What Security Level Can Your Budget Buy
Results
Visualization
How It Works
We convert your budget into an achievable cost-per-square-foot by dividing budget by area and the regional factor. Each tier has a per-sq-ft threshold (basic 1.5, standard 3.5, premium 6, fortress 10). We walk the tiers from cheapest to most expensive and keep the highest one whose threshold is at or below your achievable rate. The chart plots each tier's full cost next to your flat budget line, making the gap to the next tier obvious.
What Should You Do?
If your budget lands between tiers, consider stretching to the next tier only if the added coverage addresses a real risk (e.g., rural = cameras, urban = access control). Otherwise, spend the surplus on a better monitoring plan or stronger doors and locks, which often beats a marginal tier upgrade. Re-run with a slightly higher budget to see exactly how much more unlocks the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does achievable tier none mean?
Your budget per square foot is below the basic tier threshold, so it cannot fund even a basic system. Raise the budget or reduce the covered area.
Why does regional factor matter here?
It scales every tier cost. In a high-cost area your same budget buys a lower tier than in a low-cost area.
Is the shortfall exact?
It is the difference between the next tier's modeled cost and your budget. Real quotes may differ, so treat it as a planning estimate.
Should I finance a higher tier?
Only if the loss you are protecting against justifies it. Compare against the theft-loss simulator on this site first.
Can I mix tiers?
Yes. Many homes use basic cameras everywhere plus premium locks on main entries. This tool shows whole-tier ceilings for simplicity.