Locksmiths price guide

How much does a locksmith cost?

Most Australian locksmiths charge around $100–$250 to open a locked house in business hours, and more at night or on weekends. Rekeying a lock usually costs $50–$120, a new deadlock supplied and fitted $150–$400, and a replacement car key $250–$600 depending on the car. Some add a call-out fee of up to about $120.

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House lockout (business hours) $100–$250 Opening a standard door lock. Nights, weekends and high-security locks cost more.

Call-out fee $0–$120 Some locksmiths fold it into the job price. After-hours call-outs cost more, so ask before they set off.

What common locksmith jobs cost

Job	Typical price	Notes
Cut a standard house key	$10–$30	Restricted and high-security keys cost more and need authorisation
Rekey a lock (per cylinder)	$50–$120	Cheaper per lock when several are keyed alike
House lockout, business hours	$100–$250
House lockout, after hours	$180–$350	Nights, weekends and public holidays
Car lockout	$100–$250
Supply and fit a deadlock	$150–$400	High-security brands cost more
Replace a car key or remote	$250–$600	Depends on make and model; some push-start keys cost more
Supply and fit a smart or keyless lock	$300–$900	Depends on the lock and how much the door needs modifying

Indicative prices for typical Australian homes, including GST. A guide, not a quote. Last reviewed 3 October 2026.

What drives the price

Locksmith prices swing on timing, the lock itself and how far the locksmith has to travel.

When you need it. A lockout at 10am on a Tuesday is the cheapest version of the job. Nights, weekends and public holidays carry higher rates and bigger call-out fees, which is fair, but it’s worth knowing before you ring.

The lock. Standard locks can usually be picked or bypassed without damage. High-security and restricted locks are designed to resist that, so the job may mean drilling and a new cylinder. Restricted keys can only be cut by the locksmith who holds that system, with the owner’s authorisation.

House or car. Modern car keys have transponder chips or remotes that need programming equipment, so a replacement costs far more than cutting a house key. Prices vary a lot by make and model.

How many locks. Rekeying one lock carries the full call-out. Rekeying the whole house to one key at the same visit brings the cost per lock down.

Getting a fair quote

Ask for a total price over the phone, including call-out, labour, parts and GST, before anyone comes out. Treat a very low “from” price with caution; it’s often the start of a much bigger bill. A legitimate locksmith will ask for ID or proof that you live there before opening a door.

Rules differ by state. In NSW, for example, locksmiths need a security licence, so ask for the number and check it with the regulator; our licence checks page has the lookups. Our guide to spotting a dodgy tradie covers the other warning signs.

For planned work like rekeying after a move or upgrading your deadlocks, you have time to get it right. needatradie matches you with one local locksmith whose licence, insurance, ABN and reviews we’ve already checked.

Locksmith or someone else?

If a door won’t close or latch because the frame has moved or the hinges have dropped, a new lock won’t fix it; that’s a job for a carpenter or a handyman. Electric strikes, intercoms and alarm wiring need a licensed electrician or security installer. And if you’re locked out of the car, check whether your roadside assistance membership covers lockouts before you call a locksmith.

Locksmiths prices by city

City	What to expect
Sydney	Near the top of the national range, and apartment buildings on restricted master-key systems need the owners corporation's sign-off before new keys are cut.
Melbourne	Close to Sydney on price; older homes with original rim locks and period doors often need a careful repair or a sympathetic upgrade.
Brisbane	Mid-range; many homes have security screen doors, which adds a second lock to rekey when you move in.
Perth	Mid-range, though the metro area is very spread out, so some locksmiths charge more to reach the outer suburbs.
Adelaide	Usually a little cheaper than the east coast, and some locksmiths advertise low or no call-out fees.
Gold Coast	Similar to Brisbane, with plenty of work in holiday apartments and high-rise buildings on restricted key systems.
Newcastle	Often a little under Sydney rates, and the same NSW security licence rules apply, so ask for the licence number.
Canberra	Usually at the higher end, similar to Sydney, and after-hours call-outs can cost noticeably more than daytime work.

Locksmiths costs: common questions

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?

Rekeying is usually cheaper, often $50 to $120 a lock, because the locksmith only changes the pins inside the cylinder so the old keys stop working. It makes sense when you've moved in or lost a key and the locks are in good shape. Replace them if they're worn, stiff or flimsy, or if you want an upgrade like a deadlock or keyless lock.

Do locksmiths charge a call-out fee?

Many do, typically up to about $120 in business hours and more at night and on weekends. Others fold travel into the job price, and a few advertise no call-out fee at all. Ask for the total, including call-out, labour, parts and GST, before the locksmith sets off, so there are no surprises at the door.

How much does a 24/7 emergency locksmith cost?

Expect around $180 to $350 to open a house after hours, depending on the city, the time and the lock. Public holidays and late nights sit at the top. Before you call, check for a spare key with family, a neighbour or your landlord, and if you rent, see whether your property manager has an after-hours contact.

How do I avoid getting ripped off by a locksmith?

Get a firm total price over the phone before anyone comes out, and be wary of ads with a tiny 'from' price and no business address. A legitimate locksmith will give you a business name and ABN, ask for proof that you live there, and explain before drilling a lock. In states that license locksmiths, such as NSW, ask for the licence number too.

What should I ask a locksmith before hiring?

Ask for the total price including call-out and GST, whether they can open the lock without drilling, which brand they'd fit if a replacement is needed, and whether parts and labour carry a warranty. Ask for their licence number if your state requires one, and check that the business name and ABN on the invoice match who you called.

Can a locksmith open any lock?

Most standard house and car locks can be opened without damage by a skilled locksmith. High-security and restricted locks are built to resist that, so the locksmith may have to drill and replace the cylinder, which adds parts and time. Either way, expect to show ID or proof of address before they let you in.

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