How Much Does It Cost to Install a Safe in My Home?

Safe Prices

Security safes come in a wide variety of models, each with varying features. You can find a basic safe for under $100, while some high-security and designer models can cost significantly more.

When shopping for a safe, it’s important to consider what will go in it. If you have expensive, sentimental, or irreplaceable valuables, then it’s worth investing in a higher-end safe for maximum security. On the other hand, if you are securing firearms or anything explosive, paying extra for a higher fire rating is essential.

Freestanding Safe

A freestanding safe can cost anywhere between $45 and $2,000, or possibly more for higher-end models. These offer the benefit of easy accessibility and, usually, portability. However, they’re more conspicuous than wall or floor safes—be sure to keep them in a hidden location, such as an attic, basement, or closet.

Gun Safe

Gun safes also vary widely in pricing, which can be as little as $55 for a small safe or over $3,000 for larger and more advanced models. These are imperative for gun safety in the home and should have a fire rating of at least one hour in case of explosive ammunition.

Depository Safe

A safe with a depository feature can run from $60 to $2,500. These are freestanding safes with a slot for dropping in deposits (typically checks or cash). They’re useful for landlords collecting rent checks, business managers collecting cash deposits, or for any similar transactions that can’t take place in person.

Fireproof Safe

A fireproof safe can be anywhere between $50 and $2,000. These are essential for protecting valuables, important documents, and other irreplaceable items from getting destroyed in a fire. Different ratings will indicate how long the safe can withstand the flames before its integrity gets compromised.

Biometric Safe

A safe with a biometric lock can go for between $60 and $2,200. These are among the most secure safes since they open using the owner’s unique fingerprint.

Wall Safe

A wall-mounted safe can run from $50 to $1,100 or more. While these are among the easiest to conceal, installation can be difficult. They’ll require a custom build to fit in your wall, which will drive up your installation cost.

Floor Safe

An in-floor safe usually goes for between $55 and $2,000. Again, these are easy to conceal but have a more complex (and expensive) installation process.

Cost Factors for Installing a Safe

There are a number of factors that can affect the cost for installing a safe. Below are the main variables that will affect what you pay.

Size

When comparing models with similar features, larger safes typically carry a higher price tag. However, this is also relative to the safe’s other features, such as lock type and fire rating.

Type of Lock

The type of lock also affects your cost to install a safe, with biometric locks typically leaning towards the higher end. Again, this cost factor is relative to the other features of the safe.

Resistance to Security Breaches

Many higher-end safes have extra features that make them more impervious to damage, lock tinkering, and other security breaches. In most cases, the more secure a safe is, the higher its price will be.

Fireproof/Waterproof Ratings

Some safes carry ratings that measure how fireproof or waterproof they are. Fire ratings usually go by time and temperature, while waterproofness ratings range from a 24-hour waterproof seal to as high as 100 hours. Generally, the higher the rating, the more expensive the safe.

Installation

In addition to the above factors, you’ll pay more for safes requiring professional installation. Most local home security companies and safe installation professionals near you will include installation in the initial cost of the safe.

If you purchase your own safe, you have the option of hiring a locksmith, which costs about $160, or between $50 and $100 per hour. As an alternative, hiring a local handyperson usually costs between $60 and $125 per hour.

DIY vs. Hire a Safe Installation Pro

DIY-ing your safe install might save you money, but you will sacrifice the guarantee that comes with professional installation. Improper DIY installs might compromise the security of your safe. Professionals will also help you select a secure and convenient location for the safe, which can ultimately make or break its effectiveness.

FAQs

Where is the best place to put a safe in your house?

The answer depends on your specific concerns. If you’re looking for something to protect your valuables from burglary, it’s best to choose a low-traffic and inconspicuous location (e.g. a basement, attic, or closet). To avoid fire damage, look for a hidden location that is against an outer wall. For flooding concerns, avoid anything that is below ground level.

Where should you not put a safe?

Never install a safe in the garage. This is the least secure spot, as it’s easy to infiltrate and the most likely to get left open by mistake. It’s also wise to avoid the master bedroom or any conspicuous locations that a burglar would easily think to look.

How do you conceal a large safe?

The best method is to put the safe in a secure, hidden location such as a closet or attic. If this isn’t an option, you can cover it with a textile, cardboard, or other larger items to obscure it.