How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in 2025?
The average cost to hire a locksmith is $163
The average cost to hire a locksmith is $163, with most homeowners paying between $107 and $242.
Locksmith costs vary based on the type of service, time of day, and location.
Rekeying a lock is more affordable than replacing it, costing between $80 and $150.
Hiring a professional locksmith ensures the security and safety of your home or vehicle.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, locksmith services cost $163, with most homeowners paying between $107 and $242. Depending on the specific service you require and the circumstances, you might pay as little as $50 or as much as $400. If you need after-hours emergency services, expect to pay a surcharge between $150 and $250. Hiring a professional locksmith ensures your locks are installed, repaired, or replaced correctly, enhancing your home’s security and giving you peace of mind.
Locksmith Cost Factors
Several factors influence how much you'll pay when hiring a locksmith, including the service you need and the time of day you call.
Emergency Surcharges
If you arrive home late and realize you've lost your keys, many locksmiths offer 24-hour emergency services. However, reaching out during off-hours—like nights, weekends, or holidays—can mean paying an extra surcharge of $150 to $250.
Service Call Fees
You can expect to spend between $100 and $250 for a locksmith service call, though the exact cost may vary depending on the complexity of the issue and the service provider. To avoid surprises, requesting a detailed estimate before scheduling the appointment is always a good idea.
Locksmith Costs by Service Type
Locksmiths provide a wide range of services—from unlocking your front door when you're locked out to installing high-tech electronic locks for enhanced security. The cost varies depending on the specific service you need. Here's what you can expect to pay for common locksmith services.
| Service Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Unlocking a house | $65–$200 |
| Changing house locks | $50–$250 |
| Re-keying home locks | $80–$150 |
| Installing deadbolt locks | $50–$200 |
| Installing electric locks | $50–$500 |
| Unlocking a car | $50–$300 |
| Extracting a key | $50–$200 |
| Duplicating a key | $5–$20 |
| Opening a safe | $50–$500 |
Unlocking a House
Getting locked out of your house can be frustrating, but a locksmith can help you regain access for $65 to $200. This price includes overhead, insurance, and travel time and may vary depending on the time of day—after-hours assistance costs more than services during regular working hours.
Changing House Locks
Changing your house locks costs between $50 and $250 for labor alone, with prices varying based on the type of lock and the complexity of the installation. You’ll also need to pay for the lock, which can be as low as $50 or upwards of $2,000, depending on your chosen model.
Rekeying Home Locks
Rekeying locks on your home costs between $80 and $150. Labor fees range from $50 to $100, while a rekeying kit costs $30 to $60 per lock. When rekeying, a locksmith rearranges the pins in the cylinder to change the key, offering a more cost-effective solution than replacing the lock.
Installing Deadbolt Locks
Installing deadbolt locks costs between $50 and $200 for labor and materials. Prices vary depending on the type of deadbolt you choose, with cylindrical deadbolts costing $50 to $70, cylindrical lever locks costing $60 to $70, and mortise locksets costing $125 to $175.
Installing Electronic Locks
To install new electronic locks, you'll pay between $50 and $500 for labor alone. What you spend depends on the type of lock you install and what's wrong with it. You'll pay around $50 for a standard keypad or up to $2,000 for an advanced smart home system. If upgrading from a traditional lock to an electric lock, expect installation costs to be around $150 each.
Unlocking a Car
If you’re locked out of your car, a locksmith will charge between $50 and $300 to unlock it. However, you may need to pay double for after-hours services.
Extracting a Key
If your key breaks off in a lock, expect to pay between $50 and $200 for extraction. The exact price will depend on the type of lock, where you live, and whether you incur an emergency callout fee for nights, weekends, and holidays.
Duplicating a Key
Basic key duplication for standard house keys costs between $5 and $20. If you have a transponder key, expect higher duplication costs of $100 to $400.
Opening a Safe
Hiring a locksmith to open a safe costs between $50 and $500. If you’re only paying to set a new combination or switch a manual lock to an electronic one, expect to pay around $50 to $150. However, for more complex jobs like manually opening a safe, costs start at $150.
When Should You Call a Locksmith?
While losing your keys or locking yourself out are common reasons to call a locksmith, there are other times when their help is needed. If your key snaps off in the lock or you want to upgrade your home's security with new deadbolts or electronic locks, a professional locksmith will assist you. Also, whenever you move into a new home—whether it's newly built, an older property, or a rental—it's a good idea to rekey the locks, ensuring that only you have access to your home.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks
Rekeying a lock is an affordable option, costing between $80 and $150 per lock. Rekeying involves the locksmith repositioning the pins in the cylinder, which changes the key—in contrast, replacing (or changing) a lock costs between $50 and $250. However, selecting premium hardware or smart systems can drive the price to $500.
DIY vs. Hiring a Locksmith
Trying to fix a lock yourself after losing your keys or having them break off in the lock can often make the problem worse. Without the right experience, you risk damaging your home or car. In these situations, it's best to hire a local locksmith. Locksmiths have the necessary tools and expertise to resolve the issue without causing further damage, helping you avoid costly repairs down the road.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
When hiring a locksmith, it’s important to do your research—even if you're in a hurry to get back into your car or house. Ensure the company you hire has a legitimate online presence with plenty of reviews. If your state has locksmith licensing regulations, ask to see the contractor's license. You can also contact a local hardware store or call roadside assistance and ask who they recommend.
You should replace your door locks whenever your key security is compromised. This includes situations like moving into a new home, experiencing a burglary or attempted break-in, or losing a key that shows your address. By changing your locks, you ensure that only authorized individuals can access your home, keeping you and your property safe.
When done by a professional locksmith, rekeying a lock takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes per lock. This process changes the lock's internal pins to match a new key so that old keys won't work anymore. It's a quick and effective way to boost your home's security with minimal downtime.
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