Access Control System Cost: Average Price & Cost Per Door

Even in 2025, many organizations continue to secure their buildings with outdated technology. Around 22% of IT leaders admit their systems rely on legacy infrastructure, and in operational environments, that number rises to 50%. Healthcare alone sees 73% of providers still dependent on aging systems, proof that outdated access control remains a widespread risk.

The cost of inaction is steep. The average data breach now costs $4.44 million, and weak or legacy access controls are often a contributing factor. As cloud-based systems gain traction for their scalability and stronger security, understanding access control systems has become essential for any business planning an upgrade.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• How access control costs differ by system type, door count, and setup complexity.
• Which hidden costs influence pricing beyond installation?
• Smart budgeting tactics for building secure, scalable access management.

How is the Access Control System Cost Calculated?

Every access control project starts with two main cost pillars: hardware and software. Understanding how each is priced and how they interact helps you estimate your total investment accurately and avoid budget surprises later.

1. Hardware Cost

Hardware is the foundation of your access control setup, and it usually accounts for 60-70% of your upfront investment. Costs vary depending on the type of readers, locks, controllers, and credentials you choose, as well as the number of doors and sites being secured.

Typical hardware components include:

• Door Readers and Keypads: Range from $80 to $1,200 per unit, depending on whether they use RFID, mobile credentials, or biometrics.
  
• Controllers: Each controller can manage multiple doors anywhere from 4 to 24 readers, and costs $180 to $3,500, based on capacity and integration support.

• Electronic Locks: Prices range from $50 to $900 per door, with wireless and fail-safe models on the higher end.
  
• Credentials: Physical cards, key fobs, or tags typically cost $5 to $50 each, though mobile credentials eliminate most of this expense.

Hardware costs also depend on installation complexity. Older buildings may require wiring upgrades, electrical work, or compliance adjustments (e.g., ADA standards), which can increase labor expenses by 25-40%. Opting for cloud-based or wireless hardware often lowers these setup costs by reducing the need for on-site infrastructure.

Pro Tip: Choose multi-door controllers and mobile-ready readers early in planning, they reduce future upgrade costs by up to 40% and make scaling easier.

2. Software Cost

The software side of access control has shifted dramatically toward cloud-based, subscription-driven models, replacing traditional one-time licenses. These platforms handle credential management, user access logs, integrations, and system analytics,  all crucial for modern security operations.

You’ll typically see two pricing models:

• Cloud-Based Software: Subscription fees range from $3.50 to $15 per door per month, often including updates, data storage, and maintenance.
  
  
• On-Premises Software: Requires a one-time license ($1,000-$3,000) and annual maintenance costs ($500-$1,500) for updates and support.

Beyond licensing, software costs also reflect the feature set. Systems with advanced analytics, video integrations, and mobile app access will be priced higher but often save operational costs long term.

Another factor is scalability; adding sites or users can increase subscription costs but prevents the need for new servers or IT infrastructure. For multi-location operations, cloud-based access control often ends up 20-30% cheaper over five years compared to on-prem setups.

Pro Tip: If you plan to expand, look for open API software that integrates easily with identity management, HR, and video surveillance systems. It’ll save you on future customization costs.

Other Factors to Consider for Access Control Pricing

Even with hardware and software accounted for, several other factors can significantly influence your access control system cost. These aren’t always visible in an initial quote but can dramatically affect your total cost of ownership over time.

1. Installation & Wiring Considerations

Installation complexity is one of the most underestimated cost drivers. Factors like building layout, existing wiring, and door types determine how much labor and equipment are required.

• Basic installations (modern buildings with existing power and cabling) range from $500-$1,200 per door.
  
• Complex retrofits (older sites, multi-door systems, or compliance upgrades) can reach $2,500+ per door due to extra wiring, electrical work, and configuration.

Labor rates also vary by region, such as urban areas can be 20-30% higher, and multi-site installations may involve travel and permitting fees.

Pro Tip: If you’re upgrading from a legacy setup, ask your installer whether existing Wiegand or PoE wiring can be reused. It can reduce installation costs by up to 35%.

2. Credential Type and Its Impact on Cost

The credential type you choose directly impacts both upfront and recurring expenses:

• Key Cards/Fobs: Usually $5-$50 per credential. Simple and reliable, but they come with replacement and management costs.
  
• Mobile Credentials: Delivered via an app, they often come bundled in the software subscription, reducing physical card costs entirely.
  
• Biometric Credentials: Fingerprint, facial, or iris recognition requires specialized readers, raising costs to $3,000-$10,000+ per door, but they eliminate credential loss and offer stronger identity verification.

While mobile and biometric options have higher initial setup costs, they improve convenience, reduce administrative overhead, and increase long-term ROI.

Pro Tip: For large enterprises or flexible workforces, hybrid systems supporting multiple credential types (card + mobile) offer the best balance of security and scalability.

3. System Integrations and Compatibility Costs

Modern access control rarely operates in isolation. Integrating with other enterprise systems such as video surveillance, emergency management (EMS), or HR platforms enhances security and efficiency but adds to project costs.

Typical integration cost factors include:

• API or connector fees: Some vendors charge per integration or per device.
  
• Custom configuration: Connecting to legacy databases or video systems can cost several hundred dollars per instance.
  
• Third-party licenses: Tools like visitor management or ID governance systems may require additional subscriptions.

Despite higher initial costs, integration offers measurable returns: improved incident response times, automated provisioning, and centralized data visibility.

Pro Tip: Choose open-platform systems with REST APIs to avoid vendor lock-in and reduce integration costs by 25-40% over time.

4. Ongoing Maintenance & Support

Access control is a long-term investment, not a one-time purchase. Maintenance, updates, and support fees ensure your system remains secure and compliant.

Typical annual maintenance costs include:

• Software updates and licensing: $30-$200 per door/month (cloud) or $50-$1,500 per year (on-prem).
  
• Hardware service or warranty renewals: $300-$800 per door annually.
  
• Credential replacements: $5-$50 per card/fob if lost or damaged.

Cloud-based systems often roll these expenses into a single subscription, simplifying budgeting. In contrast, on-prem systems require manual patching, IT oversight, and periodic hardware replacement.

Pro Tip: Budget 10-15% of your total system cost annually for maintenance and upgrades to avoid downtime and ensure compliance with evolving security standards.

Additional Access Control System Price Considerations

Once you’ve accounted for hardware, software, and installation, several secondary factors can still influence your access control system cost. These often appear later in the planning or implementation stage and can alter your final budget significantly.

Licensing Fees

Licensing is an ongoing cost most organizations overlook when evaluating total ownership. Every modern access control platform requires software licenses to manage credentials, monitor access, and support integrations.

• Cloud-based systems typically charge a monthly or annual fee per door, usually between $3.50 and $15, covering access management, updates, and remote monitoring.
• On-premises systems may have perpetual licenses costing $1,000-$3,000 upfront, with annual renewals or maintenance contracts ranging from $500-$1,500.

These costs vary by provider, feature set, and the number of locations managed. Organizations with multiple facilities or large user bases should factor in license scalability early to avoid unexpected increases later.

Pro Tip: When comparing vendors, clarify what’s included in the license; some charge separately for analytics, API access, or mobile credentials.

Wider Integrations

Integration with other enterprise systems can improve efficiency and visibility, but it also adds complexity to project costs.

Typical integration examples include:

• Video surveillance and analytics platforms for synchronized event tracking.
• Identity and HR systems (e.g., Okta, Workday) for automated provisioning and deprovisioning.
• Visitor or building management software for seamless access control during guest check-ins.

While many cloud-based systems provide plug-and-play integrations, legacy or custom setups often require additional connectors or API fees. For larger deployments, these integration costs can represent 10-20% of the total system investment, especially when extensive customization is involved.

Pro Tip: Select an open-platform solution that supports standard protocols like OSDP and REST APIs. This minimizes integration costs and vendor dependency over time.

Electrical Upgrades

Electrical infrastructure plays a major role in installation costs, particularly in older buildings or facilities with complex layouts.

• Upgrading wiring or installing new power supplies can add $500-$2,000 per door, depending on the scope.
• Wireless and PoE-enabled systems may reduce this cost by eliminating the need for separate power runs.
• Compliance with local electrical codes and safety standards can also influence labor time and inspection fees.

Planning these upgrades during early site assessments prevents costly rework later and ensures consistent system performance.

Pro Tip: Before installation, have your vendor conduct an electrical audit to determine which existing cables or power supplies can be reused. This can reduce total wiring costs by up to 30%.

Why the Size of Your Company Matters for Access Control Pricing

Company size directly shapes your access control system cost, influencing how much hardware, licensing, and management capacity you’ll need. A small office with a few entry points will spend far less than an enterprise securing multiple buildings, departments, and user groups.

Each new location, user, or door adds incremental expenses:

• Hardware: More doors mean additional readers, controllers, and wiring.
• Licensing: Cloud-based systems typically charge per door or user, so larger organizations see higher recurring fees.
• Credential management: High employee turnover or visitor volume increases the need for efficient provisioning, deprovisioning, and auditing.

Scalability also plays a role. Larger enterprises often require centralized dashboards, multi-site visibility, and cross-location user synchronization, all of which add software complexity and cost.

Pro Tip: For organizations planning to scale, choose an access control provider that offers multi-site management under one license. It can reduce software overhead by up to 25% and simplify administration as your footprint grows.

Why Management Needs Affect Access Control Pricing

Your management requirements determine how sophisticated your access control system must be. A single-entry system with basic user permissions will cost significantly less than a multi-tiered setup requiring granular access levels, automated scheduling, and real-time monitoring.

Costs increase as you add features like:

• Custom access permissions: Role-based or department-based access levels require more advanced configurations.
  
• Automated scheduling: Systems that unlock or lock doors based on time or user roles need additional software logic and integration.
  
• Monitoring and reporting: Real-time dashboards, audit trails, and compliance reports demand higher data storage and analytics capabilities.

These capabilities are invaluable for compliance and operational efficiency, but often result in higher licensing and support costs. The more flexible and data-rich your management environment, the more processing power and configuration it requires, both of which add to total cost.

Pro Tip: Define your management requirements early. Aligning your software plan with operational needs prevents overpaying for unnecessary features while ensuring room for future upgrades.

Regular audits of user access, unused credentials, and inactive licenses also minimize waste. Finally, budgeting 10-15% of total system value annually for maintenance ensures long-term reliability and reduces unexpected repair costs.

Ready to Plan Smarter Access Control Costs?

You’ve seen how every component, from hardware to integrations, impacts your access control system cost. The right strategy doesn’t just save money; it builds long-term security and scalability.

• Budget with purpose: Factor in hardware, software, and installation early to avoid unexpected overruns.
  
• Think beyond setup: Include licensing, integrations, and maintenance in total ownership cost.
  
• Choose flexibility: Cloud-ready, open-platform systems make future upgrades seamless and cost-effective.
  
• Plan for growth: Multi-site management tools reduce administrative overhead and centralize visibility.

Building or upgrading your system shouldn’t feel complex. With Coram, you get scalable, cloud-based access control designed for cost efficiency and effortless management. 

Book a demo today to explore your tailored pricing plan.