Ever feel like keeping your home clean is a never-ending task? Between work, errands, and family, it’s easy to fall behind. That’s where professional house cleaning services come in—but how much for cleaning house?
The price depends on factors like your home’s size, the type of cleaning you need, and how often you schedule it. A standard cleaning may start around $100, while deep or move-out cleanings can go up to $400 or more.
With so many pricing models—hourly, per square foot, per room—it’s tough to know what’s fair. This guide breaks it all down so you can compare costs, understand what affects pricing, and find the best deal for your home. Let’s dive in!
Factors That Affect House Cleaning Costs
The cost of house cleaning services isn’t a fixed number. Some homes take just a couple of hours to clean, while others need a full day of deep scrubbing. And there are more factors to it. Here’s what influences the price rates for house cleaning and why some cleanings cost more than others.
Location and Regional Pricing
Where you live plays a big role in house cleaning prices. In cities with a higher cost of living, like New York or Los Angeles, expect to pay more. On the other hand, in smaller towns or rural areas, rates tend to be lower.
Here’s a comparison of average house cleaning costs across different cities in the U.S.:
| City/State | Hourly Rate (Per Cleaner) | Flat Rate (Per Visit) |
| Los Angeles, CA | $22 – $50 | $150 – $280 |
| New York, NY | $25 – $60 | $170 – $300 |
| Chicago, IL | $20 – $45 | $130 – $250 |
| Houston, TX | $18 – $40 | $100 – $220 |
| Atlanta, GA | $19 – $42 | $110 – $230 |
| Denver, CO | $20 – $45 | $120 – $250 |
| Orlando, FL | $18 – $38 | $100 – $200 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $19 – $40 | $110 – $210 |
| Seattle, WA | $22 – $48 | $140 – $270 |
Note: Prices vary based on home size, cleaning type, and additional services requested.
Professional cleaning companies also consider travel costs. If a cleaner has to drive a long distance to clean your home, they may charge extra. Some even add a fuel surcharge if you’re far from their service area.
Home Size and Layout
The square footage of your home matters. A one-bedroom apartment takes less time to clean than a four-bedroom house. But it’s not just about size—it’s also about layout. A home with open spaces is easier to clean than one with lots of small rooms and tight corners.
Some cleaning companies charge per square foot, while others set their prices based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Either way, the bigger the home, the higher the cleaning cost.
Type of Cleaning: Standard, Deep, or Move-Out
Not all cleaning jobs are the same. The type of service you choose affects the overall price:
- Standard Cleaning – This includes routine cleaning tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and wiping surfaces. It’s meant for homes that are already maintained regularly.
- Deep Cleaning – A deeper cleaning involves scrubbing kitchen cabinets, baseboards, and hard-to-reach areas. If a home hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it will cost more due to the extra time and effort needed.
- Move-Out Cleaning – When moving, many landlords require a thorough cleaning before returning a security deposit. This service includes cleaning appliances, carpets, and inside cabinets. Since it’s more detailed, the cost per visit is higher than a standard clean.
Home Conditions and Special Circumstances
A clean, well-maintained home is quicker and easier to clean than one that hasn’t been touched in months. If there’s excess clutter, pet hair, or built-up grime, it takes extra time and effort, increasing the cleaning costs.
Homes with pets may also require special cleaning products and additional steps to remove fur and odors. Some cleaners charge extra for this.
Cleaning Frequency: One-Time vs. Regular Maintenance
How often you schedule house cleaning services affects pricing. A one-time deep clean is typically more expensive than a weekly or biweekly cleaning package. Many cleaning companies offer discounts for regular clients since routine cleaning requires less effort than an occasional deep clean.
Additional Services and Custom Requests
Some tasks aren’t included in a basic cleaning and may cost extra. Common add-ons include:
✔ Window cleaning
✔ Carpet cleaning
✔ Oven or refrigerator cleaning
✔ Laundry and folding clothes
✔ Post-construction cleaning
Since these require extra time and supplies, house cleaners charge extra for these services.
Overhead Costs: What’s Built Into the Price?
Professional house cleaning companies don’t just charge for labor. Their pricing also covers cleaning supplies, equipment, transportation, insurance, and business expenses. If a company offers eco-friendly cleaning products, that may increase the price as well.
Pricing Breakdown for House Cleaning Services
The cost of house cleaning services depends on the pricing model a company or individual cleaner follows. Some charge hourly rates, others offer flat rates per visit, while some calculate based on square footage or number of rooms. Let’s break down house cleaning prices based on different pricing methods.
1. Hourly Rate for House Cleaning
Many house cleaners charge per hour, which is a common pricing model for deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, or one-time cleanings. If a home needs more work than expected, an hourly rate ensures cleaners are fairly paid for extra time spent.
| Type of Cleaning | Hourly Rate Per Cleaner |
| Standard Cleaning | $25 – $50 |
| Deep Cleaning | $40 – $75 |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $50 – $80 |
| Post-Construction Cleaning | $50 – $100 |
This method is best for homes needing a one-time deep clean, unpredictable jobs, or first-time visits. However, costs can increase unexpectedly if cleaning takes longer than estimated.
2. Flat Rate Per Visit
A flat rate means you pay a set price for the entire job, no matter how long it takes. This is popular for routine cleaning services, where cleaners already know the time and effort required.
| Home Size | Flat Rate Per Visit |
| Studio/1-Bedroom | $100 – $150 |
| 2-Bedroom Home | $130 – $200 |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $150 – $280 |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $200 – $350 |
| 5+ Bedroom Home | $250 – $450+ |
This model is suitable for weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning plans where costs are predictable. But you won’t have much flexibility when your home needs extra work, and pricing is fixed.
3. House Cleaning Prices Per Square Foot
For large homes, some cleaning companies charge by square footage rather than per room. This pricing method ensures fair costs for bigger spaces, especially if rooms vary in size.
| Home Size (sq. ft.) | Standard Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | Move-Out Cleaning |
| Under 1,000 sq. ft. | $100 – $200 | $150 – $300 | $200 – $350 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 sq. ft. | $150 – $250 | $200 – $400 | $250 – $450 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 sq. ft. | $200 – $350 | $250 – $500 | $300 – $600 |
| 2,000 – 2,500 sq. ft. | $250 – $450 | $300 – $600 | $350 – $700 |
| 2,500+ sq. ft. | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
If your home’s room sizes vary, or it has open layouts that don’t match standard room pricing, then this model will serve you the best. However, you will not generally find many cleaning companies using this system. So it might be harder to compare prices.
4. House Cleaning Prices Per Room
If you only need specific rooms cleaned, some services charge per room rather than for the whole house. This is useful for homeowners who only want kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms cleaned without paying for full-house cleaning. Although, you need to remember that not all cleaning companies offer per-room pricing.
| Room Type | Average Cost Per Room |
| Bedroom | $30 – $50 |
| Bathroom | $40 – $80 |
| Kitchen | $50 – $100 |
| Living Room | $40 – $80 |
5. Deep Cleaning Costs
A deeper cleaning is more detailed and labor-intensive than standard cleaning. It includes scrubbing baseboards, cleaning inside kitchen cabinets, washing walls, and removing built-up grime.
| Home Size | Deep Cleaning Cost |
| Small Home (1-2 Beds) | $150 – $300 |
| Medium Home (3-4 Beds) | $250 – $500 |
| Large Home (5+ Beds) | $350 – $700+ |
This is a favorable cleaning pricing model for homes that haven’t been cleaned in a while, post-renovation cleanups, or seasonal spring cleaning.
6. Move-Out & Move-In Cleaning Costs
This thorough cleaning service is ideal when moving in or out of a home. It includes cleaning appliances, scrubbing floors, dusting vents, and sanitizing bathrooms—perfect for securing a security deposit refund or prepping a home for new owners.
| Home Size | Move-Out Cleaning Cost |
| Studio/1-Bedroom | $150 – $300 |
| 2-Bedroom | $250 – $450 |
| 3-Bedroom | $300 – $600 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $400 – $750+ |
7. Special Services & Add-Ons
Some cleaning jobs require extra work, which is why cleaning companies offer additional services at an extra charge.
| Service | Additional Cost |
| Fridge Cleaning | $25 – $50 |
| Oven Cleaning | $30 – $60 |
| Carpet Cleaning | $75 – $200 |
| Window Cleaning | $4 – $10 per window |
| Laundry (Washing/Folding) | $5 – $20 per load |
| Inside Cabinets | $20 – $50 |
| Baseboard Cleaning | $25 – $75 |
| Polishing/Waxing Floors | $25 – $50 |
| Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products | $10 – $100 (Depending on home size) |
Homeowners who want a fully customized cleaning experience often look for these options.
One-Time vs. Recurring Cleaning: Which is More Cost-Effective?
Hiring a house cleaning service is an investment, but how often should you book one? Is it better to pay for a one-time cleaning or sign up for regular services? The answer depends on your budget, cleaning needs, and how often your home needs professional attention.
Let’s break down the cost differences between one-time and recurring cleaning services and see which option saves more money over time.
1. Cost Comparison: One-Time vs. Recurring Cleaning
Cleaning companies charge lower rates for recurring cleanings because they require less time and effort than a home that hasn’t been cleaned in weeks or months. Here’s a breakdown of how pricing changes based on cleaning frequency:
| Cleaning Frequency | Average Cost Per Visit | Estimated Monthly Cost | Savings Compared to One-Time |
| One-Time Cleaning | $150 – $400 | N/A | — |
| Weekly Cleaning | $75 – $150 | $300 – $600 | 20-30% lower per visit |
| Biweekly Cleaning | $100 – $200 | $200 – $400 | 15-25% lower per visit |
| Monthly Cleaning | $120 – $250 | $120 – $250 | 5-15% lower per visit |
Key Takeaway: If you get weekly or biweekly cleaning services, you’ll pay less per visit than someone who books a one-time deep clean. The more frequent the cleanings, the lower the long-term cost.
2. Why Recurring Cleaning Saves Money
- Less Buildup, Less Work: With regular cleaning, dust, grime, and dirt don’t accumulate, making each visit faster and cheaper.
- Lower Per-Visit Cost: Cleaning companies offer discounted rates for recurring clients since their homes require less intensive cleaning each time.
- Fewer Deep Cleanings Needed: A well-maintained home doesn’t need expensive deep cleaning services as often.
- More Predictable Pricing: Signing up for weekly or biweekly services ensures you know your costs upfront, helping with budgeting.
3. Cleaning Packages & Membership Discounts
Many cleaning companies offer membership plans or loyalty discounts for long-term clients. Here’s how you can save even more with recurring cleaning packages:
| Cleaning Package | Discount Offered | What’s Included? |
| Weekly Plan | 20-30% off per visit | Lower per-visit rate, priority scheduling |
| Biweekly Plan | 15-25% off per visit | Customized cleaning checklist |
| Monthly Plan | 5-15% off per visit | Basic cleaning service |
| Seasonal Deep Clean Plan | 10% off deep cleanings | One deep clean every 3 months |
Note: The above-mentioned table is designed based on assumptions and estimations. But this is how the discounts and offers go most often.
Some companies even offer free add-ons (like complimentary oven cleaning or window washing) for customers who sign up for a recurring plan.
Which One Should You Choose?
One-time cleaning is best for:
- Moving in or out of a home
- Prepping for a special event (holidays, parties, guests)
- Seasonal deep cleaning (spring or post-renovation)
- If you prefer occasional professional cleaning but handle regular maintenance yourself
Recurring cleaning is best for:
- People who want a clean home year-round
- Busy professionals, parents, or seniors who don’t have time to clean
- Households with pets or allergies that need frequent upkeep
- Budget-conscious homeowners who want lower per-visit costs
The bottom line is if you’re hiring a house cleaner regularly, signing up for a weekly or biweekly cleaning package will save you more money in the long run compared to one-time cleanings.
How to Get the Best Price for House Cleaning
House cleaning services don’t have to be expensive if you know how to shop smart. Start by comparing multiple quotes from sites like Angi, Thumbtack, and Care.com or apps like Housefly to find the best rates. Many companies also match competitor prices, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Negotiation works, too—ask about discounts for first-time bookings, referrals, or bundled services. Some companies lower rates for weekday cleanings or long-term clients. Want to cut costs even more? Handle small tasks yourself, like picking up clutter or washing dishes, so cleaners spend less time in your home.
Also, keep an eye out for seasonal promotions—spring cleaning specials or holiday deals can save you a decent amount. Just remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Balance price and quality to ensure you get a thorough, reliable cleaning service.
Now, let’s see if DIY or professional cleaning is the smarter choice.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning: What’s the Best Option?
Should you clean your home yourself or hire a pro? The answer depends on how much time, labor, and money you’re willing to spend. Let’s break it down.
Time vs. Cost: Which One Makes Sense?
Here’s a table comparison table between these two choices for the best understanding:
| Factor | DIY Cleaning | Professional Cleaning |
| Time Required | 8-10 hours for a deep clean | 2-4 hours with a team of cleaners |
| Cost | Low, mostly supplies ($20-$50 ) | $150-$400 per visit |
| Effort | High—scrubbing, dusting, moving furniture | Minimal—sit back and let the pros handle it |
| Cleaning Quality | Depends on time and skill | Thorough and detailed |
| Equipment & Supplies | Must buy your own | Provided by the cleaning company |
| Best For | Routine upkeep, light cleaning | Deep cleaning, move-outs, events, seasonal cleaning |
When It’s Worth Hiring a Pro
- Moving out? You need a spotless space to get your security deposit back.
- Hosting an event? A professional clean ensures your home is guest-ready.
- Deep cleaning? If you’ve skipped regular cleanings, pros tackle grime faster.
If you enjoy cleaning and have time, DIY is fine for routine maintenance. But when you need a thorough, time-saving clean, hiring a pro is the better investment.
Common Questions About House Cleaning Costs
How long does a cleaning session take?
The time to clean a house depends on the size of the home, the type of cleaning, and number of cleaners. A standard cleaning takes 1.5 to 3 hours for a small home and 3 to 5 hours for larger homes. Deep cleans or move-out cleanings can take 4 to 8 hours, depending on how much work is needed.
Do I need to tip house cleaners?
Tipping isn’t required, but it’s appreciated—especially for exceptional service. A standard tip is 10-20% of the total cost, or $10 to $20 per cleaner for smaller jobs. If you book recurring cleanings, tipping occasionally or during the holidays is a nice gesture.
Do cleaners bring their own supplies?
Most cleaning companies provide their own supplies and equipment. However, some may charge extra for specialty cleaning products or offer discounts if you provide your own.
What if I cancel my cleaning appointment?
Every company has its own cancellation policy. Some allow free cancellations if done 24-48 hours in advance, while others may charge a cancellation fee (typically $25-$75 ). Last-minute cancellations or same-day rescheduling often result in a full-service charge, so always check the policy before booking.
Are there eco-friendly cleaning options?
Yes! Many cleaning companies offer green cleaning services using non-toxic, biodegradable products. This is a great option for pet owners, allergy sufferers, or households with kids. However, expect to pay slightly more for eco-friendly cleaning, as these products tend to cost more than standard cleaners.
Find House Cleaning Services Near You
Life’s messy—your home doesn’t have to be. With House Fly, finding a local house cleaner is quick and stress-free. No more endless searches or back-and-forth calls. Just open the app, browse trusted local professionals, and book a cleaning that fits your schedule. Whether you need a regular tidy-up or a one-time cleaning service, we’ve got options. Simple, fast, and hassle-free. Download House Fly today and let someone else handle the scrubbing!
Final Thoughts: A Cleaner Home, the Smarter Way
A clean home isn’t just about appearances—it’s about feeling comfortable in your space. Whether you book a one-time deep clean or sign up for regular visits, professional cleaning can save time, reduce stress, and even prevent bigger messes from piling up.
If you’re on a budget, recurring cleanings are often more affordable in the long run. If you prefer flexibility, a one-time or DIY approach might work better. The key is finding a balance that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Before booking, compare prices, ask about discounts, and decide which service meets your needs. No matter how you choose to keep your home fresh, a well-maintained space makes life easier—and that’s always worth it.
