Hiring a house cleaning service felt like a luxury at first, but once I saw how much time and energy it saved me, it quickly became part of my routine.
Still, one question always comes up: How much does it really cost? I had the same question before I booked my first cleaning, and I found the answers were all over the place.
Some folks pay under $100, others go beyond $300, depending on what’s included, how often, and who they hire.
I turned to community forums, real-life stories, and personal recommendations to understand what people are actually paying and why.
It helped me figure out what to expect and what to watch out for.
In this blog, I’m pulling together those insights to give you a clearer picture, backed by honest experiences, not just price charts or vague estimates.
Average House Cleaning Cost by Square Footage
When it comes to house cleaning services in the U.S., the cost typically increases with the size of the home. On average, cleaning a studio or one-bedroom apartment costs between $75 and $150 per visit.
A two-bedroom home usually ranges from $100 to $180, while a three-bedroom or larger property can cost $150 to $300 or more.
The number of bathrooms also plays a role; more bathrooms generally mean more time and higher fees. The frequency of cleaning affects the price as well.
A one-time deep clean is more expensive, often adding 20%–40% more to the base rate.
In contrast, recurring services, such as weekly or biweekly cleanings, often come at a discounted rate, with many providers offering loyalty pricing that saves homeowners money over time.
Per Hour vs. Per Job Pricing
Cleaning services tend to charge using two main structures: hourly or flat-rate. The typical hourly rate in the U.S. is between $25 and $50 per cleaner, and many companies send a team of two to speed things up.
For those who prefer predictability, flat-rate pricing is common for standard or deep cleanings. These packages usually include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
However, add-ons like baseboard scrubbing, interior windows, or appliance cleaning often cost extra, even with flat rates.
Quick Pricing Table
These average prices give a general idea of what most people pay, but actual rates can vary based on where you live, your home’s condition, and the type of service you choose.
It’s a great starting point for setting a realistic budget before getting quotes from local cleaners.
| Home Size and Frequency | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed (One-time) | $75–$150 range |
| 2-bed / 1-bath (One-time) | $100–$180 range |
| 3-bed / 2-bath (One-time) | $150–$250 range |
| Weekly Cleaning (Any size) | $100–$200 range |
| Deep Clean (Any size) | $200–$400 range |
| Hourly Rate (Per Cleaner) | $25–$50 range |
Types of House Cleaning Services and Their Costs
Not all cleaning jobs are the same, and the cost depends heavily on the type of service you need.
From light upkeep to deep scrubs or specialized cleanouts, understanding what’s included in each type helps you avoid surprises and choose the best fit for your home and budget.
1. Standard Cleaning
A standard cleaning is the most common service homeowners book. It typically includes dusting surfaces, vacuuming and mopping floors, wiping, sanitizing bathroom fixtures, and taking out the trash.
This level of service is ideal for maintaining a tidy home and is often used for weekly or biweekly visits. The typical cost for standard cleaning ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the size of the home and frequency of cleaning.
Many providers offer lower rates for ongoing services, especially if booked on a recurring basis.
2. Deep Cleaning
It includes all the tasks from standard cleaning, but adds scrubbing baseboards, cleaning inside appliances, removing built-up grime in bathrooms and kitchens, and detailed dusting in hard-to-reach areas.
This service is ideal for move-in or move-out situations, seasonal cleaning, or preparing a home for guests or sale.
Because of the time and effort involved, deep cleans usually cost between $200 and $400 or more, depending on square footage and the level of buildup.
3. Green or Eco-Friendly Cleaning
Green or eco-friendly cleaning focuses on using non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally safe products. These services are great for households with children, pets, or anyone sensitive to chemicals.
While the cleaning quality is similar to standard services, the cost can be slightly higher, typically adding 10% to 20%, because eco-friendly supplies tend to be more expensive.
That said, many people feel the health and environmental benefits are worth the small extra investment.
4. Specialized Services
Some homes require more intensive or niche cleaning services that go beyond standard or deep options.
Specialized cleanings include hoarding cleanups, post-construction debris removal, and short-term rental turnover services. These jobs often involve more time, specific tools, and greater labor.
For example, hoarder situations can start at $500 and go into the thousands, depending on the severity.
Post-construction cleaning typically ranges from $300 to $800, while Airbnb or vacation rental cleanings may cost $75 to $150 per visit, with fast turnaround and attention to detail being key priorities.
These specialized services often require custom quotes based on the scope of work.
Factors that Affect the Cost of House Cleaning
Every home is different, and so is every cleaning job. A variety of factors influence how much you’ll pay, from the size of your home to your location and even special requests.
Knowing what affects pricing can help you get accurate quotes and avoid hidden fees.
- Larger homes cost more due to extra rooms and surface area.
- Stairs and multi-story layouts increase cleaning time and effort.
- Pets can add charges for fur, odors, or pet-specific messes.
- Cluttered spaces require more time, raising the overall cost.
- One-time or deep cleans are more expensive than basic maintenance cleanings.
- Recurring services often come with discounts, especially for weekly or biweekly plans.
- Urban areas usually charge more due to higher labor costs and demand.
- Rural areas may offer lower prices, but with fewer service providers.
- States like California and New York have the highest cleaning rates.
- Midwestern and southern states generally have lower costs for cleaning services.
- Extras like windows, baseboards, and fridge cleaning cost more and aren’t usually included.
- Add-on services can raise the total by $20 to $100+, depending on the task.
What Homeowners Actually Pay?
Price lists are helpful, but hearing what actual homeowners pay gives a clearer picture.
Real stories shared in online communities like Reddit, Quora, and Facebook groups offer a more personal view of house cleaning costs across the country.
Reddit, Quora, and Facebook Group Examples
User-shared experiences highlight just how much prices can vary depending on the region, size of the home, and frequency of service.
In some areas, a standard two-bedroom apartment cleaned biweekly might cost around $130, while others report paying closer to $90 for monthly cleanings in smaller homes.
Larger homes in expensive cities, especially along the coasts, can easily exceed $200 per visit.
Many homeowners also mention getting better rates by offering flexible cleaning schedules, referring friends, or booking recurring services through one trusted provider.
Surprising Finds from Community Polls
Polls and discussions in these groups show a wide spread in pricing. In high-cost metro areas, some pay upwards of $400 for one-time deep cleans, particularly for larger spaces or post-renovation jobs.
At the other end, those with smaller apartments often find independent cleaners willing to work for as little as $60 per visit.
The most consistent takeaway from these conversations is that trust, reliability, and quality often matter more than the final number on the bill.
Those who stick with the same cleaner or company long-term usually feel they’re getting the best value for their money.
Hiring an Individual vs. a Cleaning Company
When choosing between an independent cleaner and a professional cleaning company, the cost is often the biggest difference.
Independent cleaners usually charge less, around $20 to $30 per hour, while cleaning companies may charge $40 to $60 per hour or use higher flat rates. That lower price can be appealing, especially for regular upkeep.
However, individuals may not always have consistent availability, and if they’re sick or overbooked, rescheduling can be tricky.
On the other hand, cleaning companies often come with added benefits like background-checked staff, liability insurance, bonded workers, and satisfaction guarantees.
If something goes wrong, like a broken item or missed task, they’re more likely to correct it quickly and professionally. You’re not just paying for cleaning, but also for peace of mind, structure, and accountability.
It really comes down to what matters most to you: lower cost or more reliability and protection.
How to Save on Cleaning Costs?
Cleaning services don’t have to break the bank. With a few smart strategies, like bundling tasks, prepping your space, or booking at the right time, you can keep your home spotless without overspending.
- Bundle services to unlock discounts, and some cleaners lower the price if you add laundry, dishes, or interior windows.
- Refer a friend to the same service, and many companies offer referral credits or one-time discounts.
- Tidy up before the cleaner arrives by clearing counters, picking up clutter, and putting away dishes to reduce cleaning time.
- Limit tasks to high-priority areas if you’re on a budget, focusing only on kitchens, bathrooms, or main living spaces.
- Book cleanings mid-week when schedules are more flexible and rates may be lower than weekends.
- Ask about off-season deals, especially during slower months when cleaners are looking to fill their schedules.
- Opt for recurring service, weekly or biweekly bookings often come with a lower per-visit cost.
Tips from the Community: What’s Worth Paying For?
Real homeowners have strong opinions about what cleaning extras are worth the cost, and what just feels like wasted money.
These firsthand tips will help you spend smarter by focusing on what actually makes a difference.
- Deep bathroom cleaning is often called a game-changer for removing grime and buildup.
- Fridge and oven cleaning saves time and effort, especially when done thoroughly.
- Baseboard and ceiling fan dusting makes a big visual impact that’s easy to overlook.
- Move-in or move-out cleaning helps reduce stress and improves chances of getting deposits back.
- Pet hair removal is worth it for homes with shedding pets, especially on upholstery.
- Some users regret paying extra for basic window cleaning that didn’t include hard-to-reach spots.
- Laundry add-ons without folding or sorting were seen as not worth the cost.
- Air freshener upgrades felt unnecessary and didn’t improve the cleaning quality.
- “Deep cleans” that felt no different from standard services left people disappointed.
- Slow hourly cleaners raised costs without improving results, leading to frustration.
Conclusion
After knowing all the real stories, numbers, and tips from homeowners, I’ve come to appreciate how personal house cleaning costs really are. I’ve seen how the same service can cost $80 in one town and over $200 in another.
That’s why I looked at actual experiences, not just national averages. From bundling services to prepping your space, there are smart ways to keep your costs down without sacrificing quality.
I’ve also learned what tasks are totally worth paying for, like deep bathroom cleaning or appliance scrubbing, and which extras just don’t deliver enough value.
Hiring a cleaner, in my experience, isn’t only about saving time; it’s also about feeling comfortable with who’s coming into your home and getting your money’s worth.
I hope these insights help you make a confident choice the next time you book a cleaning. If you enjoyed it, I’d love to know what made it great.