You're looking at $247 to $511 per door for a standard lock installation nationally. But that range hides a lot—location, hardware type, and whether you're drilling new holes or swapping old parts can push the price way up or down.
What Drives the Cost
The biggest chunk is the lock itself: $150 to $243 for a decent deadbolt or keyless entry. Labor runs $94 to $265, and job supplies—screws, strike plates, maybe a little caulk—add $2.64 to $3.11. So the lock's price tag matters.
But here's the real kicker: if you're drilling a new door from scratch, expect to pay more. A handyman on Reddit in a high-cost area quoted $125 to $175 for drilling all the holes on a fresh door. That's labor for about an hour plus travel time. If it's a simple swap—old lock out, new one in—you might get away with $90 to $110 in a low-cost market. One Philadelphia handyman said $175 to $200 for a keyless lock install, and another specialist who does smart-home work charges $270 for the first lock.
City-by-City Breakdown
Your zip code matters a lot. Here's what real metro areas look like:
| City | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $300 | $647 |
| San Jose, CA | $288 | $617 |
| San Francisco, CA | $288 | $617 |
| Seattle, WA | $282 | $601 |
| Chicago, IL | $276 | $586 |
| Boston, MA | $276 | $586 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $270 | $571 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $265 | $556 |
| San Diego, CA | $265 | $556 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $265 | $556 |
| Columbus, OH | $243 | $502 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $241 | $496 |
| Denver, CO | $241 | $496 |
| Atlanta, GA | $235 | $481 |
| Houston, TX | $233 | $475 |
| Dallas, TX | $233 | $475 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $232 | $472 |
| Miami, FL | $232 | $472 |
| San Antonio, TX | $231 | $469 |
| Austin, TX | $229 | $466 |
New York's high end hits $647. Austin's low end is $229. That's a $418 swing just for living in a different city.
What Homeowners Actually Report
The Reddit threads tell a few stories worth hearing.
The emergency upcharge is real. One Toronto renter got locked out, called a locksmith, and ended up paying $525 plus tax for a 30-minute drill-and-replace job. The top comment nailed it: "He saw you were in a pinch and saw an opportunity." Emergency calls always cost more—sometimes double. Locksmiths know you're desperate, and they price accordingly.
"Too cheap" is a red flag. A homeowner asked if $110 for a deadbolt with installation was too much. The consensus from professional locksmiths: that's way too cheap. They said they wouldn't trust someone charging that little. You're paying for insurance, licensing, and a pro who won't mess up your door.
Customer-provided locks can cost you. If you buy the lock yourself, some pros add a 10% labor surcharge. They lose the markup on hardware and take on risk if the lock is defective or poorly made. One handyman warned about "Defiants are NOT one of the better made locksets" after a frustrating install.
Electronic locks are a different animal. A smart-lock specialist in Philadelphia charges $270 for the first keyless lock, or $210 per lock for two or more. That's because they're not just swapping a deadbolt—they're often dealing with wiring, app setup, and compatibility checks. A commercial electric lock quote once hit $4,000+, but that included a magnetic lock, power supply, backup battery, and access control unit.
How to Save Money and Get a Fair Quote
Get three quotes. Don't call one guy and take his word. Call a locksmith, a handyman, and a big-box store like Home Depot. Home Depot offers lock installation services, but their pricing varies by location and they often subcontract to local pros.
Avoid emergency calls. If you can plan ahead, you'll pay half as much. Same job, no panic premium.
Provide your own lock—but ask first. Some pros hate it, some add a surcharge. Always check before you buy.
Ask for a flat rate. "How much to install this lock on my door, including everything?" That forces them to give you a real number, not a "starting at" quote.
Watch for hidden fees. Travel time, after-hours, old lock disposal—some pros nickel-and-dime. Get the total in writing.
FAQ
How much does it cost to change locks?
$229 to $647 per door, depending on your city and whether it's a simple swap or a full drill-and-install.
Does Home Depot install locks on doors?
Yes. They offer lock installation services through their pro desk. Prices vary by store and local labor rates. Call ahead.
How much does it cost to install a lock on your door?
Nationally, $247 to $511 per door. In Austin, TX, you might pay $229 to $466. In New York, $300 to $647.
What's the labor cost to replace a door lock?
Labor alone runs $94 to $265. A handyman might charge $90 to $200 for a simple swap. A specialist could be $200 to $500 for complex work.
Can I install a lock myself?
If you're handy, yes. A basic deadbolt swap takes 30 minutes. Drilling a new door takes an hour and a half. Just know that a mistake can leave your door unsecured—or with a hole you can't fix.
These are reference ranges based on national data and real homeowner reports. Your actual cost will depend on your specific door, lock, and local pro. Always get a written estimate before work starts.