What a San Diego Security Guard Actually Costs (2026)
You want a real number, not a sales pitch. Here are the ranges we actually charge in San Diego, for guards, HOA patrol, event security, and private investigation. Use this to budget. When you are ready, we give you a free, fixed quote in writing.
How much does a security guard cost in San Diego? In San Diego, unarmed guards typically run $18 to $35 per hour, armed guards $28 to $55 per hour, and HOA patrol contracts $3,000 to $10,000 per month. Final pricing depends on hours, armed vs. unarmed, and site complexity. Written quote within 2 hours. Call (619) 765-2222.
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Security Guards, Per Hour
Rates depend on contract length, risk level, and your location. Long-term contracts get the lowest rates.
Unarmed Guard
- Uniformed and trained guards
- Best for offices, retail, HOA, apartments
- 4-hour minimum
- Lower end = long-term contract
Armed Guard
- Fully licensed firearm permit
- Best for cash handling, high-risk sites, banks
- 4-hour minimum
- Extra training and insurance included
Event Guard
- Weddings, concerts, races, sports
- Crowd flow, parking, gate access
- Armed or unarmed
- Most events: 4–10 hours
Monthly & Recurring Plans
For HOAs, vacant properties, and businesses that need regular coverage.
HOA Patrol Plan
- Scheduled or random patrol routes
- Written report each visit
- Access control monitoring
- Board-ready incident logs
Vacant Property
- 24/7 stationed guard or scheduled patrol
- Daily photo reports
- Squatter and copper-theft prevention
- For banks, REOs, owners
Construction Site
- Overnight + weekend coverage
- Tool, copper, equipment protection
- Site access logs
- Custom shift schedules
PI Services, Per Hour or Flat Rate
For surveillance, workers' comp fraud, infidelity, background checks, and skip tracing.
Surveillance
- One investigator, marked vehicle
- Video and time-stamped reports
- Common retainer: $1,500–$3,000
Background Check
- Criminal, civil, employment
- Social media + public records
- Turnaround: 24–72 hours
Workers' Comp Fraud
- Evidence prepared to court standards
- Timestamped video surveillance
- Carrier-ready written reports
7 Things That Change Your Quote
Hours per week
More hours = lower hourly rate. A 168-hour-week contract is cheaper per hour than a 12-hour-week one.
Contract length
1-year contracts get our best rate. One-time events pay full event rates.
Armed or unarmed
Armed guards cost $10–$20 more per hour because of firearm permits, training, and insurance.
Location
If your site is far from our Spring Valley base, you may pay a small travel fee. Most of SD County has no travel charge.
Risk level
High-risk sites (cash, jewelry, late nights, past incidents) take more skilled guards and cost more.
Day vs. night
Overnight, holiday, and weekend shifts cost 10–25% more. Same with last-minute bookings.
Number of guards
Bigger jobs sometimes get a small volume discount. We will tell you if you need fewer guards than you think.
Pricing FAQ
How much does a security guard cost in San Diego?
Unarmed: $18–$35 per hour. Armed: $28–$55 per hour. Event guards: $35–$75 per hour. Long-term contracts get the lowest rates.
How much does event security cost?
For 2 guards, 6 hours, expect $420–$900. For 5 guards, 8 hours at a concert or race, expect $1,400–$3,000. Bigger events scale from there.
How much does HOA security cost per month?
$2,500–$10,000 per month based on the size of the community and how often you want patrols. A small 50-home HOA pays much less than a 500-unit complex.
How much does a private investigator cost?
$75–$150 per hour. Most cases need a $500–$5,000 retainer up front. We tell you the cap before we start.
Is there a minimum number of hours?
Most jobs have a 4-hour minimum. This covers travel and setup. Long-term contracts can have flexible daily hours.
Are quotes really free?
Yes. Every quote is free. We answer 24/7. Most quotes go out within 2 hours of your call or form submission. No obligation.
What payment methods do you accept?
Check, ACH, credit card, and wire. Long-term contracts get net-30 billing. Events and one-time jobs are due before the work starts.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes. Multi-year contracts, multi-site contracts, churches, schools, and non-profits get our best rates. Ask us.
Ready for a Real Quote?
Tell us about your property, your event, or your case. We will give you a written quote, usually within 2 hours. No pressure. No hidden fees.