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.
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
- Court-admissible documentation
- Video surveillance
- Carrier-ready 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.