How Much Does a Locksmith Cost

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost? | Average Cost and Hourly Fee in 2025

If you’ve ever been locked out of your home or car, you understand how stressed out and helpless it can make you feel. That’s when you should call on a professional locksmith to help you out. But just how much does a locksmith cost in Canada in 2025? Well, the price depends on the type of service you need and where you live, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $60 and $100 for most common locksmith services. Whether you need someone to help you in an emergency, fix a broken lock, or get new and safer locks, knowing how much it will cost ahead of time is important.

In this detailed cost guide, we’ll look at how much you can expect to pay for locksmith services in each province, go over what the prices are for jobs like fixing home locks, car keys, or office locks, and let you know what to expect in terms of hourly rates, fees for emergencies, and some tips on choosing a reliable professional.

The Cost of Hiring a Locksmith in Canada

A locksmith’s fees depend on the type of lock, the time they are working, and the difficulty of the job. Below is a list of the most popular services and what you can expect to pay, on average, by 2025:

• Standard house call (non-emergency): $100–$150



• Lockout service (residential): $80–$150



• Lockout service (automotive): $90–$180



• Lock installation (basic deadbolt): $100–$200



• Rekeying a lock: $40–$100 per lock



• Emergency call-out (after-hours): $150–$300



• You can install electronic or smart locks. $200–$500+

They may not be the same everywhere or at any time, as they depend on the location, the given time, and what level of experience the locksmith has. You may pay up to twice as much for emergency services late in the day, at weekends, or during holidays.

Hourly Rates for Locksmiths in 2025

Some jobs require a flat cost, but others are billed by the hour if they are more complex. Currently, hourly rates in Canada are generally within the range of $80 to $120.

Key Factors Influencing Hourly Rates:

• Experience and certification: Experienced and skilled locksmiths may set their fees at the higher end.



• Region: Most people in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal pay higher fees for such services.



• Time of day: You should be aware that some surcharges are added to after-hours and weekend jobs.



• Job complexity: It takes more effort and experience to complete projects such as installing a master key system or a digital access control system.

Locksmith Services and Costs

Residential Locksmith Services

If you need help with your home’s security, a locksmith can offer lock rekeying, unlocking entry, new deadbolt installation, and security upgrades.

Common Residential Services and Prices (2025):

• Lockout service: $80–$150



• Rekeying: $40–$100 per lock



• Deadbolt installation: $100–$200



• Smart lock installation: $200–$500



• Home lock system upgrades: $250–$800

 If safety is important to you or you just moved to a new house, upgrading to smart locks might be a good idea.

Automotive Locksmith Services

If you are ever locked out of your car or lose your keys, an automotive locksmith can easily help you.

Common Automotive Services and Prices (2025):

• Car lockout: $90–$180



• Key duplication (standard): $50–$100



• Transponder key replacement: $120–$250



• Smart key programming: $150–$300



• Ignition repair or replacement: $200–$400

Security features in modern cars may lead to a higher cost for service.

Commercial Locksmith Services

Since commercial places do not always use simple locks, the prices may be higher to reflect this.

Common Commercial Services and Prices (2025):

• Office lockout: $100–$200



• Rekeying for multiple locks: $40–$90 per lock



• Access control systems: $500–$2,500+



• Master key system installation: $250–$1,500+



• Door closer installation or repair: $150–$350

Since large and complex systems are involved in commercial jobs, these tend to have higher fees.

Emergency Locksmith Costs in Canada

No matter if you accidentally lock your keys in the car at night or need quick access to a place, emergencies happen. The premium prices include these services.

What Qualifies as an Emergency?

• After-hours lockouts



• Break-in repairs



• Lost or stolen keys



• Malfunctioning locks late at night

Emergency Locksmith Costs (2025):

• Standard emergency service: $150–$300



• Holiday or late-night calls: $200–$400



• When you have non-urgent work, plan it during the day to prevent paying these fees.

Prices of Locksmith Services in Canada

Price often changes according to the type of neighborhood you choose. In Canada, the amount charged by locksmiths varies as follows:

Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa):

• Hourly rate: $90–$120



• Lockout service: $100–$160



• Emergency service: $200–$350

British Columbia (Vancouver, Victoria):

• Hourly rate: $95–$130



• Lockout service: $110–$170



• Emergency service: $220–$400

Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton):

• Hourly rate: $85–$110



• Lockout service: $90–$150



• Emergency service: $180–$300

Quebec (Montreal, Quebec City):

• Hourly rate: $80–$110



• Lockout service: $90–$140



• Emergency service: $170–$300

Atlantic Canada (Halifax, St. John’s):

• Hourly rate: $75–$100



• Lockout service: $80–$130



• Emergency service: $150–$250

Towns located in the country might have minimum charges that are lower, but you could be responsible for greater travel costs.

Cost to Rekey vs Replace Locks

One area in which homeowners have many concerns is in regards to: Should the locks in my house be replaced or only rekeyed?

Rekeying:

• Requires you to rekey your lock so the old keys cannot be used anymore.



• A good idea after you have moved somewhere or lost your house keys.

Average cost in 2025:

Each lock costs $40–$100, but a discount will be given for purchasing more than one.

Replacing:

• This process requires replacing the old lock with a fresh one.



• Perfect for lock repairs or when choosing to go with a more secure alternative.

Average cost in 2025:

Each lock will cost $100–$200, and you should add the cost of all the hardware needed.

When your locks do not need to be replaced, rekeying generally saves you money.

Cost of Smart Locks and High-Security Systems

More Canadians are seeking keyless entry and security systems in their homes. These days, locksmiths are often hired to set up or configure smart locks at homes.

Smart Lock Installation:

• Installation only: $150–$250



• Supply + install (mid-range): $250–$500

There are high-end systems that have Wi-Fi and can be accessed from anywhere using remote access. $500–$800+

High-Security Lock Systems:

• Mul-T-Lock or Medeco installations: $250–$600 per lock



• Biometric or keypad access systems: $400–$1,200



• Install a new and advanced digital security system for your home or business. $2,000–$10,000+

They initially cost more to purchase, but they are more difficult to access without permission and provide extra convenience.

Key Duplication and Cutting Costs

Locksmiths often cut keys, and the cost depends on the kind of key.

• Basic house key: $5–$10


• Double-sided key: $10–$20


• High-security key: $20–$50


• Car key with chip: $50–$150


• Smart key fob programming: $150–$300

Locksmith Costs for New Homeowners and Landlords

Whenever you move into a new house or take charge of a rental unit, you always think about your security, and a locksmith is someone you always call.

Rekeying After Moving In

It is hard to imagine how many keyholders still have the information required to enter your property after it changes hands. Locksmiths advise that people rekey the locks on the outside of their house as soon as possible for peace of mind.

• Cost for rekeying 3–5 locks: $150–$400



• Extra keys for new locks: $5–$15 each

This is usually a type of expense landlords can write off on their taxes, and it can help keep people from getting into areas they shouldn’t, lower the risks, and make sure things are done to meet the rules of insurance.

Smart Lock Upgrades for Rentals

Many Canadian landlords are adopting smart locks to make it simpler when a tenant moves out. These let you use the system from a distance, set up times when it turns on or off, and change the codes without having to use actual keys.

• Smart lock supply and install: $250–$600 per door



• App-based management subscription: $5–$15/month

Locksmith Costs for Security Consultations

While most people think of locksmiths as helpers you call when you’re locked out, a lot of them will come to your house to check the security or check your business’s security as well, especially if they are certified in loss prevention or security planning.

What Checks Are Part of a Security Audit?

A locksmith may inspect:

• All exterior locks and doors



• Window security



• Garage and outbuilding access



• Key control systems



• Electronic access controls



• Safe installations and security ratings

Common Cost of a Security Audit

• Basic home audit: $100–$250



• Commercial audit: $250–$600



• Full facility or multi-unit inspection: $500–$2,000+

Generally, upgrades and inspections are offered at a lower price if you also decide to install new features. If your company’s property keeps private or sensitive data, video surveillance can be a lifesaver.

Travel and Call-Out Fees

Many times, locksmiths add a fee for traveling to the job and for their fuel. These are usually disclosed upfront.

• Standard travel fee: $30–$60



• Outside service zone: Add $20–$50



• Emergency after-hours fee: $100–$150+

Traveling in a remote area or when there is severe winter weather can increase the rate because it takes more time to get there.

DIY vs Professional Locksmith Services

There are now so many online tutorials and smart locks available that people may want to set up their locks by themselves. Even so, there are solid reasons to rely on a specialist:

• Proper Tools: Locksmiths have tools that won’t harm your doors or locks.



• Warranty: When you get your air conditioner installed by a professional, it usually comes with a warranty for both labour and air conditioner parts.



• Security Expertise: Professionals can look at your current IT system and point out any areas where it might be lacking or weak, then suggest the right updates or upgrades that would help.



• Legal Compliance: In certain commercial or rental properties, the locks have to meet certain safety requirements that an untrained person may break.

Even though it could be a little more expensive to call a professional, their services allow you to feel safe and secure.

How to Reduce the Cost of Locksmith Services

Getting locksmith services can cost a lot, yet you can use some strategies to save money on them:

• Always Ask for a Quote Beforehand: Never start on a task without a quote from them first.  



• Get Bundle Services: If you have several locks to rekey, bundle your services. Wonder if you can get a discount if you hire the locksmith for multiple services.



• Prefer Rekeying Over Replacement: The result is the same with rekeying, but you will pay much less.



• Grease Your Locks: It ensures your keys do not get unnecessary damage, as this can be costly to fix.

Red Flags: Warning Signs That You’re Dealing With a Locksmith Scam

Scamming locksmith businesses can unfortunately be found in Canada. Be wary of:

• Initial estimates that dramatically increase when a professional arrives at the scene.



• No website, phone number, or company name to back them up.



• Unmarked vehicles or no uniform.



• Some disreputable locksmiths urge you to let them drill right away. True professionals prefer picking instead.

Final Thoughts: Are Locksmiths Worth the Cost?

In most cases, yes. Locksmiths are vital because they keep you, your property, and your family safe from intruders. The money they charge is typically worth it because of their experience, rapid service, and skill in avoiding costly problems in the future.

Having a good understanding of how much various services will cost allows you to choose wisely and ensure you aren’t paying too much.