How Much Does a Locksmith Cost? Have you ever locked yourself out of your house or car and felt that sudden wave of panic? Don’t worry — it happens to almost everyone at some point. When that moment comes, a locksmith can be your best friend. But how much does a locksmith actually cost?
On average, locksmiths charge around $150, but the total price can range from $50 to $400, depending on what you need and when you need it. Let’s break down what affects locksmith costs and how you can save money the next time you call one.
What Does a Locksmith Do?
A locksmith is a trained professional who works with all types of locks and keys — from your home and car doors to safes and electronic keypads. They can:
- Unlock doors when you’re locked out
- Replace or rekey locks
- Make new keys
- Install security systems and smart locks
Some locksmiths also offer 24/7 emergency services, which can be a lifesaver if you’re stuck outside at night.
Average Locksmith Cost
The average cost of hiring a locksmith is about $150, but prices depend on:
- The type of service (home, car, or safe)
- The time of day
- The lock type
- Your location
For example, unlocking a simple door during the day may cost only $50–$100, but calling a locksmith at midnight could raise that to $200 or more.
Main Factors That Affect Locksmith Prices
Here are the main things that can change how much you pay:
1. Type of Lock
Electronic or smart locks cost more to work on than simple manual ones.
Here’s a look at the average cost of different lock types:
| Lock Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Keypad | $50–$300 |
| Biometric (fingerprint) | $150–$500 |
| Bluetooth | $200–$300 |
| RFID (key fob) | $100–$300 |
| Wi-Fi | $250–$450 |
The more advanced the lock, the more tools and skill it takes to fix or replace it.
2. Emergency or After-Hours Calls
If you get locked out late at night, on weekends, or during holidays, locksmiths usually charge extra.
Emergency rates can go up to $150–$250 per hour or include a special service fee.
💡 Tip: If it’s not urgent, try scheduling service during regular business hours to save money.
3. Trip Fee
Locksmiths come to your location, so they often charge a travel or trip fee.
This fee depends on:
- Distance to your location
- Time of day
- Traffic or rural area fees
Trip fees are usually $30–$60, but could be more in remote areas.
4. Type of Service
The kind of help you need makes a big difference in cost.
Here are some average locksmith prices:
For Homes
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Change house locks | $50–$200 per lock |
| Rekey locks | $70–$160 |
| Install deadbolt | $40–$75 per door |
| Home lockout | $50–$180 |
| Electronic lock install | $200–$400 |
| Key duplication | $10–$25 |
For Cars
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Car lockout | $60–$150 |
| Rekey ignition | $50–$150 |
| Cut new car key | $4–$10 |
| Replace keypad | $300–$400 |
Extra Locksmith Services and Their Costs
Changing Home Locks
If you’ve just moved or lost your keys, it’s smart to change your locks.
This usually costs $50–$300, depending on the lock type and number of doors.
Installing Deadbolts
Deadbolts add extra safety. The average cost is $40–$125, plus labor.
Rekeying Locks
Rekeying is cheaper than replacing the whole lock. A locksmith changes the lock’s inner pins so old keys no longer work.
Expect to pay $70–$160 total.
Opening Safes
Lost the key or forgot your safe’s combination? Opening a safe costs $50–$400, depending on difficulty.
Key Extraction
If your key breaks inside the lock, removing it can cost $50–$200, plus any after-hours fees.
When Should You Call a Locksmith?
You might need a locksmith if:
- You’re locked out of your home or car
- You’ve lost your keys
- You moved into a new place
- You want to upgrade to smart locks
- Your key broke inside a lock
- You want to improve home security
Calling a locksmith early can prevent bigger problems later.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
You can handle some simple lock tasks yourself, but others need a pro.
DIY Locksmithing
If you’re handy, you can buy a basic door lock for $10–$25 at a hardware store.
There are also rekeying kits online for around $10–$75.
These work fine for simple jobs, but be careful — one wrong move could damage the lock or weaken your door.
Professional Locksmithing
Locksmiths are trained and licensed experts.
They spend years learning their craft and know how to handle every type of lock — including complex ones like smart locks or car systems.
If security is important or it’s an emergency, hiring a professional is worth it.
How to Save Money on Locksmith Services
Here are some smart ways to cut locksmith costs:
- Rekey instead of replace when possible.
- Call during regular hours to avoid emergency fees.
- Do simple jobs yourself, like replacing a basic doorknob.
- Ask for a full quote before the locksmith starts.
- Compare prices from a few local locksmiths.
- Avoid scams — always check reviews or ratings before you hire.
💡 Pro Tip: Search “locksmith near me” and look for companies with good reviews and verified licenses.
Our Conclusion
Locksmiths are a huge help when you’re locked out or need new security.
While costs vary, knowing the average prices and what affects them helps you avoid surprises.
Try to plan ahead — have a trusted locksmith’s number saved on your phone before you actually need one.
A little preparation can save you time, money, and a lot of stress!
FAQs About Locksmith Costs
Q: How much does it cost to unlock a door?
A: Unlocking a door usually costs $50–$180 for homes and $60–$150 for cars.
Q: Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?
A: Rekeying is usually cheaper, since you don’t have to buy a new lock.
Q: Why do locksmiths charge so much?
A: Locksmiths are skilled, licensed professionals who often work nights, weekends, and emergencies — so their expertise and availability come at a fair cost.
Q: How can I find a trustworthy locksmith?
A: Look for one with positive reviews, a verified license, and a BBB rating. Avoid companies with no local address or unclear pricing.
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