Locksmith Prices by Service Type
What each service category actually costs, what drives the variation, and how to evaluate a quote you receive.
Residential Services
Residential Locksmith Pricing
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Key Variable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home lockout (standard deadbolt) | $75 | $90–$110 | $150 | Lock complexity |
| Home lockout (high-security lock) | $100 | $120–$140 | $175 | Pick resistance |
| Rekey single lock | $80 | $90–$110 | $120 | First lock vs. additional |
| Rekey full house (4–6 locks) | $180 | $250–$310 | $380 | Lock count |
| Deadbolt installation (hardware included) | $100 | $150–$200 | $300 | Hardware brand/grade |
| Smart lock installation (hardware included) | $200 | $300–$380 | $500 | Lock model complexity |
| Key duplication (house key) | $3 | $5–$8 | $15 | Key type |
| Broken key extraction | $75 | $100–$130 | $175 | Depth of break |
What Drives Residential Pricing
Residential locksmith pricing is primarily driven by three factors:
- Lock security rating: A Grade 1 commercial deadbolt takes longer to pick or bypass than a standard residential lock. Expect 20–40% higher service cost on high-security hardware.
- Service call distance: Most locksmiths charge a $25–$50 travel/dispatch fee separate from the service cost. Companies advertising $25 lockouts typically fold this into a higher service charge.
- Time of day: After-hours and weekend premiums of 20–40% are industry-standard and legitimate. Always confirm before dispatching.
Automotive Services
Automotive Locksmith Pricing
Automotive locksmith pricing varies more than any other category because vehicle make, model, and key technology drive cost more than geography or time of day.
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Key Variable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car lockout (no programming) | $75 | $85–$110 | $150 | Vehicle security design |
| Standard key duplication | $10 | $15–$25 | $40 | Key blank availability |
| Transponder key cut + program | $150 | $180–$260 | $400 | Vehicle make/model/year |
| Key fob replacement + program | $100 | $150–$250 | $400 | OEM vs. aftermarket fob |
| Smart key/proximity key | $200 | $280–$380 | $500 | Vehicle brand |
| Ignition replacement | $200 | $280–$380 | $500 | Vehicle complexity |
| Trunk lockout | $50 | $75–$100 | $130 | Access method |
Common Domestics
Ford, Chevy, Dodge — most transponder keys: $150–$220. Dealer price for same service: $200–$350.
Asian Imports
Toyota, Honda, Hyundai — transponder keys: $175–$280. Newer proximity keys: $250–$380.
European Luxury
BMW, Mercedes, Audi — transponder/smart keys: $300–$475. Some models dealer-only for programming.
Commercial Services
Commercial Locksmith Pricing
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial lockout | $100 | $120–$160 | $250 |
| Commercial rekey (per lock) | $100 | $120–$150 | $200 |
| Panic bar installation | $200 | $300–$500 | $800 |
| Keypad/access control install | $300 | $450–$700 | $1,200 |
| Master key system setup | $200 | $350–$600 | $1,000 |
| High-security lock upgrade | $200 | $350–$500 | $800 |
Commercial rates reflect higher-grade hardware requirements, longer service times, and liability considerations. Commercial service calls typically include a minimum charge of $100–$150 regardless of work performed.
Time of Day Factors
After-Hours and Emergency Pricing
After-hours surcharges are legitimate and standard. Understanding the tiers helps you evaluate whether a quote is reasonable or inflated.
| Time Period | Typical Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Business hours (M–F 8am–6pm) | No surcharge (base rate) |
| Evening (6pm–10pm) | +10–20% |
| Late night (10pm–6am) | +25–40% |
| Weekend daytime | +10–20% |
| Holidays | +25–50% |
A late-night residential lockout quoted at $125–$160 is within range. A late-night quote of $350 for the same service is not a legitimate surcharge — it is bait-and-switch pricing.
How much does residential lock rekeying cost?
Rekeying one residential lock typically costs $80–$120 for the first lock, plus a $25–$50 service call fee. Each additional lock on the same visit runs $25–$40. Rekeying a full house with 4–6 locks typically totals $200–$350.
What is the most expensive locksmith service?
Smart lock installation on commercial-grade hardware is typically the highest cost at $300–$800 when hardware is included. Among automotive services, cutting and programming a key for a high-end European vehicle (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) regularly runs $350–$500 or more.
Does the time of day affect locksmith pricing?
Yes. After-hours (typically after 8–10pm), weekend, and holiday rates are legitimately 20–40% higher than daytime rates due to labor premiums. Always confirm the after-hours rate on the phone before requesting service.