Locksmith prices in Philadelphia run a bit higher than the national average, mostly because you're dealing with a dense urban market with an older housing stock that sometimes requires extra work. If you need a quick number: a residential lockout in Philly typically costs $90 to $210, and most standard jobs land somewhere in between.
This guide covers what you'll actually pay for common locksmith services in Philadelphia, what drives the price up or down, how licensing works in Pennsylvania, and how to avoid the rip-off artists who target distracted people in stressful situations.
Philadelphia Locksmith Prices at a Glance
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Residential lockout (house/apartment) | $90 – $210 |
| Car lockout | $75 – $145 |
| Rekey a lock | $65 – $110 per lock |
| Deadbolt installation (labor + hardware) | $120 – $280 |
| Lock replacement (basic) | $110 – $250 |
| Broken key extraction | $75 – $150 |
| Safe opening | $150 – $400 |
| After-hours / emergency surcharge | $35 – $85 extra |
These are real-world ranges based on what Philly-area locksmiths charge in 2026. You might pay less if you're in a less congested neighborhood or calling during business hours on a weekday. You'll likely pay more if it's 2 AM in Center City.
Pennsylvania Licensing: What You Should Know
Pennsylvania's locksmith licensing landscape is complicated. The state doesn't have a single statewide "locksmith license" the way Texas or California do. However, Act 235 — the Lethal Weapons Training Act — applies to armed security workers, and many locksmith companies that also provide security services carry this certification.
What matters more practically is that many municipalities and counties in the Philadelphia area have their own registration or bonding requirements. Philadelphia itself requires locksmiths to hold a current business license and general liability insurance.
What to check before hiring:
- Ask for a business license number (Philadelphia requires it)
- Verify the company name matches what's on the vehicle and any ID they show
- Confirm they carry liability insurance — a reputable shop will say yes without hesitation
The absence of a strict statewide exam requirement means the barrier to entry in Pennsylvania is lower than in states like California or New York. That's one reason it's slightly easier for unscrupulous operators to set up shop. Checking credentials matters here more than in some states.
Why Philly Prices Trend Higher
Several factors push Philadelphia locksmith prices above the national average of roughly $80 to $160:
Dense Urban Market
Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the country with nearly 1.6 million residents packed into about 140 square miles. Parking, traffic, and navigating narrow streets in neighborhoods like Fishtown or South Philly adds real time to every job call.
Historic Row Houses
Philadelphia is famous for its row houses — the city has over 400,000 of them. These older homes often have original or decades-old hardware that modern locksmiths have to work around carefully. Non-standard locks, worn-out mechanisms, and swollen door frames from old construction all add time and sometimes cost.
Labor and Overhead Costs
The cost of doing business in Philadelphia is substantially higher than in, say, San Antonio. Commercial real estate, insurance, vehicle costs, and wages all reflect a major Northeast city economy.
After-Hours Demand
Philly is a 24/7 city. High demand for emergency locksmith services at odd hours means providers can charge more for after-hours calls. Weeknight and weekend surcharges of $35 to $85 are standard.
Service-by-Service Breakdown
Residential Lockouts
Getting locked out of your house or apartment in Philadelphia costs $90 to $210. The lower end applies to simple pin-tumbler locks during business hours in accessible areas. The higher end applies to security locks, after-hours calls, or homes in areas where parking and access are difficult.
For apartment renters: call your landlord or property manager first. Many have 24-hour emergency lines and can let you in for free, or will charge far less than an outside locksmith.
Car Lockouts
Auto lockouts in Philadelphia run $75 to $145 for most standard vehicles. Newer cars with transponder-based systems or push-button starts can cost more — closer to $100 to $175 — because the process is more involved.
If you have AAA membership, your car lockout may be covered. See the separate guide on locksmith vs. AAA for car lockouts for a detailed comparison.
Rekeying
Rekeying a lock changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work. It's cheaper than replacing the hardware entirely. In Philadelphia, expect to pay $65 to $110 per lock, with some locksmiths offering package rates for multiple locks on the same door (front, back, side entry).
If you just moved into a new home or apartment, rekeying is smart. Previous tenants or owners may have copies of the key you don't know about.
Deadbolt Installation
Installing a new deadbolt in Philly costs $120 to $280 depending on the hardware you choose and the condition of the door. A basic Grade 2 deadbolt with standard installation is toward the low end. A Grade 1 ANSI deadbolt on a door that needs frame reinforcement is toward the high end.
Smart deadbolts (August, Schlage Encode, Yale) add $50 to $200 for the hardware, on top of labor.
Broken Key Extraction
Keys break in locks more often than people expect, especially in old Philly row house hardware. Extraction typically costs $75 to $150 and usually doesn't require drilling if the key hasn't been pushed too deep.
Neighborhoods That May Affect Your Quote
Philadelphia's geography is varied. A few things locksmiths factor into their pricing:
- Center City / Rittenhouse Square: High demand, parking is difficult, prices tend toward the upper range
- South Philly: Dense residential, often more competitive pricing
- Northeast Philadelphia: More suburban, easier access, often lower quotes
- Kensington / Hunting Park: Some locksmiths add a surcharge for certain zip codes — it's worth asking upfront
- Fishtown / Northern Liberties: Popular rental market, high volume of lockout calls
Where you live doesn't change the going rate dramatically, but it can affect how fast someone arrives and whether travel fees apply.
How to Avoid Locksmith Scams in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has had documented problems with fake locksmith listings — companies that appear in Google Maps as local businesses but are actually national call centers that dispatch whoever is cheapest and available. These operators often quote $35 or $50 to get you on the phone, then show up and demand $250 or more once the door is open.
Red flags specific to Philly:
- Quote of under $60 for a residential lockout (below market)
- Driver has no company ID and is driving an unmarked vehicle
- Immediately says your lock must be drilled (a pick-resistant lock rarely needs drilling)
- Wants cash only
- Won't give you a written receipt with a business name and address
What legitimate locksmiths in Philly do:
- Arrive in a marked or lightly-branded van
- Carry a Pennsylvania or Philadelphia business license
- Give you a firm price before starting work
- Accept credit cards
What to Tell a Locksmith When You Call
Giving accurate information helps you get a more accurate quote:
- Type of lock — Is it a standard deadbolt? A knob lock? A mortise lock (common in older Philly homes)?
- Type of key — Standard brass key, or a restricted security key?
- Time of day — Are you calling at 11 PM? Expect a surcharge.
- Address — Some areas have travel fees or difficult access
- What happened — Locked out, lost key, broken lock?
A professional will ask these questions themselves. If they give you a rock-bottom price without asking anything, that's a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average cost for a locksmith in Philadelphia? Most residential service calls in Philadelphia cost between $90 and $210. The average for a standard lockout during business hours is around $120 to $150. After-hours rates are higher.
Does Pennsylvania require locksmiths to be licensed? Pennsylvania doesn't have a statewide locksmith license requirement. However, Philadelphia requires a business license, and most legitimate locksmiths carry liability insurance and belong to industry associations like ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America).
Why did the locksmith charge more than the quote? This is a common complaint. Some locksmiths quote a low "service call fee" and then add charges once they see the lock. Ask specifically: "Is this the total price, including all fees?" before agreeing to anything. If the price jumps significantly after arrival without a clear explanation, that's a scam.
Are locksmiths more expensive in Center City vs. the neighborhoods? Slightly, yes — mostly because parking and travel time are worse downtown. The base rate for the service is usually similar, but you may pay $10 to $25 more due to access difficulty.
Can a locksmith open a historic or antique lock in a Philadelphia row house? Most experienced locksmiths can. Older mortise lock systems require more skill to open without damage, which is why it's worth finding someone with experience on older hardware. Expect to pay toward the higher end of the range.
Is it cheaper to call during business hours? Yes, typically $35 to $85 cheaper than an after-hours call. If your situation isn't urgent — for example, a non-essential door — waiting until morning can save real money.