How Much Are PI Services?

If you’re searching for the cost of a private investigator in San Diego, you’ll find that most reputable agencies charge an hourly rate between $125 and $200. This rate reflects the experience, training, and resources required to handle professional investigations effectively.

Hourly rates typically cover services such as surveillance, interviews, background checks, witness location, and court research. More complex cases, such as high-stakes legal matters or specialized surveillance, often fall at the higher end of the range.

In addition to the hourly rate, most San Diego PI agencies require a retainer, which is an upfront deposit to fund the investigation. The average retainer for a San Diego private investigator is around $3,500, though this may vary based on your case’s complexity and anticipated hours.

A Word of Caution: Be wary of investigators offering unusually low hourly rates. Often, these PIs are new to the industry, work part-time, or perform investigative work as a side job. Many operate out of their homes and meet clients in restaurants or coffee shops, settings that are not ideal for maintaining confidentiality. In investigations, experience, professionalism, and secure client communication matter far more than finding the cheapest option.

At GRI Investigative Group, we are a full-time, full-service private investigations agency with offices in San Diego. We are fully licensed and insured in the State of California, offering professional services in criminal defense, civil litigation support, and family law matters. Our clients rely on us for thorough, ethical, and results-driven investigations.

When hiring a private investigator in San Diego, ask about their background, the scope of services included, and how they will update you on progress. A reputable PI will be transparent about costs and work with you to achieve your goals efficiently.

Bottom line: Expect to invest $125–$200 per hour with a $3,500 average retainer for professional, results-driven investigative services from a licensed, insured, and full-time PI agency in San Diego.