Fair price ranges for every locksmith service -- residential, automotive, commercial, and smart locks. Know what to expect before you call.
The total cost of locksmith service is the sum of a trip fee, labor, and parts. Here is the breakdown by service type, based on 200+ quotes collected across 12 US markets in 2025-2026.
| Service | Low End | Typical | High End | Key Money-Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential lockout | $85 | $125 | $200 | Call 3 locksmiths. First quote is rarely the best. |
| Rekeying (per lock) | $20 | $35 | $60 | Ask for volume discount on 3+ locks. Can drop to $25/lock. |
| Deadbolt installation | $80 | $125 | $220 | Supply your own Schlage or Kwikset B60N ($30-$45). Pay labor only. |
| Smart lock installation | $80 | $150 | $260 | Buy the lock yourself. Smart locks are routinely marked up 30-50%. |
| Car key (basic duplicate) | $60 | $100 | $150 | Hardware stores (Home Depot, ACE) cut many car keys for $4-$8. |
| Car key programming (transponder) | $150 | $275 | $400 | Compare locksmith vs. dealer. Locksmiths save $50-$150 vs. dealership. |
| Commercial lockout | $100 | $175 | $300 | After-hours commercial rates add $75-$150. Plan for business hours. |
| Master key system (install) | $200 | $400 | $800+ | Get 3 quotes. Complexity varies greatly. Ask for itemized material list. |
| Safe opening | $100 | $200 | $400 | Specialist job. Call safe-specific locksmiths, not general locksmiths. |
| After-hours surcharge | $50 | $100 | $150 | When possible, wait until normal hours. Surcharge is usually fixed. |
Residential locksmith work is the most competitive market. Use this to your advantage.
The single biggest save: rekeying after moving costs $20-$35/lock. Full lock replacement for the same security result costs $80-$150/lock. Unless the lock itself is damaged or low-security, rekeying is the right choice.
Automotive locksmith services span a wide price range because the technology in the key determines the cost, not the locksmith's skill.
For most vehicles manufactured after 2005, a locksmith with ADAS programming equipment can cut and program keys at 30-40% less than dealership rates. Call 2-3 locksmiths before accepting a dealer quote.
Follow these three steps regardless of the service type.
Get three quotes before booking. State the exact service (e.g., "I need my 5-pin deadbolt rekeyed, standard residential door"). Note each all-in price including trip fee and parts.
Ask for the license number and verify it online before anyone arrives. Confirm they carry liability insurance for any property-damage scenario. Takes 2 minutes and protects you legally.
Pick the most expensive component -- usually labor or parts -- and ask for a discount. "The other quote was $40 less on labor. Can you match that?" Works 40% of the time on non-emergency bookings.