how much does it cost to change locks on a house
Changing the locks on a house usually costs about $35 to $150 per lock for a standard replacement, with many homeowners landing around $95 per lock. For a whole house, a typical full replacement often runs $200 to $600+ depending on how many exterior doors you have and whether you choose basic, smart, or high-security hardware.
What affects the price
- Lock type: deadbolts and standard locksets cost less than smart or high-security locks.
- Labor: locksmiths commonly charge a $60 to $140 service call, plus extra if the job takes longer than an hour.
- Number of locks: replacing several at once is usually cheaper per lock than booking separate visits.
- Time of day: emergency or after-hours service can raise the fee to about $130 to $240.
Common cost ranges
| Situation | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| One standard lock | $35 to $150 per lock | [3]
| Professional replacement | $80 to $225 per door | [3]
| Rekeying instead of replacing | $100 to $300 per door | [3]
| Full house, 3–4 exterior doors | $200 to $600+ | [7][3]
Practical tip
If the locks are still in good shape, rekeying is often the cheaper option after moving into a house. If the hardware is worn out, damaged, or you want better security, full replacement makes more sense.
TL;DR
Most homeowners pay around $95 per lock , but the full house total depends on door count, lock quality, and whether you hire a locksmith.
