Cost to Run a Security Camera System Calculator

Estimate how much it costs to run a security camera system based on wattage, daily usage, and your electricity rate. Use continuous 24/7 operation with an activity level near 70% to estimate baseline yearly cost.

Fast estimate No signup Updated for 2026 rates

Typical electricity cost

How much does a Security Camera System cost to run?

Based on typical usage

A Security Camera System typically draws about 25 watts when active, averaging around $0.00 per hour at $0.15 per kWh.

At typical use (70% active runtime over 24 hours), that's about $1.89 per month and $22.99 per year.

Hourly average $0.00
Daily $0.06
Monthly $1.89
Yearly $22.99

Based on

  • 25 watts
  • 70% active runtime over 24 hours
  • $0.15 per kWh

What affects cost most

  • Average active runtime over a full 24-hour day
  • Electricity rate in dollars per kWh
  • Standby behavior, connected peripherals, and firmware settings

How it works: Daily cost uses wattage, average active runtime over 24 hours, and electricity rate. Monthly uses daily × 30; yearly uses daily × 365.

Use the calculator below to estimate cost based on your own wattage, usage time, and electricity rate.

Calculator

1. Device

2. Usage

Results are estimates. Actual runtime can vary with workload, network traffic, and hardware efficiency.

Quick presets

3. Rate

Enter your values and click Calculate Cost.

How Much Electricity Does a Security Camera System Use?

These example monthly costs show how duty cycle and settings change the recurring background cost.

Example monthly costs

  • Light Use 50% active runtime over 24 hours
    $1.35/month
  • Typical Use 70% active runtime over 24 hours
    $1.89/month
  • Heavy Use 90% active runtime over 24 hours
    $2.43/month

Get a better estimate and keep costs down

Defaults give you a starting point, but always-on equipment can look very different once you adjust active runtime and the real power draw in your setup.

What changes cost most

  • Average active runtime over a full 24-hour day
  • Electricity rate in dollars per kWh
  • Standby behavior, connected peripherals, and firmware settings

How to get a better estimate and lower cost

  • Replace the default electricity rate with the actual rate from your latest power bill.
  • Adjust the active runtime percentage to match how often the device is actually heating, cooling, or cycling.
  • Use motion-triggered recording when continuous recording is not required.
  • Reduce unnecessary camera resolution and frame rates.
  • Turn off unused camera channels or views.
  • Consolidate storage and network gear where practical.

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