House cleaning prices vary widely depending on where you live, the size and condition of your home, and the type of cleaning you book. National cost guides that compile customer data give a useful starting point: an average standard cleaning visit costs around $175, with most homeowners paying somewhere between roughly $120 and $240. Here’s how prices break down by service, home size, frequency, and pricing method.
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Typical prices at a glance
- Standard cleaning visit: about $175 on average, with most paying roughly $118 to $237.
- One-time visit: often a bit higher, around $209 on average in one major cost guide, with a typical range of about $152 to $287.
- Recurring biweekly visit: commonly somewhat lower than a one-time visit for the same home.
- Deep clean: roughly $200 to $400 per visit for many homes.
- Hourly rate: about $50 per cleaner per hour on average, with a range of roughly $25 to $80 depending on the market.
Expect prices in large, high-cost cities to run well above these national figures, sometimes by 50% or more.
Prices by type of service
- Standard cleaning covers routine upkeep and is the baseline for recurring service.
- Deep cleaning takes longer and costs more; see how much a deep clean costs.
- Move-out cleaning includes inside cabinets and appliances; see move-out cleaning cost.
- Post-construction cleaning is usually priced per square foot; see post-construction cleaning.
- Add-ons such as inside the oven or refrigerator commonly cost about $25 to $120 each. Interior windows, inside cabinets, laundry, and wall washing are also typically extra.
Prices by home size
Many companies price by square footage or by the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Using typical per-square-foot rates, about $0.10 to $0.20 for standard cleaning and $0.15 to $0.25 for deep cleaning, you can estimate a ballpark for your home. Treat these as starting points rather than quotes, since the number of bathrooms, pets, and the home’s condition matter a great deal. Our guide to house cleaning cost per square foot explains the math.
How companies price their work
- Flat rate based on home size and service type. Predictable, and the most common for companies.
- Hourly, per cleaner. Common with independent cleaners. Ask for an estimated number of hours and a maximum.
- Per square foot, mostly for larger homes, move-outs, and post-construction work.
- Per room, with bathrooms usually priced higher than bedrooms.
Most companies also have a minimum charge per visit.
What raises the price
- The first visit. Initial cleans usually take longer and cost more.
- Condition. Heavy buildup, grease, or long gaps between cleanings.
- Bathrooms. They’re the most labor-intensive rooms.
- Pets. Hair and dander add time in every room.
- Clutter. Cleaners work slower around piles.
- Short notice. Same-day or weekend bookings may cost extra.
- Location. Labor costs vary widely by region.
What a standard visit usually includes
Knowing what’s included helps you compare prices fairly. A standard cleaning typically covers:
- Kitchen counters, sink, stovetop, appliance fronts, and the microwave
- Bathrooms: toilet, tub or shower, sink, mirror, and floor
- Dusting reachable surfaces and furniture
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs, and mopping hard floors
- Emptying trash and making beds on request
Baseboards, blinds, inside appliances, interior windows, and heavy buildup are usually deep clean tasks or add-ons. If two quotes look very different, the checklists often explain why.
Regional differences
Where you live affects the price as much as anything else. Cleaners in large, high-cost metro areas commonly charge well above national averages, reflecting higher wages, rent, insurance, and travel time. Smaller towns and rural areas often come in below. That’s why national averages work best as a sanity check, and local written quotes are the real guide.
How to save money
- Book recurring service. Biweekly or weekly visits are usually cheaper per visit; see recurring house cleaning.
- Declutter before visits so the time goes to cleaning.
- Choose add-ons selectively, rotating them across visits.
- Split the work. Hire out bathrooms and floors and handle lighter tasks yourself.
- Compare written estimates for the same scope; see getting an accurate estimate.
Is it worth the price?
That depends on your budget, your time, and how much cleaning-related stress you carry. See whether a cleaning service is worth it for a practical way to decide.
Common questions
Why do quotes vary so much between companies?
Differences in scope, team size, time allotted, insurance, wages, and overhead all show up in price. Compare checklists, not just totals.
Are independent cleaners cheaper?
Often, because they have less overhead. They may not carry the same insurance or have backup when they’re unavailable; see maid service vs. independent cleaners.
How long does a standard clean take?
Often two to four cleaner-hours for an average home that’s cleaned regularly. First visits and deep cleans take considerably longer.
Should I tip on top of the price?
Tipping is common but not required. See how much to tip house cleaners.
Do prices include supplies?
Most companies bring their own supplies and equipment. Some independent cleaners charge less if you provide supplies.