Whether you’re dealing with a personal matter like suspected infidelity, trying to locate a missing person, or conducting a background check on a potential business partner, hiring a private investigator (PI) can provide the clarity and evidence you need. But before you reach out to a private investigation agency, one of the first questions you may have is, how much do private investigators cost?
The truth is, private investigator fees can vary widely, not just from one state to the next, but depending on the type of investigation, how long the investigation lasts, and the experience level of the investigator. Some cases may be resolved in a few hours, while others can take days or weeks of surveillance, interviews, and detailed reporting.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
We’ll also answer some of the most common questions people have before hiring a PI so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Let’s start by looking at what the average private investigator rates are in today’s market.
Private investigators don’t have a flat fee across the board, and there’s a good reason for that: every case is different. The time, tools, and expertise required to gather reliable evidence vary widely depending on you and your case's requirements. Still, understanding average rates can help you set realistic expectations and avoid sticker shock.
In 2025, the national average hourly rate for a private investigator ranges between $95 and $175 per hour, depending on the service and location. More specialized investigations, such as digital forensics, corporate fraud, or high-risk surveillance, may climb as high as $300–$500 per hour.
If you’re hiring in Boston or elsewhere in New England, expect rates on the higher end of that spectrum. Investigators in metropolitan or high-demand areas tend to charge more due to:
At Chai Life Security, most clients can expect to pay market rates for standard private investigative services in the Boston area.
Private investigators typically charge using one of three common billing methods: hourly rates, flat fees, or retainers. Understanding how each model works can help you choose the right arrangement for your needs and avoid surprises when you receive the final invoice.
Hourly billing is the most common and applies to services where the time commitment is unpredictable. For example, surveillance cases, infidelity investigations, child custody disputes, or fraud investigations are almost always billed by the hour. In 2025, you can expect to pay between $95 and $200 per hour for standard investigative work, with Boston-area rates usually falling toward the higher end of that range.
Flat fees are typically reserved for investigative tasks with a clear scope and timeline. This might include basic background checks, skip tracing, or asset searches where the PI knows in advance how much time and effort will be required. Flat-fee services usually range from $300 to $3,000 or more, depending on complexity and how much information you’re seeking.
Retainers function like a deposit. You pay an upfront amount (often between $1,000 and $5,000 or more) and the investigator bills against the balance as they work. Retainers are common in more complex or open-ended investigations, especially those that involve travel, legal proceedings, or high-profile clients. Once the retainer runs out, the PI may request an additional deposit or switch to hourly billing.
Some investigators also offer daily rates, especially for full-day surveillance or travel-heavy assignments. These range from about $800 to $2m000 per day, depending on location and service type.
It’s important to discuss the pricing model with your investigator before work begins. Ask for a written agreement that clearly explains what’s included, what costs extra, and how updates and billing will be handled throughout the case.
Most professional private investigators include the following in their base hourly or flat rate:
However, some services may involve additional fees, especially if the case is complex or involves specialized equipment (we’ll cover those later in this guide).
Here’s why costs can differ so dramatically when it comes to hiring a private investigator.
A simple background check may only take 2–3 hours and cost a few hundred dollars, while a multi-day surveillance operation with travel, photography, and reporting could easily cost several thousand.
A high-net-worth fraud or asset investigation might involve forensic accountants, legal coordination, and digital analysis, all of which can push the final cost well into five figures.
That’s why it’s important to speak with your investigator ahead of time, outline your goals clearly, and ask for a cost estimate with a written service agreement.
The price of a private investigation can vary dramatically depending on what you’re trying to uncover, how long it takes, and how much risk or skill is involved. Below are the key factors that influence how much you’ll pay.
Not all cases are created equal. A simple background check on a job candidate takes less time and fewer resources than an ongoing surveillance operation for a child custody case or infidelity investigation. More complex investigations, such as fraud, embezzlement, or asset searches, often involve deeper research, interviews, forensic analysis, and legal coordination, which drive up the cost.
Private investigators typically bill by the hour, so naturally, the longer a case takes, the more expensive it becomes. Some cases resolve in just a few hours. Others can stretch over days or weeks, especially if surveillance must occur at specific times or over several locations. Investigators may also need time to analyze findings, prepare reports, or testify in court.
Where the investigation takes place can affect rates significantly. Urban areas like Boston typically see higher hourly rates due to increased licensing costs, cost of living, and complexity of operations (e.g., traffic, parking, legal restrictions). In contrast, rural areas might have lower rates, but could incur travel fees if the investigator has to come from another city.
Just like with any profession, more experienced investigators command higher rates. Former law enforcement officers or specialists in fields like cybercrime, corporate fraud, or digital forensics bring a deeper skillset, but you’ll pay more for their expertise. That said, paying a higher rate for a qualified PI often saves money in the long run by avoiding mistakes, dead ends, or unnecessary hours.
Many investigations rely on specialized tools: surveillance cameras, drones, GPS trackers, secure databases, or software for digital forensics. If your case requires this type of equipment, or legal preparation for court-admissible evidence, it may involve added costs or premium hourly rates.
Need an investigator to start right away or work overnight, on weekends, or during a holiday? Expect to pay a premium. Many private investigators charge rush fees or increase their hourly rate for off-hours work due to the disruption and extra planning involved.
If your case requires things like court appearances, expert witness testimony, or frequent written reports, these may be billed separately or charged at a higher hourly rate. Similarly, travel, mileage, accommodations (for multi-day out-of-town investigations), and third-party data access may add to your final invoice.
Ultimately, the more time, expertise, and tools your case demands, the more it will cost, but those costs can translate into real, actionable results if you hire the right private investigator.
Since private investigators offer a wide range of services, it’s helpful to understand how pricing works for different types of investigations. Below are the most common case types, what they involve, and how much you can generally expect to pay.
Infidelity cases are one of the most requested services for private investigators. These cases often involve discreet, long-hour surveillance, GPS tracking, and detailed documentation, such as photo or video evidence. Because investigators must often wait for patterns to emerge or follow subjects at specific times of day (evenings, weekends, or holidays), costs can add up. Most clients spend $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on how long surveillance is required and how cooperative or unpredictable the subject is.
In custody battles, clients often hire a private investigator to document neglect, endangerment, or violations of court orders. These cases typically involve surveillance, background checks, interviews, and even court testimony. A standard custody case might cost $2,000 to $6,000, depending on how much evidence is needed and whether the PI is required to appear in court.
Background checks are often faster and more affordable than other investigation types. Costs vary depending on depth. A basic check for employment or tenant screening may cost $300 to $500, while a comprehensive investigation that includes criminal history, financial records, social media, and personal affiliations can range from $750 to $2,000.
These are some of the most complex (and costly) cases. They may involve undercover work, asset tracing, forensic accounting, interviews, surveillance, and coordination with legal teams. Corporate clients often hire PIs to investigate employee theft, embezzlement, or intellectual property leaks. These cases can take weeks or months, with costs typically ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, especially if litigation is involved.
Asset investigations are designed to uncover hidden property, bank accounts, or income sources. They’re commonly used in divorce proceedings, civil litigation, or debt collection. A basic asset search might cost $500 to $1,500, while more in-depth investigations, especially those involving business holdings or offshore accounts, may exceed $5,000.
When someone disappears—intentionally or not—skip tracing and missing person investigations use a combination of digital records, interviews, surveillance, and sometimes collaboration with law enforcement. A basic skip trace might cost $300 to $800, while a full-scale missing person case requiring field work, travel, or out-of-state investigation can cost $2,500 to $10,000.
Digital investigations involve recovering deleted data, analyzing online activity, or uncovering cybercrime evidence. These cases require specialized software, secure handling of data, and a high level of technical expertise. Rates are higher—often $200 to $500—and total costs range widely based on the scope, from $2,000 to over $10,000.
As you can see, the type of investigation significantly affects the cost. Short-term cases with well-defined scopes (like background checks) are more affordable, while ongoing or high-risk investigations demand more time, tools, and expertise, which naturally increases the total price.
When hiring a private investigator, it’s easy to focus on the advertised hourly rate, but that only tells part of the story. Depending on your case, there may be additional fees that aren’t always included in the initial quote. To avoid surprises, it’s important to understand the kinds of costs that can show up on your final invoice.
Most private investigators charge for mileage and travel time, especially in cases that require surveillance, out-of-town work, or multiple site visits. Rates typically range from $0.65 to $1.00 per mile, and many investigators also bill for hours spent in transit. If your case involves locations outside their usual service area, you may also be charged for lodging or per diem costs.
Some investigations require more than just a notebook and a camera. If your case involves GPS trackers, drones, hidden cameras, or advanced surveillance tools, your private investigator may charge an equipment usage fee. While basic tools are usually included in the hourly rate, specialized devices may add $100–$500 per day to your total cost.
To dig up hard-to-find information, private investigators often tap into proprietary databases or pay for access to official public records. These services can carry fees ranging from $25 to $200 per report, depending on the type of record (e.g., criminal history, phone records, asset reports). Make sure you ask whether these costs are included in your quote or billed separately.
While most investigators include some reporting in their base rate, you may be charged extra for extensive documentation, video editing, or written summaries that require extra time. A detailed report prepared for court may add $150 to $500 or more, depending on complexity and formatting requirements.
Need a case handled urgently or during nights, weekends, or holidays? Many private investigators will accommodate—for a price. Rush fees or premium rates can add 25%–100% to the base hourly rate, depending on how fast you need action. It’s always best to plan ahead if your timeline allows.
If you expect your investigator to testify in court, attend depositions, or present evidence in a legal proceeding, there will almost always be an added fee. Testimony preparation and in-court appearances are usually billed at higher rates, often $150 to $300 per hour, with minimum hour blocks.
Some private investigation firms charge a case initiation fee, set a minimum hourly block (for example, 4 or 8-hour minimums for surveillance), or require payment upfront to secure services. Others may bill for routine administrative tasks like copying, scanning, or long phone consultations.
Before you sign any agreement, ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s included and what’s not. A reputable investigator will be transparent about additional costs and will explain which charges apply to your situation.
Hiring a private investigator can be a significant financial decision, and while you want quality results, you don’t want to spend more than necessary. The good news is that by asking the right questions and understanding what drives cost, you can avoid overpaying while still hiring someone qualified and professional.
Here are some practical strategies to help you get the best value for your money.
The more specific you are about what you need, the less likely your case is to go off track (and over budget). Instead of saying “find out what he’s doing,” describe your exact concerns and the outcome you’re hoping for, such as documenting behavior during a certain time window, locating a specific asset, or confirming a work address.
Clarity helps your investigator plan efficiently and avoid unnecessary hours, which ultimately saves you money.
A trustworthy private investigator should provide a clear estimate of:
Always request a written contract or agreement, especially for cases that require retainers or involve court-related work. This helps you spot hidden fees or unclear billing practices early.
Be wary of unusually low rates. In the investigative industry, if someone’s charging far below market value, it could mean they’re inexperienced, unlicensed, or outsourcing your case to someone unqualified. In the worst-case scenario, they could jeopardize your case by gathering evidence illegally or carelessly, which could make it inadmissible in court.
You don’t need the most expensive PI on the market, but you do need a licensed professional with a solid reputation.
Many PIs bill in hourly blocks, and some round time to the nearest 15 or 30 minutes. If your case doesn’t require expended surveillance or multiple days of work, ask if they offer smaller packages or consultation-only services to avoid paying for time you don’t use.
In some situations, you can reduce investigation time (and costs) by gathering preliminary information yourself. For example:
Anything that shortens the investigator’s research time will help keep your bill down.
Hiring someone in your area reduces travel fees and ensures they understand local laws, courts, and terrain. For example, if you’re in Boston or elsewhere in New England, hiring a local PI familiar with regional logistics and legal standards can help you save on time and cost.
Remember: your goal isn’t just to spend less, but to invest wisely. Hiring the right investigator with the right strategy will give you better results faster and often at a lower total cost than working with someone who cuts corners.
Most private investigators charge by the hour, with average rates ranging from $95 to $200 per hour depending on the investigator’s experience, the location, and the complexity of the case. Some services, like background checks or skip tracing, may be offered at a flat fee. Complex or long-term investigations often require a retainer up front.
A retainer is an upfront payment that secures the investigator’s services and covers initial work. It functions like a deposit. The investigator bills their time and expenses against this amount. Once the retainer runs out, you may be asked to replenish it if the investigation is ongoing. Retainers typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the scope of the case.
Yes, many PIs offer day rates for short-term work, especially surveillance. Expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2,000 for a full day, depending on the time required, location, and whether any travel is involved. That said, many investigators have hourly minimums, often 4-8 hours, even for single-day assignments.
Not always. Evidence must be collected legally and ethically to be admissible in court. Reputable private investigators understand how to follow local and federal laws so that your case isn’t compromised. If you’re hiring a PI to support a legal matter, be sure to confirm that their methods will produce court-admissible documents.
Private investigators are licensed at the state level in most of the United States, including Massachusetts. Before hiring anyone, ask for:
In Massachusetts, you can verify licenses through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
To a degree. While you’ll need to provide your information to the investigator, they can conduct the investigation without disclosing your identity to the subject, especially in sensitive cases like surveillance or background checks. A trustworthy PI will prioritize discretion and confidentiality at every step.
“Detective” is typically used for law enforcement officers who investigate criminal cases for a police department. A private investigator (PI) is hired by individuals, attorneys, or companies for civil matters, private disputes, or background research. PIs do not have police powers but can gather evidence, conduct surveillance, and assist in legal or corporate cases.
Hiring a private investigator isn’t cheap, but when the stakes are high, it can be one of the most powerful decisions you make. Whether you’re protecting your family, gathering evidence for a legal case, or trying to make a critical business decision, the right PI can uncover information you simply can’t get on your own.
That said, the key to getting your money’s worth is understanding what you’re paying for. Hourly rates, case complexity, investigator experience, and even your location all play a role in how much an investigation costs. But equally important is hiring someone who’s honest, licensed, legally compliant, and transparent about their process.
At Chai Life Security, we’re committed to providing private investigation services that are professional, discreet, and tailored to your exact needs. We won’t waste your time or your money, and we’ll never promise what we can’t deliver.
We work with individuals, attorneys, and businesses across the region to uncover the facts that matter. Whether you need help with surveillance, background checks, fraud investigations, or something more complex, our experienced investigators are here to help you move forward with confidence.