If your apartment intercom system is outdated, unreliable, or no longer meeting your building’s needs, an apartment intercom replacement is no longer a “someday” project: it’s a priority. When an intercom becomes unreliable, the impact goes beyond inconvenience: missed deliveries, resident lockouts, recurring service calls, and security gaps at the front door.
The longer a legacy system stays in place, the more likely you are to face rising maintenance costs, hard-to-find replacement parts, and downtime that frustrates residents and staff alike.
At Swiftlane, we’ve guided hundreds of properties through this exact decision—upgrading outdated intercoms to meet modern resident and operational needs.
Based on recent multifamily deployments, where 70% of companies have electronic access on at least one property and 72% plan smart access upgrades in 2026, this guide breaks down current pricing and the real-world cost drivers, including installation complexity, wiring conditions, and network requirements. We’ll also explain when a repair still makes sense and when a full intercom replacement is the smarter long-term move.
Key Takeaways
- Intercom replacement costs typically range from $1,500 to $15,000+ per door, depending on the system type, installation complexity, and wiring/network requirements.
- Video and IP systems cost more upfront, but save money long-term.
- The biggest cost inflators are door and unit counts, plus retrofit needs such as replacing wiring, adding conduit, or upgrading network/PoE infrastructure.
- Repeated repairs often cost more than replacement.
Table of Contents
- Cost Differences by Intercom Type
- Key Factors That Impact Apartment Intercom Replacement Cost
- Replace vs Repair: Which Option Makes Financial Sense?
- Let’s Wrap Up
- FAQs
Cost Differences by Intercom Type
Not all apartment intercom systems are built the same. The type of intercom you choose directly affects your hardware costs, installation scope, infrastructure needs, and long-term operating expenses.
From basic audio-only systems to fully cloud-managed video platforms, here’s how pricing typically breaks down by intercom type.
Audio / Basic Intercom Systems (Analog)
| Configuration | Typical Price Range (USD) | Key Considerations |
| Hardware Only | $300 – $800 | Does not include labor; installation cost depends on wiring condition and building construction |
| Hardware + Installation | $1,000 – $3,000 per door | Two-way audio only; lowest upfront cost; limited features; often relies on existing wiring |
Wired IP Intercom Systems
| Configuration | Typical Price Range (USD) | Key Considerations |
| Hardware Only | $500 – $1,500 | Requires Ethernet/PoE and network connectivity; wiring availability affects install scope |
| Hardware + Installation | $2,500 – $7,000 per door | More invasive installation; labor increases with wiring complexity and building size |
IP Intercom with Wireless Backhaul
| Configuration | Typical Price Range (USD) | Key Considerations |
| Hardware Only | $800 – $3,500 | Requires power and stable wireless connectivity; reliability depends on network quality |
| Hardware + Installation | $1,500 – $3,500 per door | Faster installs with less cabling; ideal when running new conduit is difficult |
Video Intercom Systems
| Configuration | Typical Price Range (USD) | Key Considerations |
| Hardware Only | $1,000 – $3,500 | Camera quality, environmental rating, and display size affect pricing |
| Hardware + Installation | $1,000– 3,000per door | HD video, mobile video calling, and cloud features drive price variation |
Cloud-Managed Video Intercom Platforms
Cloud-managed video intercom platforms often require a recurring subscription for cloud storage, mobile credentials, remote management, and additional functionality. Pricing varies by supplier and building size, but subscriptions are often charged per unit or per door, with costs rising as the number of doors, units, and integrations increases.
Key Factors That Impact Apartment Intercom Replacement Cost
Apartment intercom replacement costs can vary widely from one property to another. Two buildings with the same number of units may end up with very different price tags depending on infrastructure, system type, and installation complexity. Understanding these core cost drivers will help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises during your upgrade.
Number of Doors and Units
The size of your property is one of the biggest factors in your overall intercom replacement cost. Every additional entry point requires its own intercom hardware, access control integrations, and wiring or network connection. Likewise, more residential units mean more resident credentials and call routing profiles, directory setup, and system configuration.
In general:
- A small building typically needs one main entry intercom panel and a relatively simple system configuration
- A mid-size building typically requires 1–3 intercom panels, depending on the number of primary entrances, plus more structured cabling and network planning.
- A large multifamily property (200+ units, multiple buildings, and access points) may require a centralized, cloud-managed intercom and access control systems.
More doors and more units mean more equipment, more labor, and more configuration. All of which increases the total project cost.
Audio vs Video Intercom Systems
The type of intercom system you choose also plays a major role in pricing.
Audio-only intercoms are typically the most affordable option. They provide basic call and unlock functionality and work well for properties that only need simple visitor communication.
Video intercom systems, on the other hand, include cameras, displays, mobile credentials, and cloud-based management. These systems offer significantly better security and resident experience, but come with higher hardware and software costs.
Video systems generally cost more because they require:
- Higher-quality outdoor-rated hardware
- Cameras and display screens
- Increased network bandwidth
- Cloud software subscriptions
For most modern apartment buildings, video intercoms are now the standard due to their security benefits and resident convenience.
IP-Based vs Analog Intercom Systems
The technology behind your intercom system has a major impact on both installation complexity and long-term costs.
Analog intercom systems typically rely on point-to-point copper wiring and, in many cases, legacy analog phone lines (POTS). POTS stands for Plain Old Telephone Service. While they can be cheaper upfront in some retrofit scenarios, they’re a growing long-term risk: many carriers are phasing out copper-based service (“the copper sunset”), reducing support for legacy phone infrastructure. Buildings that still rely on POTS may face higher costs, limited serviceability, and more downtime.
IP-based intercom systems run on your building’s data network. They support mobile credentials, cloud management, two-way video communication, and remote unlocking, deeper access control integrations, and connections to property management platforms.
IP systems may require:
- Network switches and PoE (Power over Ethernet) infrastructure
- Structured Ethernet cabling
- Internet connectivity at each entry point
However, they offer better reliability, easier updates, and significantly lower long-term operational costs.
Existing Wiring Condition
Your building’s current wiring can either save you money or add significant cost to your project.
If your property already has modern Ethernet cabling and adequate conduit, installation is faster and less invasive. But many older buildings can still rely on outdated copper wiring or phone lines that aren’t compatible with modern intercom systems.
Costs increase when installers need to:
- Run new conduit
- Pull the new cable through the concrete and masonry
- Repair walls and finishes after installation
A site survey is often the best way to determine whether your existing wiring can be used or needs replacement.
Building Age and Construction Type
The age and construction style of your building directly affect labor time, installation complexity, and total project cost.
Newer buildings are typically designed with access control and low-voltage infrastructure in mind. Older buildings, especially those built before the 1990s, may not have pathways for modern cabling or network equipment.
Challenging construction types include:
- Reinforced concrete and steel structures
- Historic buildings with preservation restrictions
- Properties with limited ceiling access or sealed walls
In these cases, installation requires more labor, specialized tools, and careful coordination, all of which increase project cost.
Replace vs Repair: Which Option Makes Financial Sense?
When an apartment intercom system starts failing, most property teams face the same dilemma: should you repair what you have or replace it entirely?
On the surface, repairs seem like the cheaper option in the short term. But in many cases, ongoing fixes end up costing more over time than a full system upgrade. The right decision depends on your system’s age, the availability of parts, and how well it supports modern access features like mobile credentials, video calling, remote unlock, delivery and guest entry workflows, and cloud-based management.
Here’s how to evaluate both options.
| Category | When Repair Makes Sense | When Replacement Is Smarter |
| System age | Less than 5–7 years old | More than 10 years old |
| Manufacturer support | Still within support lifecycle | No longer supported |
| Parts availability | Parts are readily available | Parts are hard or expensive to source |
| Scope of issue | Isolated failure (e.g., speaker module, handset, door strike, mag lock) | Multiple recurring issues or frequent breakdowns |
| Technology fit | Already supports mobile credentials, video, cloud management | Relies on analog phone lines or lacks modern features |
| Resident experience | Issues are minor and serviceable | Ongoing complaints about reliability, audio quality, usability |
| Cost outlook | One-time fix restores full function | Repairs become a cycle of service calls, downtime, and frustration |
| Long-term value | No infrastructure upgrade needed | Upgrade delivers a future-ready platform (mobile access, video calling, remote unlock, delivery access, cloud management) |
The Hidden Cost of Keeping an Old System Alive
One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is focusing only on the upfront repair invoice. Commonly overlooked costs include:
- Repeated technician visits
- Emergency after-hours service calls
- Temporary access workarounds
- Resident dissatisfaction and complaints
- Security risks from unreliable access control
Over a 3-5 year period, those “small” repair bills can easily exceed the cost of installing a modern apartment intercom system, without delivering any of the benefits of an upgrade.
How to Decide: A Simple Rule of Thumb
A practical guideline many property managers follow:
- If your system is under 7 years old and still supported by the manufacturer (meaning firmware/security updates are available, replacement parts can be sourced, and qualified service is still accessible) → repair
- If your system is over 10 years old or no longer supported (parts are discontinued, updates have stopped, and service options are limited) → replace
In between, a site assessment by access control experts can help determine whether your infrastructure is worth preserving or ready for modernization.
Before you finalize a replacement decision, this Intercom Purchase Considerations Guide breaks down what matters most, cost drivers, infrastructure requirements, and long-term operational impact, so you can choose the right system for your property.
Let’s Wrap Up
When an apartment intercom system starts failing, it creates real problems: missed deliveries, frustrated residents, security gaps, and constant service calls. Replacing it eliminates access problems, reduces maintenance costs, and modernizes your building.
While replacement costs can vary widely, understanding what drives pricing puts you in control of the decision.
Building size, door count, wiring, system type, and infrastructure all play a role. While basic audio systems may work for some properties, modern video and IP-based intercoms deliver better long-term value, stronger security, and future-ready functionality.
The right system should:
- Improve access control and building security
- Reduce operational headaches
- Support modern resident expectations
- Scale as your property grows
With the right planning and partner, an intercom replacement project can be smooth, predictable, and highly cost-effective.
If you’re considering upgrading your building’s intercom system, a site assessment is the best first step. It provides accurate pricing, uncovers infrastructure needs, and helps you choose a solution that fits your property today and tomorrow.
Book a Swiftlane demo or request a quote to get clear answers on cost, installation requirements, and long-term fit for your building.
FAQs
How much does it cost to replace an apartment intercom system?
Apartment intercom system replacement costs typically range from $1,500 to $15,000+ for most apartment buildings, depending on system type, building size, wiring condition, and installation complexity. Larger properties with multiple entry points and video intercoms may exceed this range.
Is it cheaper to repair an intercom system instead of replacing it?
Repairs are usually cheaper in the short term, but older systems often require frequent service calls and hard-to-find parts. Over time, repeated repairs can cost more than installing a modern system with long-term support and cloud management.
How long does an intercom project take?
Most projects take 1-3 days per door once installation begins. Larger properties with multiple buildings or complex wiring may take longer. A site survey will provide a more accurate timeline.
