How Much Does Locksmith Cost in Montana? (2025 Guide)

So you're locked out of your house at midnight, or maybe your car keys are nowhere to be found. Your first thought? "How much is this going to cost me?" That's a fair question, and honestly, locksmith pricing in Montana can vary pretty wildly depending on what you need and where you are in the state.

I've put together this guide to break down what you can expect to pay for locksmith services across Montana, including specific pricing for major cities like Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Let's dig into the numbers so you're not caught off guard when you call for help.

Service Call Fees and Basic Lockout Costs

First things first: most locksmiths in Montana charge a service call fee just to show up and assess your situation. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the time of day and how far they have to travel.

For a basic residential lockout (getting you back into your house), you're looking at $75 to $150 on top of that service fee. So all in, plan on spending $125 to $250 just to get back inside your home during normal business hours.

Now, if you're locked out at 2 AM on a Sunday? Welcome to emergency rates. After-hours service calls can easily run $150 to $200 for the service fee alone, plus another $100 to $200 for the actual unlock. You could be looking at $300 to $400 total.

In Billings, Montana's largest city, locksmith costs tend to sit on the higher end of that range since there's more competition and higher overhead. A standard residential lockout in Billings might run you $150 to $200 total. Missoula follows a similar pattern, though it's a bit smaller. Great Falls and Bozeman typically fall a bit lower, around $100 to $175 for a basic lockout, just because cost of living is slightly lower in those areas.

Car Lockout and Automotive Services

Getting locked out of your car is arguably worse than a house lockout because, well, you're probably stranded somewhere. Car unlocks in Montana typically cost $75 to $150 for the service itself, plus that $50 to $100 service call fee.

Here's where it gets tricky though: some newer vehicles have fancy security systems that take more time and skill to get into without causing damage. If your car was made in the last five years or so, a locksmith might charge $150 to $250 just for the unlock. If it's an older model, you're probably closer to $100 to $150.

In Billings, where there's higher traffic and more competition, you might find slightly better rates, anywhere from $100 to $200 for most vehicles. Bozeman, with its affluent population and newer cars, sees higher rates—expect $150 to $250. Great Falls and Missoula sit somewhere in the middle, around $100 to $200.

Oh, and if you need key extraction (because your key broke off in the lock), add another $50 to $75 to whatever the unlock would've cost.

Lock Rekeying and Installation

If you're not locked out but instead want to change your locks—maybe you lost your keys, moved into a new place, or just want better security—that's called rekeying or lock installation.

Rekeying an existing lock (basically changing the pins so your old key won't work anymore) costs $25 to $50 per lock, plus that service call fee. So if you want to rekey three locks in your house, plan on $125 to $200 total.

Installing brand new locks is more expensive. A basic deadbolt installation runs $100 to $200 per lock, including the lock itself and labor. Nicer locks with smart features can easily hit $300 to $500 per lock.

Billings locksmiths typically charge closer to the higher end since they work with pricier properties. In Missoula and Bozeman, you'll see similar rates. Great Falls tends to be a bit more affordable, with installations running $75 to $150 per lock for basic deadbolts.

Specialty Services and Key Duplication

Simple key duplication is cheap—usually $3 to $10 per key at most locksmiths. But if you need high-security keys duplicated or automotive smart keys, you're looking at $15 to $50 per key.

Other specialty services—like master key systems for rental properties, electronic lock installation, or safe opening—can run anywhere from $200 to $1,000+ depending on complexity. These services don't vary much between Montana cities, but locksmiths in bigger cities like Billings might have more experience with high-end systems and charge accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Ways to Save Money on Locksmith Services?

Honestly? Call during business hours if you possibly can. Daytime rates are way cheaper than emergency after-hours services. If you're locked out at night, it might be worth waiting until morning if you safely can. Also, some locksmiths offer discounts for seniors or military, so it never hurts to ask.

Should I Always Use a Licensed Locksmith?

Yes. Montana requires locksmiths to be licensed, and using a licensed professional protects you. They're insured if something goes wrong, and you know they're legitimate. It costs a few bucks more sometimes, but it's worth it.

Do Locksmiths in Montana Charge Different Rates Based on Location?

Definitely. Rural areas around Montana might see higher rates since locksmiths have to travel farther. Cities like Billings and Missoula have more locksmiths competing, which can keep prices down slightly. But overall, you're not going to see massive differences across the state.

If you need a locksmith right now or want a free quote for any of these services, give us a call at (888) 315-8925. We serve all of Montana, including Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman, and we'll give you honest pricing before we do any work.