If you just moved into a place or lost a key recently you’ve probably asked yourself this question. Rekeying is one of those jobs that people put off until they really need it and by then they just want a straight answer on price. Most local locksmiths charge around $150 for the first lock with each additional lock in the same visit running less which puts a full house rekey somewhere between $220 and $375 in most cases.
Where you live plays into it too since labor rates shift from one market to the next. There’s also a difference between rekeying and changing your locks completely and knowing which one your house actually needs can save you a decent amount of money.
What Does Rekeying Actually Mean?
Rekeying is when a locksmith changes the pins inside your lock cylinder so your old keys stop working. The lock itself stays the same. Only the internal pin combination. You get a new set of keys that match it. It’s not the same as replacing the lock, which involves swapping out the hardware entirely.
Most homeowners choose rekeying because its faster and cheaper than buying locks. It’s also the move after moving into a house since you have no idea how many copies of the old keys are floating around. A lot of people bundle this with a rekeying service so every exterior door gets matched to one new key at the same time.
Average Cost to Rekey a House in 2026
The cost mostly comes down to how locks you’re rekeying and whether you hire a locksmith or do it yourself. Below is what people are actually paying this year broken down by job type.
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY rekey kit (per lock) | $15 to $40 |
| Lock rekeyed (includes the service call) | Around $150 |
| Each additional lock same visit | $35 to $75 |
| Whole house rekey (3 to 4 locks) | $220 to $375 |
| Master key system, first cylinder | Around $150 |
| Master key system, each additional cylinder | $65 to $125 |
| Mailbox lock replacement | $100 to $150 |
For a typical single-family home with three or four exterior doors the first lock usually runs about $150 with the service call included and each lock after that costs less since the locksmith is already on site. That puts whole-house jobs somewhere between $220 and $375. If you only need one lock rekeyed plan on paying to $150 once the visit is factored in.
Quick note
The price always drops per lock once you go past the first one. A locksmith whos already at your house isn’t going to charge price for each extra door so it usually makes sense to do all your locks at once instead of booking separate visits.
What Changes the Price
A few things push the cost up or down. It helps to know them before you call anyone.
- Number of locks: The first lock costs more since it covers the service call. Every lock after that is cheaper.
- Lock. Type: Standard pin-tumbler locks are the cheapest to rekey. High-security cylinders and smart locks cost more because they need tools or programming.
- Time of day: Calling a locksmith at midnight for an emergency rekey always costs more than booking a regular daytime appointment.
- Your location: Locksmiths in cities tend to charge more than those in smaller towns mostly because of higher overhead.
- Access to your keys: If none of your keys are available some locksmiths add a small surcharge since they have to pick the lock open first.
- Extra hardware: If a lock is damaged or too old to rekey you might need a cylinder instead which costs a bit more than a straight rekey.
Rekeying vs Changing Locks
People mix these two up a lot so its worth clearing up the difference before you decide which one you need. Rekeying keeps your existing lock body and door hardware. Just changes what key opens it. Changing locks means removing the lock and putting in a brand new one, hardware and all.
Rekeying is always the cheaper option if your locks are in good shape. It makes the sense after a move or when someone who used to have a key, like an ex-partner or a former employee shouldn’t have access anymore. Changing the locks becomes the call when the hardware is old or damaged or when you just want to upgrade to a higher security grade. A residential locksmith can usually tell you within a minutes which option fits your situation better just by looking at the hardware.
| Factor | Rekeying | Changing Locks |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Around $150 for the first lock, $35 to $75 for each one after | $150 plus the lock itself, or from $250 for a smart lock |
| Keeps existing hardware | Yes | No |
| Best for | Moving, lost keys, security reset | Old, damaged, or outdated locks |
| Time needed | 15 to 30 minutes per lock | 30 to 60 minutes per lock |
DIY Rekeying: Is It Worth It?
You can buy a rekey kit for Kwikset and Schlage locks and do it yourself for under $40 per lock. It sounds tempting. There are a few catches.
- Kits only work with certain lock brands and models so you need to check compatibility first.
- It takes patience and a steady hand the first time.
- Mistakes can jam the lock. Damage the pins, which then costs more to fix.
- You won’t get the warranty or guarantee that a professional job usually comes with.
If you’re comfortable with mechanical tasks and only have one or two locks DIY can save you money. For a house most people find it’s not worth the risk of messing up a lock on their front door.
Signs You Should Rekey Your Locks Now
Some situations call for rekeying away instead of waiting around.
- You just. Moved into a new house and don’t know who has old keys.
- A key was. Stolen recently.
- You ended a relationship with someone who still has a copy of your key.
- Someone like a contractor or a cleaner had access. That work is finished now.
- You experienced a break-in or attempted break-in.
If you’ve been locked out and had to force entry or a locksmith already had to get you inside that’s also a good moment to rekey while they’re already there. Anyone dealing with a house lockout should ask about rekeying on the spot of booking a separate visit later. New owners run into this constantly since rekeying your locks after moving into a home is one of the first things that should happen once the keys change hands.
Ways to Save on Rekeying Costs
- Bundle all your locks into one visit of calling separately for each door.
- Book during business hours instead of nights or weekends.
- Ask for a rate quote before the work starts so there are no surprises.
- Skip the lock upgrade if a standard rekey solves your problem.
- Keep least one working key so you avoid the lockout surcharge.
Before you book
Get a written quote that lists the first-lock price and the per-lock rate for any doors. This makes it easy to compare locksmiths and spot hidden charges before the technician shows up.
Getting Your Home Secure Again
Rekeying is one of the ways to reset who can get into your house and it usually costs less than changing the locks outright. Most homeowners spend between $150 for a single lock and $375 for a full house though your lock type and how many doors you have will move that number up or down. If your hardware is old or damaged changing the locks might end up being the long-term choice instead.
Best Locksmith handles rekeying for homes across the Miami area with upfront pricing and no hidden fees added after the job starts. If you just moved in. Lost a key reach out to the team for a quote based on your actual doors and locks. The same goes if a tenant just moved out and you want the locks reset before the one moves in.
Need your house rekeyed this week?
Best Locksmith handles rekeys across Miami Beach and the surrounding area with upfront pricing. Call (305) 770-6863. Send a message through the site to get a real quote for your specific doors and locks before any work begins.