How Much Does a Security camera system Cost to Run? (2026 Calculator)
Typical setup: 5 W · 24 h/day · $0.180/kWh
Daily
$0.02
Monthly
$0.65
Yearly
$7.87
Quick rate
Daily cost
$0.02
Monthly cost
$0.65
+$0.00 vs typical
Yearly cost
$7.87
kWh / month
3.6 kWh
Local monthly estimate: $0.65 · U.S. average equivalent: $0.65
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ad-after-calculator Quick answer
A typical security camera system uses about 5 W and costs about $0.02/day or $0.60/month at the U.S. average rate of $0.17/kWh, assuming 24 hours of use per day. At the same rate, costs range from about $0.01/day (2 W) to $0.06/day (15 W).
State explorer
Quickly spot cheapest, highest, and near-average monthly costs.
Top 10 cheapest
Top 10 highest
- Hawaii $1.43
- Massachusetts $1.12
- Maine $1.11
- California $1.09
- Rhode Island $1.09
- New York $1.02
- Connecticut $1.02
- New Hampshire $0.95
- Alaska $0.92
- District of Columbia $0.85
Cost by state (monthly)
At typical 5 W and 24 h/day. Rates from our dataset (see methodology ). Open a state for a dedicated calculator page.
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ad-after-state-table Wattage range
| Level | Watts | Est. monthly @ avg rate |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 2 W | $0.26 |
| Typical | 5 W | $0.65 |
| High | 15 W | $1.94 |
Energy saving tips
- Choose ENERGY STAR or high-efficiency models when replacing this appliance.
- Check and adjust temperature or power settings to the recommended levels.
- Keep the appliance well maintained so it can run efficiently.
FAQ
- Most security camera system units fall between 2 W and 15 W, with 5 W as a typical operating value for estimates.
- Our estimates use 5 W as the typical wattage, within a reported range of 2–15 W.
- At typical use (24 hours/day at 5 W), the estimate is about 0.12 kWh/day and 3.6 kWh/month at the U.S. average rate.
- With 24 hours/day and 5 W, this appliance uses about 0.12 kWh per day.
- At 24 hours/day, the monthly estimate is about 3.6 kWh per month.
- Per hour, the typical draw is about 0.005 kWh (at 5 W).
- At the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.17/kWh, the typical daily cost is about $0.02/day for 24 hours/day.
- At the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.17/kWh, the typical monthly cost is about $0.60/month at 24 hours/day.
- Running for one hour at 5 W costs about $0.00/hour (using 0.17 $/kWh as the U.S. average).
- With typical use (24 hours/day at 5 W), the estimate is about $0.02/day or $0.60/month at the U.S. average rate.
- The estimate is about 3.6 kWh per month, which corresponds to roughly $0.60/month at the U.S. average rate. Your real bill depends on your rate and runtime.
- Use energy-saving tips tailored to this appliance. For example: Choose ENERGY STAR or high-efficiency models when replacing this appliance. — reducing kWh reduces the bill at your local rate.