The first question most people ask when they call us: “How much is this going to cost?”
Fair question. The problem is that most investigation agencies won’t give you a straight answer. They quote low rates to get you in the door, then surprise you with hidden fees for mileage, report writing, equipment rental, administrative costs, and charges they never mentioned upfront.
We don’t operate that way. Here’s what private investigator costs actually look like in Toronto and across the GTA.
What Most Investigations Actually Cost
For infidelity investigations in the Greater Toronto Area, you’re typically looking at $2,500 to $8,000 depending on complexity and timeline.
We offer structured packages:
- 30-hour package: Approximately $2,600
- 50-hour package: Approximately $4,800
Most cases need a few days of work. Depending on the area and complexity, we might need two or three investigators working simultaneously. That affects cost, but we tell you before we start, not after.
People call with wildly different expectations. Some think hiring a private investigator in Toronto costs $50,000. Others think it’s $200. The reality is in between.
Check out our pricing page as a guideline, but please note that every quote is tailored to your unique requirements.
What Affects Private Investigator Prices
Hours required. A straightforward case costs less than one where the subject is cautious, changes their schedule frequently, or covers multiple cities.
Number of investigators. If your spouse works in downtown Toronto but meets someone in Brampton, we need multiple investigators to avoid losing them in traffic.
Location. Surveillance in Mississauga or Vaughan is straightforward. If the subject drives to Niagara or Barrie, that’s more time and distance. We don’t surprise you with mileage fees after the fact. Travel is factored into the upfront quote.
Type of investigation. Infidelity investigations and surveillance cost differently than corporate investigations. A surveillance might take days. Corporate theft investigations take weeks.
The Hidden Fees Other Agencies Use
This is where many Toronto private investigators make their real money. They quote $75 an hour, which sounds reasonable. Then the invoice comes:
- Mileage charges (sometimes $1 per kilometer)
- Report writing fees (hundreds for documentation that should be included)
- Equipment rental (cameras, GPS, tech you assumed they owned)
- Administrative fees
- “Consultation” charges for phone calls
- Rush fees for timely reports
We include everything in the quoted price. A 30-hour package at $2,600 includes surveillance, equipment, mileage, documentation, and the full written report with photos and timestamps. What you’re quoted is what you pay.
What You’re Actually Paying For
Licensed, experienced investigators. Every investigator is licensed in Ontario. They have 10 to 30 years of experience from backgrounds including law enforcement, government agencies, intelligence services, military, and forensic examination.
Court-admissible evidence. We know what holds up in court. Our documentation, photos, and reports are thorough enough for lawyers to use in divorce proceedings, custody cases, and corporate litigation.
Professional equipment. Quality cameras that work in low light. Vehicles that don’t look suspicious. GPS tracking that’s legal and properly documented.
Comprehensive reporting. You get a detailed written report with timestamps, photographs, descriptions, and proof. For a 72-hour surveillance case, that report might be 40+ pages.
Some people hire the cheapest private detective they can find. Then they call us to redo the investigation properly because the evidence won’t hold up or the investigator got caught.
Why the Cheapest Option Usually Costs More
If someone quotes $50 an hour for private investigator services in Toronto, ask how they’re making that work.
Licensed investigators with decades of experience, professional equipment, insurance, and legal knowledge don’t work for $50 an hour. You’re probably getting:
- Unlicensed investigators
- Poor quality evidence that won’t hold up in court
- Hidden fees that triple the final cost
- Investigators who cut corners or break the law
We’ve seen people pay $800 for a “cheap” investigator, get grainy photos and a one-page report, then pay us $4,000 to redo it properly. They spent $4,800 total when they could have spent $2,600 hiring us first.
The Real Cost of Waiting
Some people put off hiring a private investigator because of cost. They wait and try to gather evidence themselves. Meanwhile, phone records get deleted, social media posts disappear, the cheating spouse gets more careful, and evidence deteriorates.
By the time they call us, the case is harder to prove and takes longer. What could have been a $2,600 investigation becomes $6,000 because we’re starting from scratch.
If you’re already researching private investigators, you’re past “wait and see.” The question isn’t whether to investigate. It’s whether you do it now while evidence exists, or later when half of it is gone.
What You Should Ask About Cost
Before you hire anyone:
- What’s included in your rate? (If they hesitate, that’s a red flag)
- Are there additional fees? (Mileage, reports, equipment, admin costs)
- How do you bill? (Hourly, packages, retainer)
- What if the case takes longer? (Do they discuss it first or just keep billing)
- What do I receive at the end? (Verbal summary or comprehensive report)
- Are you licensed in Ontario? (Legally required and easy to verify)
If an investigator won’t answer these clearly, they’re planning to surprise you with costs later.
Bottom Line
Most infidelity and surveillance investigations in Toronto cost between $2,500 and $5,000. Corporate cases cost more. Background checks cost less. The exact number depends on your situation, but we tell you that number upfront.
You’re paying for licensed investigators with decades of experience, professional equipment, legal expertise, and evidence that holds up in court. You’re also paying for transparency.
After 30 years of running investigations across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and throughout Ontario, we’ve learned that clients appreciate honesty about cost more than a low initial quote that turns into a high final bill.
If you need a private investigator in Toronto, anywhere in the GTA, across Canada, or internationally, contact Investigation Hotline for a straightforward cost estimate with no hidden fees.
To learn more, contact Investigation Hotline at +1 416-205-9114 or Speak with the Experts Now
