> Physical security assessment cost in 2026: single site, multi site and RTVA price ranges, hourly rates, a free estimator and vetted independent consultants. Physical security cost guide # Physical security assessment cost in 2026 Clear physical security assessment cost ranges for single sites, multi site portfolios and full risk, threat and vulnerability assessments, plus the red flags that tell you a quote is too cheap to trust. [Get free proposals](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/request-proposals/)Try the estimator ![Security camera on a commercial building during a physical security assessment](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/physical-security-assessment-cost-681x1024.jpg) Single site average**$3,500 to $8,500** Physical security assessment cost typically runs $3,500 to $8,500 for a single commercial site, according to published price guides. Basic surveys of one location start around $1,500, a full risk, threat and vulnerability assessment (RTVA) runs $5,000 to $25,000, and multi site programs cost $15,000 to $75,000 or more. Consultants who bill by time charge about $150 to $350 an hour. **$1,500 to $5,000**Basic single location survey **$3,500 to $8,500**Typical single site commercial assessment **$5,000 to $25,000**Full risk, threat and vulnerability assessment **20 to 50 hrs**Consultant time per site, on average **On this page**Price rangesWhat drives the costWhen cheap is too cheapWhat you should receiveCost estimatorIs it worth it ## Physical security assessment cost ranges | Scope | Typical cost | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Basic single location survey | $1,500 to $5,000 | Walkthrough and short report | | Single site commercial assessment | $3,500 to $8,500 | Most common engagement for one building | | Single facility, larger or complex | $5,000 to $25,000 | Hospitals, plants, mixed use buildings | | Risk, threat and vulnerability assessment (RTVA) | $5,000 to $25,000 | Threat analysis, interviews, policy review | | Multi site program | $15,000 to $75,000+ | Portfolios, campuses, regional footprints | | Hourly consulting | $150 to $350 per hour | Some firms list $80 to $300 | | Daily consulting | $650 to $2,400 per day | Common for on site days | | Advisory retainer | $1,500 to $8,000 per month | Ongoing program support | ## What drives physical security assessment cost - **Size and complexity.** Published guides put consultant effort at roughly 20 to 50 hours per site. More doors, floors and systems mean more hours and a higher physical security assessment cost. - **Depth.** An RTVA adds threat research, stakeholder interviews and policy review on top of the physical walk. - **Systems testing.** Testing alarms, cameras and access control after hours adds time. - **Report detail.** A prioritized report with cost estimates for each fix takes far longer than a checklist. Expect about 30 days to a first draft for a formal assessment. - **Travel.** Out of area consultants bill flights and hotel nights on top. ![Consultant reviewing a facility as part of a physical security assessment](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/physical-security-assessment-cost-img2-1024x576.jpg) ![Physical security assessment cost: Commercial building entrance and lobby examined during a security vulnerability assessment](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/what-is-a-security-vulnerability-assessment-1024x683.jpg) ## When a cheap assessment is too cheap A very low physical security assessment cost can be a warning sign. One published guide warns that a $2,000 assessment is usually a camera count or a sales call. Integrators and guard companies often offer free or very cheap assessments because the real goal is to sell equipment or officers. That is not always bad, but it is not an independent assessment. Read our comparison of a [security consultant vs a security integrator](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/security-integrator-vs-consultant/) before you choose. ## What you should receive - An executive summary written for leadership, not just security staff - Findings by area: perimeter, entrances, interior, systems, policies and people - A risk rating for each finding so you know what to fix first - Practical recommendations with rough costs and options - Photos and floor plan markups - A debrief meeting to walk through the results Cost estimator ### Get a planning range in 30 seconds Move the options to match your situation. The range updates instantly. Scope Consultant travel Estimated range $0_to_$0 [Get free quotes](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/request-proposals/) Planning estimate, not a quote. Ranges are built from published prices listed in the sources below. ![Physical security assessment cost: Well lit building entrance and open landscaping showing CPTED principles in practice](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/cpted-crime-prevention-through-environmental-design-1024x789.jpg) ## Is a physical security assessment worth it? Compare the physical security assessment cost to what you already spend. One consultant points out that a single 24/7 security officer post can cost more than $250,000 a year. A $6,000 assessment that tells you whether you need that post, or whether better lighting, access control and procedures would do the job, often pays for itself many times over. Learn more in [what is a security vulnerability assessment](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/security-vulnerability-assessment/). ## Physical security assessment consultants [See all in the directory →](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/consultants/specialty/physical-security-assessments/) [![Jackson Chambers, MA](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/jackson-chambers-headshot-300x300.webp) **Jackson Chambers, MA**Serves clients nationwide Physical Security AssessmentsCPTEDEmergency Preparedness _View profile →_](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/consultants/jackson-chambers-ma/)[![Kenneth S. Trump, Ed.D.](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ken-trump-headshot-edited-300x300.jpg) **Kenneth S. Trump, Ed.D.**Serves clients nationwide Physical Security AssessmentsEmergency PreparednessExpert Witness _View profile →_](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/consultants/ken-trump/)[![Ron Vosatka, MS, MBA, FCP](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ron-vosatka-headshot-edited-300x300.jpg) **Ron Vosatka, MS, MBA, FCP**Florida Physical Security AssessmentsCPTEDSchool Safety _View profile →_](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/consultants/ron-vosatka-ms-mba-fcp/) ## Where these numbers come from 1. Encyphir, commercial security assessment pricing and consultant rates 2. Silva Consultants, formal assessment pricing, guard post costs and report timing 3. Braav, single facility assessment pricing 4. Kirsch Group, consultant hourly and day rates 5. HUB Security, basic assessment and RTVA pricing 6. Seven Networks, average assessment cost and hours per site 7. Base Operations, single facility assessment pricing 8. Standards and guidance: [ASIS International](https://www.asisonline.org/) and [CISA](https://www.cisa.gov/). Prices were collected in November 2026 from published price guides, public school board records and course listings. They are planning ranges, not quotes. Your consultant will price your exact scope. ![Physical security assessment cost: Small shop owner reviewing a security risk assessment for small business at the counter](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/security-risk-assessment-for-small-business-1024x683.jpg) ## Get proposals from independent assessors Tell us about your sites once. Vetted physical security consultants send proposals, free and with no obligation. [Request free proposals](https://findasecurityconsultant.com/request-proposals/) ## Frequently asked questions **### How much does a physical security assessment cost?** A single site commercial physical security assessment cost is usually $3,500 to $8,500. Basic surveys start around $1,500, full risk, threat and vulnerability assessments run $5,000 to $25,000, and multi site programs cost $15,000 to $75,000 or more, based on published price guides from security firms. **### How long does a physical security assessment take?** Published guides estimate 20 to 50 hours of consultant time per site, including the visit, analysis and report writing. For a formal assessment, expect roughly 30 days from the site visit to a first draft report, depending on size and how many systems are tested. Time on site is the biggest driver of physical security assessment cost. **### Why are some security assessments free?** Free or very cheap assessments are usually offered by companies that sell cameras, access control or guard services. Their review is often a lead for a sale, so the low physical security assessment cost comes with strings attached. An independent consultant charges for the assessment but has no product to sell, so recommendations are based only on your risk. **### What is the difference between a security assessment and an RTVA?** A basic security assessment focuses on the physical site and systems. A risk, threat and vulnerability assessment adds research into the threats you actually face, interviews with staff and a review of policies, then ranks risks by likelihood and impact. That extra depth is why an RTVA sits at the top of the physical security assessment cost range. --- Source: