If you are budgeting for security in Bangalore, the first question is always the same: what does a guard actually cost per month? The honest answer is that it depends on the type of guard, the shift length and, most of all, whether the agency is compliant. Here are the real 2026 market ranges, and how to read a quote so the cheapest number does not become the most expensive mistake.

How much does a security guard cost in Bangalore?

These are typical monthly market ranges for a single guard on a standard shift in Bangalore. Round-the-clock cover means multiple guards, so a 24/7 single post is usually three shifts.

Unarmed guard (8-hour shift): ₹14,000 to ₹20,000 per month.

Standard trained guard, fully compliant: ₹18,000 to ₹28,000 per month.

Armed guard: ₹22,000 to ₹35,000 per month, because of additional licensing and training.

Supervisor or head guard: ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month.

Event or temporary guard: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per shift.

What is actually included in that price?

Whitehand security guard logging a visitor at a corporate reception in Bangalore

A Whitehand guard managing visitor entry at a corporate reception.

A Whitehand guard managing visitor entry at a corporate reception.

A compliant quote is not just a salary. It bundles the guard's wage with the statutory and operational costs that a real agency has to carry: ESI and PF contributions, statutory bonus, uniform and equipment, on-site supervision, and a replacement guard when someone is absent. When you compare two quotes, you are really comparing what each one leaves out.

Why the cheapest quote is usually the most expensive

If a quote is far below the ranges above, something is being skipped, and it is almost always compliance. An agency that does not pay ESI and PF, or that is not licensed under PSARA, moves that liability onto you as the principal employer. A single labour inspection or an incident with an unverified guard can cost far more than the monthly saving. Cheap security is a loan against your own risk.

How to compare security quotes fairly

Whitehand security supervisor briefing guards at a shift handover in Bangalore

Supervised shift handovers keep posts covered around the clock.

Supervised shift handovers keep posts covered around the clock.

Ask every agency the same five questions: Are you PSARA-licensed in Karnataka? Are ESI and PF filed monthly for every guard? Are guards police-verified before deployment? What is your replacement time if a guard is absent? Who supervises the post, and how is it documented? An agency that answers all five cleanly is rarely the cheapest, and always the safer choice.

Common questions about security guard cost in Bangalore

How much does a security guard cost per month in Bangalore?
For a standard 8-hour shift with a fully compliant, PSARA-licensed agency, expect roughly ₹18,000 to ₹28,000 per guard per month in 2026. Unarmed guards can start around ₹14,000, while armed guards and supervisors cost more.
Why are some security quotes so much cheaper?
Usually because they exclude statutory costs like ESI, PF and bonus, or because the agency is not PSARA-licensed. That lowers the headline price but transfers the compliance liability to you as the client.
Does the price change for 24/7 coverage?
Yes. A round-the-clock single post normally needs three shifts, so budget for roughly three guards' worth of monthly cost, plus supervision and relief cover.
What extra charges should I watch for?
Common add-ons are uniforms, festival or overtime duty, transportation, and replacement guard charges. A transparent agency lists these upfront rather than surprising you later.

The bottom line

In Bangalore in 2026, budget ₹18,000 to ₹28,000 per compliant guard per month and treat anything far cheaper as a red flag. The right question is not who is cheapest, but who can prove PSARA licensing, statutory compliance and reliable replacement. Get those right and the price takes care of itself.