Planning to hire a private investigator but you are just not sure what to expect price-wise?
Procompare has been tracking trends in private investigator prices in years and here is the latest private investigator cost guide for year 2025.
What is cost data based on?
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by our Pros and on cost data retrieved from various specialized publications and websites, governmental reports, occupational associations or guilds, and related websites in South Africa.
Infidelity or cheating investigations are conducted to ascertain if a partner or spouse is unfaithful. Investigators employ various methods, including surveillance, social media monitoring, and tracking, to gather evidence. These services are highly discreet and sensitive, tailored to provide clients with peace of mind or the necessary proof for personal or legal actions. On average, expect to be charged between R6300 and R25,000 for infidelity investigation.
Get quotesMissing persons investigations aim to locate individuals who have disappeared under mysterious or unknown circumstances. This service involves exhaustive searches, interviews with acquaintances, and coordination with local authorities. Investigators use their expertise and resources to trace the missing person's last known movements, potentially leading to their whereabouts. Missing persons investigation costs range between R13,000 and R44,000 with an average of R25,000.
Get quotesAsset tracing involves identifying and locating assets such as properties, vehicles, and investments. It's particularly useful in legal disputes, divorce cases, or debt recovery efforts, employing investigative techniques to uncover hidden or undisclosed assets. The price depends on the complexity of the investigation. Asset tracing costs range between R6300 and R19,000 with an average of R11,000.
Get quotesBackground checks are comprehensive reviews of an individual’s personal, professional, and, at times, financial history. This service is crucial for employers, landlords, or individuals entering new personal or professional relationships. Checks can uncover information about criminal records, employment history, education verification, and other relevant details to assess trustworthiness or reliability. The final price depends on the complexity of the investigation. For background check, expect to pay between R1900 and R6300.
Get quotesThese investigations aim to expose crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and theft. Private investigators gather evidence, identify suspects, and support legal proceedings or recovery actions, working closely with law enforcement when necessary. The price depends on the complexity of the investigation, means used, time, etc. The average cost of criminal / fraud / theft Investigation is R31,000, or typically between R13,000 and R63,000.
Get quotesFocused on ensuring the child's best interests in custody disputes, these investigations assess living conditions, safety, and treatment of the child by parents or guardians. Investigators may use surveillance, background checks, and interviews to gather evidence. The price depends on the techniques used and the complexity of the investigation. Child custody investigation costs range between R10,000 and R31,000 with an average of R19,000.
Get quotesThe average cost of private surveillance services in South Africa can vary widely depending on the complexity and duration of the surveillance required. The price range is pretty big and accounts for different levels of surveillance efforts, from simple tasks to more complex and lengthy investigations. The average cost of private surveillance is R8800, or typically between R4400 and R19,000.
Get quotesCheating wife
No
My stepmother took everything, and fake the will.
I need to find someone who owes me a huge amount of money.
Like to know my real father
Need physical address of Business in Centurion and Lydenburg
They took my car for installment takeover and later lied saying the car was hijacked
