How much do locksmiths cost?

Have you ever been locked out of your home because you lost your house key? Or have you misplaced your car keys, making it impossible to open the car door or turn on the ignition? Unless you’ve hidden away a spare key somewhere, you’ll need a locksmith to come to your rescue. 

But a locksmith’s services go far beyond helping when you’re locked out. They can rekey locks, install a new lock, make a new key, or perform key extraction if one is stuck. They can even get a high-tech electronic lock system to work. From lock installation to whole-house rekeying, they perform all services related to house and car locks. An auto locksmith can also help with high-security remote key fobs.

Whether you need to duplicate keys, change locks, or get inside your home on a freezing night, here’s what a locksmith will typically charge. 

To learn more, read How to find a good locksmith.

The national average cost for locksmith services is $80–165. But locksmith prices can vary significantly, depending on what you need and the type of lock.

The average price for standard house key duplication at a locksmith’s shop is less than $5 per key, but installing an entirely new lock can cost $120–325.

When a locksmith comes to your home, you’ll typically pay a basic service charge of $60–140, depending on how far they need to travel and their individual fee structure. This typically covers the first hour of service; beyond that, you’ll pay an additional hourly rate of $50–100. 

For emergency service at night or during a weekend or holiday—for example, if you need home or car lockout help—the minimum price range can be as much as $130–240.

Different locks have different issues (and levels of difficulty to deal with), which will affect the amount you’ll pay. 

House keys and locks. Most minor problems, such as a broken key extraction, opening a house lock without a key, or fixing a simple keypad, generally fall within the basic service call rate of $60–140.

Installing a deadbolt typically costs about $70–100 per door. For a high level of security, it should slide solidly into the door frame, which may involve some minor carpentry such as drilling the door jamb.

Having a locksmith install a standard doorknob lockset on exterior doors will cost an average of $135–270 per lock, plus labor charges of $50–120 each. But prices are much higher for premium door-entry hardware and locksets, which can cost $600 or more just for the materials.

Reinforcing your front and back doors and frames so they can’t be kicked in—by fastening security strike plates and hinges with extra-long screws, and rekeying any existing locks—will cost about $100–300 per door.

Car keys and locks. Calling an automotive locksmith for roadside assistance if you lose your key or get locked out will usually cost $90–180. Duplicating a car transponder key, which contains a computer chip that communicates with the car ignition, is likely to cost $60–180, including both the key and programming services. Some specialty car keys have to be ordered from the dealership and can cost as much as $400.

Smart locks and security systems. Installing or servicing a wireless intercom system, smart lock, or similar electronic equipment requires special skills. You’ll need a locksmith (or home security company) with expertise in keyless smart locks, Bluetooth equipment, or biometric security systems (fingerprint recognition). Expect to pay $150–425. 

To learn more, read Smart home security: Quick and easy home protection.  

Here are some issues that affect a locksmith’s service fees:

How much does a local locksmith cost?

Residential locksmiths generally charge around $60–140 for a service call and $50–100 per hour after that. If you just need a key made or a lock fixed on a portable item, you’ll often save money by having it done in a locksmith’s storefront office.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?

At a national average cost of $140, rekeying a lock is generally cheaper than buying and installing a new lockset. If you need multiple locks rekeyed, you’ll usually save money by having them all done in a single visit.

How much does it cost to replace a door lock? 

Having an exterior door knob and lockset professionally replaced usually costs $135–270, including materials and labor. But the price depends on the lock you choose, type of door you have, and where you live. Premium exterior locksets can cost $600 or more, not counting installation.

Find a professional locksmith in your area.