Then we get to the heavy hitters. If you’re a tech CEO, an A-list musician, or someone who accidentally insulted a mob boss on Yelp, you need a full-time security team. We’re talking multiple guards, advance route planning, and a driver who can parallel park a Hummer in a phone booth.
Monthly costs? Buckle up. $15,000 to $50,000 per month is standard. That’s more than most people’s annual rent. For that, you get 24/7 coverage, background checks on your new dating app matches, and someone to hold your umbrella when it’s not even raining (because that’s the vibe).
One music producer told me his security team once made him change flights three times because a rival band was at the same airport. “I missed my mom’s birthday dinner,” he said, sighing. “But I did get to meet a very nice golden retriever in the private lounge.” So, win some, lose some.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bodyguard in Fresno 2026? | CITIGUARD
The Hidden Costs: Bulletproof Vests & Bad Breath
Don’t forget the extras. A bodyguard won’t work for peanuts, but they also need gear. Bulletproof vests, communication earpieces, and professional liability insurance all add up. Some clients also pay for a “clean team” to sweep their hotel rooms for bugs—not the insect kind, the surveillance kind. That’s like having a really intense housekeeper who also asks about your kidnap insurance.
And then there’s the personality cost. Having a shadow is weird. You can’t scratch your nose without a whispered “Is everything okay?” You’ll miss the freedom of buying a gas station hot dog at 2 AM without someone checking the expiration date. “Sir, that hot dog has been sitting there since 1998.” Yes, but it’s my choice.
