How much does locksmith cost in 2026?

Lockouts, rekeying and lock replacement for homes and apartments.

✓ We don’t provide services — we research them, so you can choose with confidence.

Locksmiths help with lockouts, rekeying locks after a move, replacing worn or damaged locks, and upgrading to better security. Rekeying changes the key that works in an existing lock, while replacement fits a whole new lock. Emergency and after-hours calls cost more than a scheduled daytime visit. This page explains typical costs and how to choose a trustworthy locksmith.

Typical locksmith prices in the US

JobTypical rangeNotes
Lockout service$60-$150Typical range for a standard lockout call
Rekey per lock$50-$150 per lockChanging the key for an existing lock
Lock replacement$100-$300Fitting a new lock, parts and labor
Emergency / after-hoursCosts moreNight, weekend and holiday calls carry a higher price

Typical US ranges based on published HomeAdvisor / Angi / Thumbtack cost guides, checked November 2026. Your quote will vary by city, lock type and job scope -- always get 2-3 written quotes.

What affects the price?

Price level by city

Labour is the biggest variable. These are broad levels, not quotes — the national ranges above are the starting point, and the direction below tells you which way your city usually moves them.

CityTypical price level vs US average
New York, NYHigher — big-city labour runs well above the US average
Los Angeles, CAAbout average for a big US city
Chicago, ILAbout average for a big US city
Houston, TXAbout average for a big US city
Phoenix, AZAbout average for a big US city
Dallas, TXAbout average for a big US city
San Antonio, TXAbout average for a big US city
San Diego, CAAbout average for a big US city
Austin, TXAbout average for a big US city
San Jose, CAHigher — big-city labour runs well above the US average
Local expert note: When you move into a new home, rekeying is usually the smart first step -- it is cheaper than replacing locks and it makes sure no old key still works. Do it on moving day, and rekey every exterior door at the same time.

How to keep the cost down

  1. Ask for the total price, including the service call fee, before the locksmith arrives
  2. Check reviews and confirm the business name matches the vehicle and invoice
  3. Ask whether the locksmith is licensed where your state requires it

Frequently asked questions about locksmith costs

A lockout typically costs $60-$150 during normal hours. Emergency or after-hours calls cost more. Always ask for the total price, including any service call fee, before the locksmith is dispatched.

Rekeying changes the internal pins so a new key works and the old key does not, while the lock itself stays in place. Replacement fits a whole new lock. Rekeying is cheaper and is the usual choice after a move or a lost key.

They are typical US ranges from published cost guides (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Thumbtack), checked November 2026. They are planning figures, not quotes — your actual price depends on your city, your home and the job. Always get two or three written quotes.

Read the full locksmith guide ›

✓ We don’t provide services — we research them, so you can choose with confidence.