Private investigator cost in New York
Estimated New York rates are national published ranges adjusted by the BEA Regional Price Parity index for New York (108 vs. U.S. = 100). State-specific PI wage data is limited, so treat these as informed estimates.
| Service | Typical New York range |
|---|---|
| Infidelity / surveillance | $97–$189/hr |
| Child custody | $97–$189/hr |
| Workers' comp / insurance fraud | $81–$162/hr |
| Corporate / due diligence | $135–$324/hr |
| Background check | $162–$972 flat |
| Locate a person / skip trace | $162–$1,296 flat |
| Asset search | $1,080–$1,728 flat |
| Process serving | $70–$135 flat |
Licensing in New York
Licensed by the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
Official New York licensing / regulatory site →
Always ask for the investigator's license number and verify it with the state before hiring. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the regulator.
Top-rated local investigators in New York, NY
Ratings and review counts are from public Google Maps data as of 2026-10-16, ranked by rating weighted by review volume. Listed businesses are not affiliated with, and do not endorse, this site. Always verify licensing.
City guides: New York
Private investigator cost estimator
Estimates use national ranges from published 2026 pricing guides, adjusted by the U.S. BEA Regional Price Parity index for your state, plus mileage at the IRS standard rate ($0.70/mi). Real quotes vary. See sources & methodology.
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