By Project Genie Editorial Team ·
September 30, 2026
Locksmith cost depends heavily on one question most pricing pages answer only in passing: are you locked out right now, or scheduling routine work like a rekey or a lock upgrade? That timing, plus whether the job is residential, commercial, or automotive, is what actually moves the price.
Quick answer: A residential lockout typically runs $40-$250, and a car lockout $60-$350. Rekeying a lock typically costs $30-$180 per lock, commonly landing around $60-$120. Replacing a standard residential deadbolt typically runs $70-$400 per lock including labor, with high-security or smart lock hardware costing more.
These are general, typical ranges -- your actual bid depends on lock type, number of doors, and whether the job is an emergency, not a flat average.
Typical Cost by Job Type
| Job | Typical Cost |
|---|
| Service call fee | $25-$150 (often waived or rolled into the job price) |
| Residential lockout | $40-$250 |
| Car lockout | $60-$350 |
| Rekey, per lock | $30-$180 (commonly $60-$120) |
| Lock replacement, per lock | $70-$400, including labor |
What Locksmiths Cover: Residential, Commercial, and Auto
Residential work covers house lockouts, rekeying, lock replacement, and deadbolt installation. Commercial work adds master key systems and basic access control for small businesses, which typically involves more doors and more coordination than a single-family home. Automotive work covers car lockouts and key replacement, including transponder and fob-equipped keys, which usually cost more than a standard cut key because of the electronics involved.
Rekey or Replace? The Decision That Actually Matters
Rekeying reuses your existing lock hardware and simply changes which key operates it. It is the right call after losing a key or moving into a home with unknown key copies in circulation, and it is generally the lower-cost option. Replacement means installing new hardware entirely, which is what you need if you are upgrading to a smart lock or fixing damaged hardware rather than just controlling who has a working key. If you are not sure which applies, describe the situation (lost key vs. damaged lock vs. wanting new hardware) in your job post and let the Service Professional advise.
Verify Before You Let Anyone In
A lockout is a stressful, time-sensitive moment, which is exactly when it matters most to confirm who is actually at your door. Ask for identification before letting anyone in for a residential lockout, and confirm the arrival matches the job you posted. This is a simple, practical precaution -- Project Genie itself does not make a background-check guarantee about any Service Professional, so verifying identity in the moment is worth the extra thirty seconds.
What Makes a Bid Accurate
Project Genie does not set locksmith prices -- Service Professionals bid on the job you post, so a clear description is what makes those bids comparable. Describe:
Whether it is a lockout, rekey, or replacement -- this alone drives most of the price difference
Lock brand or type if known (deadbolt, lever, smart lock, high-security)
How many doors or locks are involved
Residential, commercial, or automotive scope
Smart Locks and Access Control
Smart lock installation typically costs more than a standard deadbolt swap because of the hardware itself, not just the labor. For small businesses, basic access control (keypad or card entry across a few doors) is a related but distinct job from a standard lock install -- mention it separately in your job post so pros with that specific experience can bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a locksmith more expensive at night or on weekends?
Often yes. After-hours and emergency lockout calls commonly add extra cost on top of the base service, so if your situation can wait until regular hours, it is often the lower-cost option.
Is rekeying really cheaper than replacing a lock?
Usually yes, since rekeying reuses your existing hardware and only changes what key operates it. Replacement costs more because it involves new hardware, but it is necessary if you are upgrading to a smart lock or the current hardware is damaged.
Do I need to rekey every lock in my home, or just one?
Depends on your situation. After a lost key or a move-in, rekeying every exterior door is the safer choice; for a single damaged lock, only that one typically needs attention. Describe your situation and let the Service Professional advise on scope.
What should I check before letting a locksmith in during a lockout?
Ask for identification and confirm the person matches the job you posted before letting anyone inside, especially during a stressful lockout moment.
Get a Fair Quote, Not a Guess
Locksmith cost comes down to the job type and timing, not a flat average. Once you have bids in hand, here is how to compare them fairly. Post your locksmith job free and let Service Professionals bid for it.