How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne (2025)
If you’re looking for a reliable locksmith in Melbourne, it’s important to know what typical costs are and how to spot the ones you should steer clear of. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand current pricing, what influences costs, and how to avoid unscrupulous operators.
Typical Locksmith Costs in Melbourne
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in 2025 when hiring a locksmith in Melbourne:
Residential / General Home Services
- Attending your home (weekday business hours) for a standard job (unlocking, simple lock-change) will often cost somewhere around A$130 to A$165 for attendance + labour.
- Simple key-cutting or duplication may be significantly cheaper (e.g., A$5-20) depending on the key type.
- Changing a lock, installing a new standard dead-bolt or cylinder, or re-keying (i.e., resetting the pins so old keys no longer work) will push the cost higher. According to a national guide: in Australia, changing locks costs roughly A$120-350 per lock in many cases.
- Specialist jobs (like safe unlocking, high-security lock systems, smart locks) can cost more – e.g., A$150-400 or more depending on complexity.
After-Hours / Emergency Call-Outs
- If you need a locksmith outside regular business hours (late evening, weekend, public holiday), expect a significant surcharge. One guide says after‐hours callouts typically cost between A$150-A$250, and could reach A$250-A$350 in very urgent or late‐night situations. Locksman
- In Melbourne specifically, some sources state for home lockouts you might see rates in the ball-park of A$150-A$350 depending on the scenario.
Automotive Locksmith Services
- Car lockouts, key replacements (especially electronic/transponder keys) are at the high end. One Melbourne-based guide listed car-lockout costs at A$400-A$1,000 depending on model and circumstances.
- Nationally, key programming/transponder services may run A$250-A$600 (or more) depending on complexity.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors influence what you’ll pay. If you understand them, you’ll be better placed to judge when a quote is fair. Key factors include:
- Time of day / urgency – After‐hours, weekend, or emergency call-outs cost more.
- Type of lock or security system – Basic locks are cheaper; high‐security, smart locks, electronic systems cost more.
- Travel / location – Suburbs farther from the locksmith’s base may incur higher fees.
- Materials / parts – If new locks, cylinders, transponder keys etc are needed, the cost will include those.
- Scope of job – A simple unlock is cheaper than installing/overhauling multiple locks across a property.
- Locksmith credibility & quality – Experienced, fully qualified locksmiths who are insured will often charge more than those who cut corners.
- After a break-in or added security – If your job involves replacing locks after a break-in, upgrading to higher security, or additional features (like master-key systems), this will push the cost up.
What to Expect / Sample Price Ranges for Melbourne (2025)
| Job Type | Approximate Cost* |
|---|---|
| Key duplication (basic house key) | A$5 – A$20 |
| Standard home lockout (weekday) | A$130 – A$165 |
| Changing a standard lock | A$120 – A$300 per lock |
| After‐hours home lockout | A$200 – A$350+ |
| Car lockout / key replacement | A$400 – A$1,000 depending on vehicle |
| * Estimates only – get quotes from local providers. Locksman |
Beware the Shady Locksmiths
Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous operators out there. Here are red flags and what to keep away from:
- Very low advertised call-out fee (e.g., “from A$29” or “A$49”) but then once they arrive you’re pressured into paying much more. There are documented cases in Melbourne of bills reaching A$2,000+ for simple jobs after surprise “extra” charges. heraldsun.com.au
- Journeyman who turn up in no uniform, vague service description and ask for large cash payment on the spot. One victim reported paying over A$2,000 after being intimidated. heraldsun.com.au
- Lack of clear written quote – A legitimate locksmith should provide a quote upfront (or at least a detailed breakdown) and advise you if anything extra is required.
- Uses fear or urgency to push you into accepting a high price – e.g., telling you your home is totally unsafe unless you spend much more immediately.
- Very cheap parts or low‐quality locks – if the job uses substandard materials it may cost you much more in the long term (broken locks, security risk).
- No written invoice – A reputable locksmith will provide an invoice
How to Hire a Reliable Locksmith in Melbourne
Here are tips to help ensure you’re dealing with a reputable provider:
- Ask for an upfront quote, preferably in writing or via text/email, including call-out fee, labour, parts.
- Check reviews – Do not look at the reviews on thier sites. Look at the google reviews. If they seem genuine, they probably are.
- If looking at the paid ads (sponsored) look for the company name and “reviews” (e.g. Locksman Reviews)
- Ask whether the price includes parts or whether you’ll be charged separately.
- Get multiple quotes if possible (especially for non-urgent work) to compare what’s fair.
- Ensure the locksmith uses high-quality locks and components (especially for external doors) and provides a warranty.
- Confirm that the locksmith will notify you in advance if extra work / extra cost is needed.
- Avoid paying large amounts in cash only without a proper invoice and breakdown.
- For car services or advanced locks, ask what make/model parts are being used, whether there are additional fees (programming, transponder keys).
- After the job, keep the invoice and any warranty or guarantee document so you have a record.
Final Thoughts
In Melbourne in 2025 you should expect fair locksmith costs to be something like A$130-A$165 for a standard job during business hours, with higher rates for emergency, after-hours or more complex work. Anything that looks too cheap to be true (very low call-out fee) may hide hidden costs or poor quality service. Taking a few minutes to check credentials, get a quote, and compare will save you from unpleasant surprises.
If you’d like help finding reliable locksmiths in your suburb (Malvern East / South Eastern Melbourne) and comparing quotes, I can help with that too.