Cheating Spouse Investigation Cost (2026)

Most infidelity investigations cost $1,500–$5,000 in total. Surveillance is typically billed at $90–$175 per hour per investigator, often with a 3–6 hour minimum per outing, or $600–$1,600 per day.

What drives the cost

• Number of surveillance days and hours
• One vs. two investigators (two-person teams cost more but lose subjects less often)
• Nights, weekends and travel
• Mileage and video/report preparation

How to save money

Give the investigator specific days and times when suspicious activity is likely, recent photos, vehicle details and known locations. Targeted surveillance is far cheaper than open-ended surveillance.

Stay legal

Don't install tracking apps or GPS devices or access a partner's accounts yourself; in many states this is a crime and can hurt your case. A professional investigator will document activity lawfully from public places.

Sources

• Bark – Private Investigator Costs 2026 ($68–$125/hr average; background checks $100–$900; locating a person $700–$1,200; asset discovery $1,000–$1,600; surveillance $600–$1,600/day)
• HireSecurityNow – Hiring a Private Investigator (2026) ($75–$200/hr general; $90–$175/hr surveillance; retainers $1,500–$5,000; 3–6 hr minimums)
• NearbySpy – PI Cost 2026 ($100–$150/hr typical; custody/infidelity cases $1,500–$5,000; rush adds 25–100%)
• ServeCircuit – Process Server Rate Guide 2026 ($65–$125 routine; $100–$250 rush; $150–$400 skip trace + serve)
• U.S. BEA – Regional Price Parities by State (used for state adjustments)
• IRS – Standard Mileage Rates

Last checked October 2026.