The short answer is: A commercial video intercom system typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000 per entry door, with full-building systems for a multi-tenant property ranging from $10,000 to $50,000+.
The final price varies significantly based on the system's capabilities, the size of the building, and the complexity of the installation.
Understanding these factors will help you understand where your money is going and get an accurate quote.
Type of System
IP/Network-Based Systems: These are the modern standard. They use your building's internet network, offer higher video quality, mobile app integration, and are easier to scale. They are more expensive upfront but offer more features.
Analog Systems: The older technology. They require extensive coaxial and low-voltage wiring. While the hardware can be cheaper, the installation labor cost is often much higher. They are becoming less common.
Hardware Components
Tenant Directory Panel (The Outdoor Master Station): This is your biggest hardware cost. A commercial-grade panel with a large, high-resolution touchscreen (like your 21.5" + 43" example), weatherproof rating, and internal computer can cost $2,000 to $6,000+ per unit.
Tenant Stations (Indoor Monitors): The cost per unit drops here. A basic indoor monitor for an apartment might be $150 - $400. Many modern systems now use residents' smartphones as the "tenant station," eliminating this cost entirely.
Access Control Integration: Adding a door strike or electric lock, and a card/fob reader will add $300 - $1,000+ per door.
Number of Tenants & Doors
This is a major driver of cost. Software licenses are often priced per tenant or per unit. A system for a 10-unit building will be far less than one for a 100-unit high-rise. Each additional entry door (e.g., a back door, parking garage door) requires another master station and access hardware.
Software & Subscription Fees
Modern "Smart" Systems: Many top systems (e.g., ButterflyMX, DoorBird) operate on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. This involves an annual fee ($50 - $150 per door) for cloud management, mobile app updates, and customer support. This is crucial for long-term functionality.
Traditional Systems: May have a high upfront cost with minimal ongoing fees, but lack modern features.
Installation & Labor
This can easily match or exceed the hardware cost. Labor depends on:
Wiring: Running new Ethernet (Cat5/6) cable is cheaper than running coaxial cable for analog systems.
Retrofitting: Installing in an existing building is more complex and expensive than in new construction.
Location: Labor rates vary by region.
| Scenario | Hardware & Software (Approx.) | Installation (Approx.) | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small 2-Door Office Building (10 tenants) | $4,000 - $8,000 | $2,000 - $4,000 | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Mid-Rise Apartment Building (50 units, 1 main door) | $15,000 - $25,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Large Mixed-Use Property (200 units, 3 entry points) | $40,000 - $70,000+ | $15,000 - $25,000+ | $55,000 - $95,000+ |
Annual SaaS/Cloud Fee: $500 - $3,000+ per year, depending on the system and doors.
Maintenance & Repairs: Vandalism, weather damage, and normal wear-and-tear will require service. Having a maintenance budget is essential.
Training: Cost to train property management staff on the new system.
The best way to know the true cost for your property is to:
Contact 2-3 reputable commercial security/integration vendors in your area.
Get a detailed site survey. They will assess your building's layout, wiring, and specific needs.
Request a line-item quote that breaks down hardware, software, labor, and any ongoing fees.
Investing in a commercial video intercom system is not just a cost; it's an investment in security, convenience, and modernizing your property's value.
The short answer is: A commercial video intercom system typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000 per entry door, with full-building systems for a multi-tenant property ranging from $10,000 to $50,000+.
The final price varies significantly based on the system's capabilities, the size of the building, and the complexity of the installation.
Understanding these factors will help you understand where your money is going and get an accurate quote.
Type of System
IP/Network-Based Systems: These are the modern standard. They use your building's internet network, offer higher video quality, mobile app integration, and are easier to scale. They are more expensive upfront but offer more features.
Analog Systems: The older technology. They require extensive coaxial and low-voltage wiring. While the hardware can be cheaper, the installation labor cost is often much higher. They are becoming less common.
Hardware Components
Tenant Directory Panel (The Outdoor Master Station): This is your biggest hardware cost. A commercial-grade panel with a large, high-resolution touchscreen (like your 21.5" + 43" example), weatherproof rating, and internal computer can cost $2,000 to $6,000+ per unit.
Tenant Stations (Indoor Monitors): The cost per unit drops here. A basic indoor monitor for an apartment might be $150 - $400. Many modern systems now use residents' smartphones as the "tenant station," eliminating this cost entirely.
Access Control Integration: Adding a door strike or electric lock, and a card/fob reader will add $300 - $1,000+ per door.
Number of Tenants & Doors
This is a major driver of cost. Software licenses are often priced per tenant or per unit. A system for a 10-unit building will be far less than one for a 100-unit high-rise. Each additional entry door (e.g., a back door, parking garage door) requires another master station and access hardware.
Software & Subscription Fees
Modern "Smart" Systems: Many top systems (e.g., ButterflyMX, DoorBird) operate on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. This involves an annual fee ($50 - $150 per door) for cloud management, mobile app updates, and customer support. This is crucial for long-term functionality.
Traditional Systems: May have a high upfront cost with minimal ongoing fees, but lack modern features.
Installation & Labor
This can easily match or exceed the hardware cost. Labor depends on:
Wiring: Running new Ethernet (Cat5/6) cable is cheaper than running coaxial cable for analog systems.
Retrofitting: Installing in an existing building is more complex and expensive than in new construction.
Location: Labor rates vary by region.
| Scenario | Hardware & Software (Approx.) | Installation (Approx.) | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small 2-Door Office Building (10 tenants) | $4,000 - $8,000 | $2,000 - $4,000 | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Mid-Rise Apartment Building (50 units, 1 main door) | $15,000 - $25,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Large Mixed-Use Property (200 units, 3 entry points) | $40,000 - $70,000+ | $15,000 - $25,000+ | $55,000 - $95,000+ |
Annual SaaS/Cloud Fee: $500 - $3,000+ per year, depending on the system and doors.
Maintenance & Repairs: Vandalism, weather damage, and normal wear-and-tear will require service. Having a maintenance budget is essential.
Training: Cost to train property management staff on the new system.
The best way to know the true cost for your property is to:
Contact 2-3 reputable commercial security/integration vendors in your area.
Get a detailed site survey. They will assess your building's layout, wiring, and specific needs.
Request a line-item quote that breaks down hardware, software, labor, and any ongoing fees.
Investing in a commercial video intercom system is not just a cost; it's an investment in security, convenience, and modernizing your property's value.
