Whether you’re locked out of your home, need new locks installed, or want to rekey your property, a locksmith can be a lifesaver. But how much does hiring a locksmith actually cost? In this guide, we’ll break down common locksmith services, what affects pricing, and how to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
Average Locksmith Costs
| Service | Average Price |
| Emergency Lockout | $75–$150 |
| Rekeying Locks | $20–$50 per lock |
| Lock Installation | $80–$200 |
| Key Duplication | $5–$25 |
| Smart Lock Setup | $100–$250 |
| Car Lockout | $60–$150 |
Note: Prices may vary based on location, time of day, and lock complexity.
Factors That Affect Locksmith Pricing
🕒Time of Day
Most locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency service, but evening, overnight, and weekend calls typically come with a premium.
Expect to pay 1.5x to 2x more if you’re calling outside normal business hours.
🔹 Example:
A standard home lockout during the day might cost $90, but the same service at 2 a.m. on a Sunday could cost $150 or more.
🔐Type of Lock
Not all locks are created equal. The complexity and security level of your lock will significantly affect the time, tools, and skill required — and thus the cost.
🔹 Examples:
- Basic doorknob locks: inexpensive to rekey or replace
- Deadbolts and electronic locks: mid-range in cost
- Smart locks, keyless entry systems, and high-security commercial locks: higher-end pricing due to advanced mechanisms
📍Location
Your geographic location plays a major role in pricing:
- Urban areas with higher cost of living often have higher base rates
- Locksmiths may charge travel fees for rural or hard-to-reach areas
- Traffic and parking restrictions in cities may also increase cost due to time and access challenges
🔹 Example:
In a city like Miami, the base cost might start at $100+, while in smaller towns nearby, the same service could be $75.
❗Urgency
If you need help immediately, expect to pay more.
Locksmiths often prioritize emergencies, and rush jobs disrupt their schedule, which justifies the premium pricing.
🔹 Non-urgent example:
Rekeying your home after a move might cost $25–$50 per lock with next-day service.
🔹 Urgent example:
Being locked out of your car at the airport may cost $120+ for immediate arrival.
Tips to Avoid Overpaying
- Compare providers: Use sites like ServiceScoutUSA to find top-rated local locksmiths with transparent pricing.
- Ask for estimates: Get a written quote before any work starts.
- Check credentials: Licensed and insured locksmiths protect you from scams.
- Avoid vague pricing: Be wary of “$19 service calls” – they often have hidden fees.
Is Rekeying or Replacing Locks Cheaper?
Rekeying is usually cheaper if the locks are still in good shape.
Replacing makes sense if you want to upgrade to smart locks or improve home security.
📍 Local Prices May Vary
Locksmith costs can differ from city to city. For example:
- Miami: Emergency lockouts range from $80–$140
- Fort Lauderdale: Rekeying averages $30–$45 per lock
👉 Compare providers near you to get accurate pricing.
When Should You Call a Locksmith?
Not all cases require you to call a pro to fix or replace your lock. If any of the following are scenarios you can relate to, we honestly think you should call a locksmith:
- Locked out of your house or car
- Lost your keys
- Moving into a new home (rekey recommended!)
- Upgrading to smart locks
- After a break-in or attempted break-in
Final Thoughts
The cost of a locksmith varies, but with the right research, you can avoid hidden fees and get back inside quickly and safely. Always choose licensed professionals with clear pricing.