Let’s be honest, getting locked out in NYC is almost a rite of passage.
Maybe you left your keys inside your apartment because you had baggage or your key snapped off in the door at 1 AM after a night out in the East Village. Probably even worse, your car key disappeared somewhere between the subway and the sidewalk.
Whatever your locksmith emergency, one question always comes up fast:
“How much is this gonna cost me?”
If you’re looking for locksmith in NYC or real answers as to how much does a locksmith cost in NYC, this guide is for you. We’re breaking down locksmith costs with NYC-specific examples and insider tips to help you save money (and your sanity).
What’s the Average Cost of a Locksmith in NYC?
Like most things in New York, the price of a locksmith depends on a few things: time of day, the type of job, the borough you’re in and how complicated the lock is.
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect in 2025:
NYC Locksmith Price Ranges
| Service | Typical NYC Range |
| Service Call (Standard Hours) | $50-$150 (base) |
| Emergency / After Hours | $150-$250+ |
| Apartment Lockout | $75-$200+ (commonly $145-$295 in NYC context) |
| Lock Rekeying | $20-$50 per lock (general); $95-$270 |
| Lock Replacement (Standard) | $150-$500+ |
| Smart or High-Security Install | $200-$500+ |
| Car Lockout | $50-$250 |
| Key/Transponder Replacement | $150-$400 |
| Safe Opening | $150-$500+ |
If you’re calling during a holiday or at 3 AM, expect to pay on the higher end of those ranges.
Also read: Benefits of Hiring an Emergency Locksmith NYC
What are the Factors That Affect Locksmith Costs in NYC?
Not all locksmith jobs are the same. Here’s what really goes into how much a locksmith charges in NYC:
1. Time of Day
Lock yourself out at noon? You’ll pay the base rate.
Lock yourself out in beginning of dark night? Expect a little extra.
Locksmith rates during regular business hours are generally lower than those charged late at night, early in the morning or on holidays. Emergency service typically comes with a premium.
2. Type of Lock
Not all locks are created equal. Simple door locks cost less to repair or replace than high-security or smart locks. A basic doorknob lock is quick and cheap to open or rekey. If your property uses a high-security deadbolt, biometric or keyless systems, expect higher service fees due to the specialized labor and tools required.
3. Type of Job
There’s a difference between unlocking a door and installing a full new lock system. More complicated jobs require more tools, more labor and more money obviously. Also, if you need multiple locks rekeyed or replaced? Many locksmiths offer discounts for multi-lock jobs, but the cost per lock can still add up.
4. Location within New York City
Rates can vary slightly based on borough. You might see a small difference depending on where in NYC you are. For example, some areas of Manhattan may have slightly higher prices due to parking limitations, elevator buildings or building security requirements.
Services That Locksmiths Offer in NYC
If you’re not sure what service you need, here’s a quick overview of the most common types:
- Emergency lockouts
- Lock installation or replacement
- Lock rekeying
- Smart lock upgrades
- Deadbolt installation
- High-security lock installation
- Master key systems
- Access control systems
- Lock repairs and maintenance
- Emergency re-entry after employee termination
- Car lockouts
- Key duplication
- Broken key extraction
- Transponder key programming
- Ignition repair
What are the Situations in which Locksmiths can help?
Here are some real-life situations New Yorkers deal with every day and what they typically cost.
1. Locked Out of Your Apartment
You ran out to the catch your cat and boom, the door locked behind you.
A lockout service during the day usually runs $75 to $200+, based on different factors and whether it’s an emergency.
2. Rekeying Your Locks
Just moved into a new place? Want to make sure no one else has a copy of your key?
Rekeying is cheaper than replacing the whole lock and usually costs around $95 – $270 for maybe the whole house, depending on the hardware.
3. Changing the Locks
Sometimes rekeying isn’t enough. Maybe your lock is broken, old, or just not secure enough.
Standard lock replacement starts around $150 – $250, but smart locks or high-security systems can go over $400 – $500.
Also read: 6 Reasons to Call a Locksmith in New York
4. Car Lockouts
We’ve all done it, keys locked in the car or just vanished entirely.
Most car lockouts range from $50 – $250, depending on your car model and the complexity of unlocking it.
5. Smart Locks, Keypads, & Upgrades
More NYC apartments and brownstones are upgrading to keyless entry.
Smart lock installation usually ranges from $200 – $550+, depending on the brand and setup.
How to Avoid Hidden Fees by Locksmiths?
Not all locksmiths are upfront about their pricing. Some companies quote you $50 on the phone, then show up and charge $300. To ensure transparency, always ask for a written estimate before any work begins. A trustworthy locksmith will break down the costs clearly and won’t surprise you with unexpected add-ons like:
- Service call or trip charge (usually included in the base fee)
- After-hours fee for nights, weekends, and holidays
- Hardware costs, if you’re replacing parts
- Labor or installation fee (if it’s a more complex job)
How to Save Money on Locksmith Services in NYC?
We get it, NYC isn’t cheap. But here are a few smart ways to keep costs down:
- Call during business hours (8 AM – 6 PM) if possible
- Ask for a full estimate over the phone before anyone is dispatched
- Rekey instead of replace if the lock still works
- Keep a spare key with someone you trust (or in a secure lockbox)
- Invest in a smart lock to prevent future lockouts
Why Choose Artie’s Locksmith?
When it comes to locksmith services in NYC, you need a company you can count on for fast, reliable and affordable solutions. Whether you’re locked out, need a lock change or want to upgrade your security, we’ve got you covered. At Artie’s Locksmith, our licensed, insured technicians provide precision installation and repairs with minimal disruption to your day. Trust us to get the job done right, the first time. Call now or book your service online for fast assistance!
