How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?

If you need to rekey your home or replace the locks, you’re likely wondering how much does a locksmith cost? You should expect to pay $50 to $200, depending on the type of locksmith services you need for your home.

Moving into your new home is an exciting time, and you’ll want to jump right in and pick out beautiful new furniture, rugs, and home decor. But, before you start redecorating, you’ll want to make sure securing your home is a top priority—and that begins with updating your locks.

Home Locksmith Services Cost Factors 

There are many reasons you may need to find and hire a local locksmith. From wanting more security to an emergency, here are the costs you can expect when reaching out to a locksmith near you.

Type of Home Locksmith Service

Not all locksmith services are created equal. Many professional locksmiths provide a variety of lock-related services, from rekeying and changing locks to installing keyless lock systems. Depending on the complexity of your project and whether you need drilling or integrations, you may need to find a specialized locksmith. 

You can expect costs to rise to install multiple locks and advanced security locking systems. Typical pricing runs from $100 to $250, with fast, easy services costing less than extensive, time-consuming jobs.

Emergency Call Fees 

Many locksmiths are on call 24 hours a day. If you reach out to a locksmith during off-hours, such as nights, weekends, and holidays, you can expect to pay a surge charge between $150 to $250. For example, if you return home after a late-night flight and realize you lost your keys, you can expect to pay a surcharge for an after-hours visit from the locksmith.

Location Fees

Locksmiths typically upcharge for rural areas and homes outside their routine services. You can expect to pay between $50 to $100 in travel fees for a locksmith that makes a special trip to your home. That’s why it’s essential to research locksmiths in your area to avoid long-distance calls that can add up quickly.

Peak Hours 

Believe it or not: Some parts of the day are busier for locksmiths than others. Peak hours tend to be mornings and evenings when people realize they can’t find their keys when leaving for or getting home from work. Keep in mind that hiring a locksmith during these times may result in a surcharge of up to $150.

Electronic vs. Standard Locks 

If you’re upgrading to electronic locks from traditional locks, you can expect to pay about $150 per lock. Keyless door locks are a tech-savvy upgrade that allow you to open your door using a keypad system instead of a key. Keep in mind that keyless locks are more difficult to install, raising the cost of installation.

Cost for Common Home Locksmith Services

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You’ll find that locksmiths offer a variety of services, and pricing depends on what you’re looking for—and whether you make an emergency call. On average, locksmiths charge $50 to $100 per hour and $75 to $125 per hour for an emergency call. The hourly cost of hiring a locksmith also depends on your home’s location and whether you call during their peak hours.

You should search for a reputable locksmith when you move into your home. Having a trusted professional locksmith near you will ease your mind and save you time and money. That way, if you lose your keys or experience a break-in attempt, you’ll know exactly which locksmith service to call to receive fast and reliable service.

Unfortunately, locksmith scams can happen if you’re in a rush for services. Avoid red flags like toll-free phone numbers, no-name companies, and suspiciously low prices. Research your pro thoroughly to find reputable home locksmiths for your projects.

Installing Deadbolts

Deadbolt locks are a standard safety feature for your home’s exterior doors. The cost for deadbolt installation varies depending on the type of deadbolt.

• Cylindrical deadbolts: An exterior knob that connects to an interior trim plate. The average cost is $50 to $70.

• Cylindrical lever locks: These locks are for interior and exterior use, and they come with a knob or lever to open and close your door. The average cost is $60 to $70.

• Mortise locksets: A rectangular cut out on the edge of a door to fit a mortise—a hole that allows a lock insert. The average cost is $125 to $175.

Cost to Rekey Locks

Rekeying is when a locksmith rearranges the pins in the lock's cylinder, producing a new key. This process is recommended for homeowners who have a functioning and high-quality lock. When deciding whether to rekey vs. change the locks, consider whether you’d like to keep your existing lock system. If so, you can stick to rekeying.

Rekeying is a fast and affordable option, taking an average of 15 minutes to rekey each lock without entirely replacing the locks. You can expect to pay $80 to $150 for this service. 

Locked Out of Your House

If you find yourself locked out of your home, a local locksmith will charge you based on travel time, insurance, overhead, and the time and urgency of your service request. You can expect to pay between $65 to $200.

A locksmith should be able to open your door in minutes by picking your lock. You should be wary of a locksmith attempting to use a drill immediately for this task. The average rate for this service is $150, and you can expect to pay more during peak times and after working hours.

Changing Locks

Considering changing your locks? The cost to change your locks will depend on the type, such as a door handle or garage door. The timing of your call will also factor into the total cost. For example, hiring a locksmith to change your door locks during peak hours (mornings and evenings) will cost more than a service call during slow points in their day.

We recommend changing the locks when someone moves out of your home, you’re not sure who has copies of the keys, or when the lock wears out. Homeowners can expect to pay between $50 to $200 for changing locks. 

Installing Electronic Locks

Electronic locks are a great way to lock and unlock your doors from the comfort of your smart home hub. You can expect to pay $50 on the low end for a keypad and up to $2,000 for an advanced system with biometrics, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. The cost to install these locks runs from $50 to $500.

Cost to Install Locks Yourself

We recommend that only DIYers handy with tools try to replace door locks. Otherwise, you can risk damaging your door and locks. For example, if you rekey your lock incorrectly, you’ll have trouble using the key, and you could cause further damage to the lock, door, and tumblers.

To replace a door lock, you’ll need a basic screwdriver, and the switch should take under an hour, saving $100 to $250 in locksmith service fees.

Rekeying your locks is more complex, and we recommend only experienced DIYers tackle this project. You can buy a rekeying kit for $30 to $150. 

Cost to Install Locks Yourself vs. Hiring a Locksmith

Purchasing locks can cost anywhere from $50 to $2,000, depending on the type and technology. If you install locks yourself, you’ll save labor and travel costs for hiring a locksmith. 

We recommend hiring a pro to ensure the job gets done properly. You can find a top locksmith near you and expect to spend $100 to $250 for your service call.

Ways You Can Save Money for Home Locksmith Services

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You can save money on locksmith services by researching different lock styles and price points and giving yourself time to find the right options. Here are some great ways to save on locksmith services.

• Always keep a spare key in a reachable place.

• Proactively make copies of keys that show signs of wear.

• Shop around for locks at a lower price point.

• Pinpoint the exact issue you have so you hire the correct professional for the right price.

• Call a locksmith during regular working hours to avoid peak charges.

• Get price quotes from a few local locksmiths.

• Opt for rekeying instead of replacing locks entirely.

• Have your locksmith make copies of new keys on-site so you can save a trip to the hardware store.

• Choose a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-enabled system if you lose your keys often.

• Ask if there are any special discounts for military, persons 65 and older, or students.