How Much Does a Locksmith Cost? [2025 Data]
If you’ve ever been locked out of your home, lost your car keys, or needed a lock replaced, you know the importance of having a professional locksmith on hand. But how much should you expect to pay for these services in 2025? The cost of hiring a locksmith varies based on the type of service, your location, and the time of day. In this article, we’ll break down a locksmith cost, factors that influence the price, and tips on how to save money on locksmith services.
Average Cost to Hire a Locksmith
The cost of hiring a locksmith typically ranges between $50 and $500, depending on the service required. For most homeowners, the average price for locksmith services is around $163. However, the exact cost will vary based on several factors, including the type of service, the complexity of the job, and whether it’s an emergency call.
Common Locksmith Services & Costs
Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for common locksmith services:
- Rekeying Locks: $80 – $150
- Changing Locks: $50 – $250
- Installing Deadbolt Locks: $50 – $200
- Key Duplication: $5 – $20 (can go up to $400 for transponder keys)
- Key Extraction: $50 – $200
- Unlocking a House: $65 – $200
- Unlocking a Car: $50 – $300
- Unlocking a Safe: $50 – $500
- Installing Electronic Locks: $50 – $500
- Car Transponder Key Replacement: $100 – $400
Emergency or after-hours service calls typically incur a surcharge, with prices ranging from $150 to $250.
Factors That Affect Locksmith Costs
When hiring a locksmith, several key factors can impact the final price. Let’s take a closer look at the major elements that determine how much you’ll pay.
Type of Service
The type of service you need will play a significant role in how much you pay. Here’s a breakdown of how different services are priced:
Installing Deadbolt Locks
Installing deadbolt locks is a common service for homeowners looking to enhance security. Prices typically range from $50 to $200. More complex installations, such as mortise locksets, can be more expensive.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks
Rekeying is usually more affordable than replacing locks. It involves rearranging the pins in the lock’s cylinder and provides a new key. You can expect to pay between $80 and $150 for rekeying. Replacing a lock, however, may cost between $50 and $250, depending on the type of lock.
Unlocking a House
Lockouts can happen at any time. When locked out of your home, locksmiths typically charge between $65 and $200 for unlocking services. Prices can go higher if the locksmith needs to perform a more intricate task or is called during peak hours.
Changing Home Locks
Changing locks is a common reason for hiring a locksmith, particularly when moving into a new home or after a security breach. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250 to change your locks, depending on the type of lock and the complexity of the job.
Installing Electronic Locks
Installing high-tech electronic locks is a growing trend, and these systems can range from $50 to $500, with high-end models exceeding $2,000. These locks may include smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth access, or biometric security.
Key Extraction
If you’ve broken a key in your lock, you’ll need a professional to extract it. Key extraction typically costs between $50 and $200, depending on the severity of the breakage and the tools required.
Key Duplication
Basic key duplication for house keys may cost as little as $5 to $20, but for more advanced keys like car transponder keys, the cost can range from $100 to $400.
Unlocking a Safe
If you’ve lost the combination to a safe or misplaced the key, a locksmith can help unlock it. Prices typically range from $50 to $400, depending on the complexity of the safe and whether the locksmith needs to drill or use specialized tools.
Unlocking Your Car
If you’ve locked your keys in your car or lost them, expect to pay between $50 and $300 to have a locksmith unlock the vehicle. If a replacement key or transponder key is needed, the cost can rise to $400.
Emergency Call Fees
One of the most significant cost factors when hiring a locksmith is whether you need emergency service. Emergency locksmith services typically incur additional charges, ranging from $150 to $250, depending on the time of day or night. After-hours services are especially costly during weekends, holidays, or late at night when demand is higher.
Location
Your location also significantly impacts locksmith prices. Major metropolitan areas tend to have higher service fees due to increased demand and higher operating costs. For example, you might pay:
- Chicago, Illinois: $75 – $250
- Los Angeles, California: $85 – $300
- Baltimore, Maryland: $70 – $240
- Brooklyn, New York: $80 – $270
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida: $70 – $230
In rural areas, where locksmiths are fewer, the cost may be higher due to limited competition.
Peak Hours
Locksmith prices can also fluctuate based on the time of day. If you need a locksmith during peak hours (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends), you might face a surcharge of up to $150. This is because locksmiths often receive higher demand during these times, especially when people realize they’ve misplaced their keys as they leave or return home.
Electronic vs. Standard Locks
Upgrading to electronic locks can increase your costs. Here’s a comparison of the costs for different electronic lock types:
- Bluetooth locks: $70 – $350
- Biometric locks: $50 – $300
- Keypad locks: $40 – $150
- Wi-Fi-enabled locks: $75 – $300
- RFID locks: $100 – $300
In contrast, standard locks such as deadbolts typically cost much less, with installation fees ranging from $50 to $200.
When to Hire a Locksmith
A locksmith’s services are not limited to emergency situations. Here are several scenarios when you might need a locksmith:
- Locked out of your home or car
- Lost your keys
- Upgrading or replacing old locks
- Installing a smart lock system
- Broken key in the lock
- Faulty keys or locks
DIY vs. Hiring a Locksmith: What’s the Best Choice?
While some people may attempt to handle lock and key issues on their own, it’s often best to hire a professional. DIY installations can lead to mistakes that damage the door or lock, resulting in higher repair costs. For example, rekeying a lock incorrectly can cause long-term issues with the key and lock functionality.
In general, here are some things to consider when deciding between DIY and hiring a professional locksmith:
- DIY: Can save money if you have the skills and tools to install a lock or rekey it.
- Hiring a Locksmith: May be necessary for more complex issues, such as installing electronic locks, extracting a broken key, or unlocking a car or safe.
How to Save on Locksmith Costs
There are several ways to save on locksmith services:
- Keep a spare key in a safe place to avoid lockout situations.
- Regularly duplicate keys to avoid the need for emergency services when keys are lost.
- Perform routine lock maintenance to prevent breakages or malfunctions.
- Call during regular hours to avoid after-hours surcharges.
- Opt for rekeying instead of replacing locks entirely.
- Consider DIY options like installing deadbolt locks yourself if you’re experienced.
How Locksmiths Set Their Prices
Locksmiths base their pricing on a variety of factors, including the type of service, travel time, materials needed, and the complexity of the job. Emergency services and jobs requiring specialized tools or labor (such as unlocking a safe or car) will naturally be priced higher.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I find a qualified locksmith?
- Look for a locksmith with good reviews and proper credentials, such as certification from the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
Q: Should I change my locks when I move into a new home?
- Yes, it’s recommended to change your locks when moving into a new house to ensure previous owners or others can’t access your home.
Q: Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?
- Generally, rekeying is more affordable than replacing locks. However, if your locks are old or damaged, replacement may be necessary.
In conclusion, understanding the various costs and factors associated with locksmith services will help you make informed decisions when you need professional assistance. Whether it’s for an emergency lockout, upgrading to electronic locks, or routine maintenance, knowing what to expect in terms of pricing can help you budget and avoid unnecessary expenses.