Move out cleaning typically costs $150 to $350 for an apartment and $300 to $500 for a three bedroom house in 2026. Studios in good condition start near $150, while large homes with heavy buildup can pass $700. Price depends on bedrooms, bathrooms, condition and add ons like carpets or inside the fridge.
| Price level | Typical cost | What it usually covers |
|---|---|---|
| Low | $150 to $250 | Studio or one bedroom in good condition |
| Average | $250 to $400 | Two or three bedrooms, appliances included |
| High | $500 to $800 | Large house, heavy buildup, carpets and add ons |
Move out cleaning is priced higher than a standard visit because the job is deeper. Every cabinet gets emptied and wiped, appliances get cleaned inside and out, and baseboards, doors and switch plates all get attention. The goal is passing a final inspection, not just tidying up, and that standard takes more hours.
How much does move out cleaning cost by home size?
Most companies price move out jobs by bedroom and bathroom count, with square footage as a backstop for large layouts. Expect roughly $0.20 to $0.50 per square foot, or $40 to $60 per cleaner per hour when a company bills hourly.
| Home size | Typical cost | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or one bedroom | $150 to $250 | 2 to 4 hours |
| Two bedroom apartment | $200 to $350 | 3 to 5 hours |
| Three bedroom house | $300 to $500 | 4 to 7 hours |
| Four bedrooms or more | $400 to $700 | 6 to 9 hours |
Bathrooms move the price as much as bedrooms. A two bedroom unit with two full baths will usually land at the top of its range, because showers, tubs and toilets take the most scrubbing time. For a closer look at apartment pricing, see our guide to apartment deep cleaning cost.
What is included in a move out cleaning?
A good move out cleaning covers everything a landlord or buyer checks at the walkthrough. Expect these tasks in a standard quote:
- Kitchen: inside and outside of cabinets and drawers, counters, sink, stovetop, range hood, outside of appliances and inside the oven and microwave
- Bathrooms: tub, shower, tile, toilet, vanity, mirrors, inside drawers and cabinets, fixtures and exhaust fan cover
- Every room: baseboards, doors and frames, light switches, outlets covers, window sills and tracks, closet shelves and floors
- Floors: vacuum carpets, mop hard floors and clean corners and edges by hand
Our move out cleaning checklist walks through each room in order if you want to do part of it yourself or check the work after the crew leaves.
Which add ons change the price?
Add ons are where most move out bills grow. These are typical 2026 ranges:
| Add on | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Inside the refrigerator | $25 to $50 |
| Inside the oven, heavy grease | $25 to $60 |
| Interior windows | $5 to $10 per window |
| Wall spot cleaning | $25 to $75 |
| Carpet hot water extraction | $30 to $60 per room |
| Garage sweep out | $40 to $100 |
Carpet cleaning deserves its own budget line. Many leases require professional carpet cleaning at move out, and a receipt may be requested. Our carpet deep clean cost guide covers per room and whole home pricing.
What makes a move out cleaning cost more?
Condition of the home
A home that was cleaned every two weeks will land at the low end. Years of grease on cabinet faces, hard water buildup on glass doors or pet hair worked into carpet can add one to three hours of labor, which is $50 to $180 more on most quotes.
Timing and access
The last few days of the month are the busiest time for move out cleaning, so last minute bookings can cost more or have fewer open times. Book a week ahead when you can, and confirm the home will be empty, with power and water still on.
Home type
Two story houses, homes with lots of windows and units with several small bathrooms take longer than a simple single level layout with the same square footage.
Is a professional move out cleaning worth it?
For renters, the math usually favors booking it. Security deposits often equal a full month of rent, and landlords commonly deduct $200 to $500 or more for cleaning when a unit is not ready for the next tenant. A $250 cleaning that protects a $1,500 deposit is an easy trade.
For sellers, a clean empty home photographs better and makes the final walkthrough easier. If you are cleaning an empty house before listing, read how to clean an empty house for sale.
DIY vs professional cost
| Option | Typical cost | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | $40 to $80 in supplies | 8 to 14 hours for a two bedroom |
| Professional cleaning | $200 to $350 | 3 to 5 hours, no time from you |
When should you schedule a move out cleaning?
The best window is after the movers leave and one to two days before your final walkthrough or closing. That gives the crew an empty home and leaves you a buffer to fix anything you notice on your own check. Here is a simple timeline most renters and sellers follow:
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Two weeks before | Read your lease cleaning clause and book the cleaning and any carpet work |
| Moving day | Empty every cabinet, closet and the fridge, and take out all trash |
| Day after the move | Cleaning crew works in the empty home |
| Before the walkthrough | Walk each room, take dated photos and note anything missed |
Dated photos matter. If a landlord later claims the oven or bathtub was left dirty, clear pictures from the day you returned the keys are your best evidence. Keep the cleaning receipt with your lease paperwork until the deposit is back.
If you are moving into a new place the same week, you can book a second cleaning there too. A move in clean of an empty home typically costs about the same as a move out clean, and it is far easier before your furniture arrives. For general pricing on recurring visits after you settle in, see how much a house cleaning service costs.
How do you get an accurate move out cleaning price?
- Count bedrooms and full and half bathrooms exactly.
- Note the condition honestly, including pets, smoking and grease.
- List add ons you need: fridge, oven, windows, carpets, garage.
- Book after the movers finish and before the walkthrough.
An upfront price removes the guesswork. See your upfront price and book your move out cleaning on House Fly. Your payment is held until the job is done.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a move out cleaning cost?
Most apartments cost $150 to $350 for a move out cleaning and most three bedroom houses cost $300 to $500. Studios in good shape can start near $150, while large or neglected homes with heavy buildup, pet hair and carpets that need extraction can climb to $700 or more.
Is move out cleaning more expensive than a regular cleaning?
Yes. A move out cleaning usually costs 50 to 100 percent more than a standard cleaning of the same home because it covers inside cabinets, inside appliances, baseboards, doors and fixtures. The crew is preparing for a final inspection, so the job takes more hours and more detail work.
Should the home be empty before move out cleaning?
Yes, book the cleaning after the last box and piece of furniture is gone. Cleaners need clear access to floors, closets, cabinets and the spaces behind appliances. If movers are still working, the crew loses time and the floors get dirty again before the walkthrough.
Does move out cleaning include carpet cleaning?
Usually not. Standard move out cleaning includes vacuuming carpets, but hot water extraction is a separate add on that typically runs $30 to $60 per room. Check your lease, because many landlords require professional carpet cleaning and may ask for a receipt at move out.
How long does a move out cleaning take?
A studio or one bedroom typically takes 2 to 4 hours, a two bedroom apartment 3 to 5 hours, and a three bedroom house 4 to 7 hours for a single cleaner. Crews of two or three finish faster, and heavy grease or soap scum adds time.
