You just moved into a new place, or you're finally dealing with that spare key your ex-roommate never returned. Either way, you've landed on the same question: what's this actually going to cost? The honest answer is "it depends," but not in the vague way that phrase usually implies. There are specific, predictable factors that push the price up or down, and once you know them, you can get a real number instead of a guess.
The quick version: rekeying a standard house in Vancouver typically runs between $80 and $180 for a home with two or three exterior doors, assuming the locks are in decent shape and all keyed to match. That price covers the locksmith coming to your home, pulling apart each lock cylinder, and setting new pins so your old keys stop working entirely. If you want everything on one key, add a small fee per extra lock. If your hardware is worn out, seized, or a mismatched set from three different eras of home renovation, expect the number to climb because some locks may need replacing rather than rekeying.
What "rekeying" actually means (and why it's cheaper than replacing locks)
Rekeying doesn't touch your door hardware at all — the locksmith removes the cylinder, swaps the internal pins for a new set, and cuts fresh keys to match. Your existing deadbolt, handle, and faceplate stay exactly where they are. This is why it costs a fraction of full lock replacement: you're paying for skilled labour and small parts, not new hardware.
This matters most right after a move-in, a breakup, or losing track of who has copies of your keys. You get a fresh set of working keys without tearing apart your door or matching new hardware to your existing trim.
The main factors that move the price
Two houses with the same number of doors can get quotes $60 apart, and it's rarely random. Here's what a locksmith is actually pricing in:
- Number of locks. Each additional cylinder beyond the first one or two adds a per-lock fee, though most locksmiths discount extra locks when rekeying several at once.
- Brand and lock type. High-security cylinders (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, some Schlage Primus lines) take longer to rekey and often need specific pin kits, which adds to labour.
- Condition of the hardware. A deadbolt that's stiff, rusted, or has a worn cam sometimes can't be rekeyed cleanly and needs replacing instead — this is the single biggest reason quotes jump.
- Time of the call. Daytime, scheduled appointments cost less than evening or emergency visits, so if it's not urgent, book ahead.
- Keying preferences. Getting every lock keyed alike (one key for everything) is usually included, but keying some locks differently — say, a garden suite with its own key — adds setup time.
A realistic Vancouver scenario
Say you've just bought a character home in Kitsilano with a front deadbolt, a back door lock, and a side gate deadbolt, all different brands from renovations over the years. A locksmith arrives, tests each cylinder, and finds the front and back locks rekey cleanly but the side gate deadbolt is corroded enough that the pins won't seat properly. You'd likely pay the standard rekey rate for two locks, plus a replacement cylinder for the third — landing somewhere around $150 to $220 total, with the replacement portion being the bulk of that difference. That's a very different number than the flat "$100 flat rate" some ads promise, and it's why getting an actual technician to look at your hardware beats phone-quote guessing.
When rekeying isn't the right call
Rekeying is excellent for changing who has access to your existing locks, but it doesn't fix locks that are already old, weak, or single-sided when they should be double-sided for safety. If your current hardware is more than 15–20 years old, or if you've had a break-in attempt, it's worth having a locksmith assess whether replacement makes more sense than rekeying. Our related post on why "we'll just drill it" should worry you covers what to watch for when a technician suggests destructive entry instead of proper servicing — the same due diligence applies to knowing when a lock is worth saving.
Rekeying only pays off when the hardware underneath is worth keeping — otherwise you're just paying to postpone a replacement.
If you're not sure whether your locks are good candidates for rekeying or need a harder look, it's worth having someone assess them in person rather than guessing from a phone quote. Get in touch with us and we'll give you a straight answer, along with a firm price, before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace a lock?
Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock, since it reuses your existing hardware and only changes the internal pins and keys. Replacement only makes financial sense when the lock itself is damaged, outdated, or not rated for exterior security.
How long does it take to rekey a whole house?
Most homes with two to four exterior locks take between 30 and 60 minutes for a locksmith to rekey on-site, assuming the hardware is in normal working condition. Older or high-security cylinders can add extra time per lock.
Can all my locks be rekeyed to use one key?
Yes, as long as the locks accept a keyway compatible with standard pinning, a locksmith can rekey them all to work off a single key. This is a common request during move-ins and is usually included in the standard rekeying service without a major added cost.
For homes anywhere in the region, our residential locksmith services cover rekeying, lock replacement, and hardware upgrades, and you can see the full range of what we handle on our locksmith services page. Curious whether we cover your neighbourhood? Check our service areas, or browse our FAQ page for more pricing and process details. You can also learn more about our licensed team before booking.
