pay full equipment price upfront but gain flexibility.
| Service Type | Contract Price | No-Contract Price | Equipment Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Monitoring | $45/month | $65/month | $300-500 |
| Full System | $55/month | $75/month | $800-1,200 |
| Smart Home Integration | $65/month | $85/month | $1,200-2,000 |
How Much You’ll Actually Pay: The Real Installation Costs
When homeowners ask “how much is ADT a month,” they’re missing the bigger picture. Installation labor is where costs add up quickly, and Dallas rates reflect our strong economy.
Why Installation Costs More Than Advertised: Bureau of Labor Statistics shows security technicians earn $28.37/hour in Dallas. But you’ll pay $42.56-$70.93/hour because that rate covers:
- Liability insurance and bonding
- Commercial vehicle costs and fuel
- Tools and testing equipment
- Business overhead and permits
- Employer taxes and worker benefits
Typical Dallas Installation Projects:
| Home Size | Basic System | Enhanced System | Premium System |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $450-650 | $800-1,100 | $1,200-1,600 |
| 1,500-2,500 sq ft | $650-950 | $1,100-1,500 | $1,600-2,200 |
| 2,500+ sq ft | $950-1,400 | $1,500-2,100 | $2,200-3,200 |
Premium systems include outdoor cameras, smart locks, and environmental sensors - essential for Dallas weather extremes.
Monthly Monitoring: What Different Service Levels Cost
Beyond installation, ongoing monitoring is your main expense. Here’s what different service levels include and cost in the Dallas market:
Basic Monitoring ($25-40/month):
- Intrusion detection only
- Police/fire dispatch
- Basic mobile app
- No video storage
Standard Monitoring ($40-60/month):
- Full intrusion and environmental sensors
- Mobile alerts and control
- Basic video storage (7 days)
- Customer support
Premium Monitoring ($60-85/month):
- Smart home integration
- Extended video storage (30+ days)
- Professional monitoring with video verification
- Equipment warranty included
The Dallas market offers more competitive pricing than many Texas cities due to the number of providers serving our metro area.
How to Choose the Right Security Professional
Not all security installers are equal. In Dallas’s competitive market, quality varies dramatically. Here’s how to identify legitimate professionals:
Licensed and Insured Requirements:
- Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security License
- Workers compensation insurance
- General liability coverage ($1M minimum)
- Better Business Bureau rating (A- or higher)
Experience Indicators:
- 5+ years serving Dallas metro
- References from your specific neighborhood
- Manufacturer certifications (especially for smart home integration)
- Written warranties on installation work
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Door-to-door sales tactics
- Pressure for immediate signing
- Prices significantly below market rates
- No physical Dallas-area office address
- Unable to provide local references
I’ve seen too many Lakewood and Highland Park homeowners get burned by fly-by-night installers who disappear when equipment fails.
What to Expect During Installation
Professional security system installation follows a predictable process. Understanding the timeline helps you plan and ensures quality work.
Pre-Installation (1-2 weeks):
- Site survey and system design
- Permit applications if required
- Equipment ordering and staging
- Installation scheduling
Installation Day (4-8 hours typical):
- Panel and keypad mounting
- Sensor placement and wiring
- Camera installation and positioning
- System programming and testing
- User training and documentation
Post-Installation:
- 30-day monitoring test period
- Follow-up service call if needed
- Warranty registration
- User manual and emergency contacts
Quality installers clean up completely and won’t leave you with exposed wires or unpainted holes.
Quality Indicators and Warning Signs
After installing hundreds of systems across Dallas neighborhoods, certain patterns separate professional from amateur work.
Signs of Quality Installation:
- Clean, organized wiring with proper cable management
- Sensors positioned for optimal coverage without false alarms
- Control panels placed conveniently but securely
- Clear labeling of all zones and components
- Comprehensive testing before final sign-off
Warning Signs of Poor Work:
- Exposed wiring or cable runs
- Sensors placed incorrectly (too high, wrong angles)
- Control panels in hard-to-reach locations
- Incomplete system documentation
- Rushed installation without proper testing
Testing Your System: Every door, window, and motion sensor should trigger properly. Camera angles should cover intended areas without privacy violations. Smart home features should integrate smoothly with existing devices.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
The right questions separate professional companies from sales-focused operations. Here’s what to ask potential installers:
About Their Service:
- How long have you served the Dallas area specifically?
- Can you provide references from my neighborhood?
- What’s included in your installation warranty?
- How do you handle service calls and repairs?
About Costs:
- What’s your exact hourly rate for additional work?
- Are there any hidden fees or charges?
- How much do replacement parts typically cost?
- What happens if I want to upgrade later?
About Equipment:
- Which brands do you recommend and why?
- What’s the expected lifespan of major components?
- Do you service equipment you didn’t install?
- How often do systems need professional maintenance?
Get everything in writing before work begins. Verbal promises disappear when problems arise.
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Project Type
Understanding specific project costs helps you budget accurately and compare quotes fairly.
Basic Alarm System (2-3 bedrooms):
- Control panel: $150-250
- Door/window sensors (8-12): $240-360
- Motion detectors (2-3): $120-180
- Keypad: $80-120
- Installation labor (4-6 hours): $170-425
- Total: $760-1,335
Enhanced System with Cameras:
- Basic alarm components: $590-910
- Indoor cameras (2-4): $200-600
- Outdoor cameras (2-4): $400-1,200
- Video storage/management: $150-300
- Additional installation time: $85-285
- Total: $1,425-3,295
Premium Smart Home Integration:
- Enhanced system base: $1,425-3,295
- Smart locks (2-3): $300-600
- Environmental sensors: $150-300
- Home automation hub: $200-400
- Professional programming: $170-355
- Total: $2,245-4,950
These prices reflect actual Dallas market rates, including quality equipment and professional installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is ADT a month for basic service?
ADT’s basic monitoring in Dallas starts around $45-50/month with a 36-month contract, but expect $52.99/month for their popular Command package. Without contracts, monthly costs jump to $60-75. Remember that installation fees ($99-199) and equipment costs ($200-800) are separate. Many Dallas homeowners find local companies offer comparable service for $35-45/month without long-term commitments, especially in established neighborhoods like M Streets or Lakewood where infrastructure is already robust.
How much does ADT security system cost including equipment?
A complete ADT system in Dallas typically runs $800-2,500 total for equipment, plus $99-199 installation, plus monthly monitoring starting at $45. For a typical 2,000 sq ft home, expect around $1,200-1,800 upfront costs with standard monitoring at $52.99/month. Premium packages with smart home features can reach $3,000-4,000 initially. Local Dallas companies often provide similar systems for 20-30% less, particularly if you’re in areas like Plano or Richardson where competition is fierce among security providers.
How much does security system cost per month for monitoring only?
Monthly monitoring costs in Dallas range from $20-85 depending on service level. Basic intrusion monitoring runs $20-35/month, standard service with mobile apps costs $35-55/month, and premium service with video verification runs $55-85/month. Self-monitoring options cost $10-20/month but require you to handle all emergency responses. Most Dallas homeowners choose mid-tier service ($40-50/month) that includes professional monitoring, mobile alerts, and basic smart home integration - sufficient for most residential needs without paying for unused features.
How much do security systems cost per month including equipment financing?
When financing equipment over 36-60 months, total monthly costs in Dallas typically run $65-120. This includes equipment payments ($15-35/month), professional monitoring ($25-45/month), and often warranty/service plans ($5-15/month). Many providers offer 0% financing for qualified buyers, making premium systems more accessible. However, buying equipment outright often saves 15-25% long-term. Calculate total cost over your expected ownership period - if you plan to stay in your Dallas home 5+ years, purchasing usually beats financing despite higher upfront costs.
Understanding security system costs helps you make informed decisions about protecting your Dallas home. Whether you choose ADT, a local provider, or a one stop security solution, focus on value rather than just monthly payments.
The key is matching system complexity to your actual needs. A basic monitored system adequately protects most homes, while smart home integration makes sense for tech-savvy homeowners or those with valuable assets.
Get multiple quotes, verify licensing and insurance, and don’t rush the decision. Quality installation and reliable monitoring matter more than saving a few dollars monthly.
For related home improvement projects, consider coordinating with roofer services for exterior camera mounting or carpenter services for custom security cabinet installation. Landscaper services can help design lighting that complements your security system. Compare our rates with Fort Worth security system costs to understand regional pricing differences.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.