How to Charge for Cleaning Services: 2025 Pricing Guide
June 9, 2025 - 17 min read
June 9, 2025 - 17 min read
Table of Contents
| TL;DR Struggling to set the right price for your cleaning services? This guide breaks down different pricing models, reveals key cost factors, and shares pro-level strategies to help you quote with confidence. Also, get a free calculator and downloadable pricing sheet to streamline your quoting process and grow profitably in 2025. |
Thinking of starting a cleaning business? You’re entering a booming industry with big opportunities.
Demand for professional cleaning services is on the rise: recent industry reports estimate the U.S. home cleaning services market is estimated at $1.8 billion in 2023, with strong growth projected to reach US$14.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2023 to 2030.
About 10% of U.S. households now pay for professional cleaning services, and this number is increasing as more Americans seek convenience and time savings
But while the demand is high, success depends on one thing: pricing your commercial or house cleaning services correctly.
Set your prices too low, and you’ll burn out without profit. Set them too high, and you might lose clients. That’s why you need a smart, simple system — one that covers your costs, reflects your value, and stays competitive.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
So, without any further ado, let’s get to it.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Mastering Cleaning Service Pricing
Professional house cleaning prices in the United States can vary significantly based on service type, location, property size, and the scope of work. While there is no fixed formula, understanding national averages helps establish a reliable baseline for pricing.
Here’s a breakdown of typical rates:
| Service Type | Estimated Cost (Flat Fee) | Hourly Rate Range |
| Standard Cleaning | $150 – $250 per visit | $25 – $50 per hour |
| Low-End Jobs | $175 – $218 per home | $25 – $40 per hour |
| High-End Jobs | $350 – $400+ per home | $50 – $90 per hour |
| Deep Cleaning | $200 – $400+ (can reach $1,000 for large or messy jobs) | $25 – $80 per hour |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $300 – $400+ | $40 – $100 per hour |
Note: These ranges are based on national averages compiled from Thumbtack, Indeed, and other cleaning service platforms in 2023–2024. Rates may vary by region, property condition, and frequency of service.
When it comes to setting cleaning prices, there’s no universal formula. The cost of house cleaning services can vary widely depending on your location, client preferences, and even how often you clean.
Whether you’re just starting out or about to grow your house cleaning business, understanding the following factors will help you build a pricing structure that is fair, competitive, and profitable.
Where you operate plays a huge role in your pricing power. Urban areas with a higher cost of living (like New York, California, or Washington D.C.) command higher cleaning rates, while rural or suburban markets may expect more budget-friendly options.Local income levels, competition, and neighborhood expectations should all inform your base rate. If you’re traveling long distances to service remote homes, consider adding a travel fee or building that cost into your quote.
| Location | Avg Pricing |
| Urban | Urban (e.g., NYC, SF): $50–$90/hr |
| Suburban | $30–$50/hr |
| Rural | $25–$40/hr |
| Add $10–$25 travel fee if >10 miles outside the service area | |
The size of the home is one of the most direct pricing factors. Cleaning a 3,000 sq. ft. house takes significantly more time, energy, and supplies than a 1,000 sq. ft. condo.
In general, the larger the space, the higher the price — but layout matters too. Multiple bathrooms, tight spaces, or stairs can all increase the complexity of the job. Many professionals quote based on square footage or use tiered pricing brackets for homes in size ranges (e.g., 1000–1500 sq. ft., 1500–2500 sq. ft., etc.).
| Home Size | Avg Pricing |
| Up to 999 sq. ft | $100–$200 |
| 1000–1500 sq. ft | 150–$300 |
| 2000–2500 sq. ft | $250–$500 |
| Add 10–20% for multi-bath or multi-story homes | |
Room count is often used as a quick way to quote. Bathrooms in particular take more effort to sanitize and deep clean than bedrooms, so they typically carry a higher weight in the quote.
For example, cleaning a 2-bedroom, 1-bath home might range from $100 to $150, while a 4-bedroom, 3-bath home could range from $200 to $300+ depending on frequency and condition. Some businesses charge a flat base rate and then add fees for each bathroom or extra bedroom.
| Number of Rooms (Bedrooms/Bathrooms) | Avg Pricing |
| Base rate for 2 bed / 1 bath | $120–$150 |
| Add $20–$30 per extra bedroom Add $30–$50 per additional bathroom | |
Is the home regularly maintained or is it a first-time clean in a home that hasn’t seen a vacuum in months? Homes with heavy buildup, clutter, or pet dander take longer and require more supplies — and your prices should reflect that.
Charging more for deep cleaning services, first-time visits, or homes with pets is standard practice. Don’t be afraid to do a walkthrough or request photos before confirming the quote.
| Home Condition & Clutter | Avg Pricing |
| Homes with pets | +$25–$40 |
| Add 20–50% surcharge for deep cleans | |
The more cleaners you send, the faster the job gets done — but your labor cost also increases. Whether you’re a solo cleaner or managing a team, it’s important to calculate pricing based on total labor hours, not just job duration.
For example, if you send two cleaners for two hours, that’s four total labor hours. If you pay each cleaner $20/hour, your labor cost alone is $80 — so your quote should exceed that to cover supplies, travel, overhead, and your profit margin.
| Number of Cleaners | Avg Pricing |
| 1 Cleaner | $25–$50/hr |
| 2 Cleaners | $50–$100/hr |
| Total estimate based on total labor hours (e.g., 2 cleaners × 2 hrs = 4 labor hrs | |
One-time cleans often take longer and require more setup than regular appointments. That’s why weekly and biweekly clients typically receive discounted rates, while first-time or occasional cleans come at a premium.
Offering package deals or loyalty pricing for recurring clients helps create predictable revenue while rewarding long-term relationships. For example, a weekly client may pay $100 per visit, while a one-time deep clean of the same home could cost $180.
| Cleaning Frequency | Avg Pricing |
| Weekly | 20-25% discount |
| Bi-weekly | 10-15% discount |
| Monthly or one-time | Full price |
Not all cleaning services are the same. Here’s how pricing can shift based on the job type:
Each service type demands a different level of labor, risk, and time. Make sure your quotes align with the actual scope of work.
| Types of Cleaning Services | Avg Pricing |
| Standard Cleaning | $100-$200 |
| Deep Cleaning | $200-$400 |
| Move-in/Out | $250-$500 |
| Post Construction | $300-$800+ |
Are you providing the supplies, or is the client? Even basic supplies — disinfectants, glass cleaners, microfiber cloths, trash liners — add up over time. You’ll also need to budget for equipment maintenance (vacuums, steamers, mop heads, etc.).
If you use eco-friendly products, HEPA vacuums, or specialty cleaning chemicals, make sure those costs are built into your rate or clearly stated as add-ons.
| Supply & Equipment Costs | Avg Pricing |
| Supplies cost per job | $10–$25 |
| HEPA/vacuum maintenance | $100–$300/year |
| Eco-friendly upsell | +$10–$20 per job |
Don’t forget the hidden costs of doing business. Your pricing needs to cover:
If you’re not factoring in overhead, you’re underpricing — and it’ll catch up to you fast. A common mistake is charging based on labor only, without building in business expenses and markup.
| Overhead & Insurance | Build in +15–30% for admin, insurance, CRM, marketing, etc. |
| E.g., $80 job cost + 25% overhead = $100 final price | |
our experience level, training, and reputation all influence how much you can charge. A well-reviewed, fully insured cleaner with five years of repeat clients can charge far more than a new business with no track record.
Understand your ideal client and price accordingly. High-end homeowners often prioritize trust, punctuality, and discretion, and are willing to pay for it. Others may prioritize affordability or flexibility. Position your pricing where your ideal client expects it.
| Experience & Reputation | Avg Pricing |
| Beginner’s rate | $25-$35/hr |
| Experienced Pro | $40-$60/hr |
| Premium Brands with Reviews and Insurance | $60-$90/hr |
Check our free 2025 service pricing guide to learn exactly how to charge for house or commercial cleaning. It’s packed with real-world examples, pricing models, and pro tips to help you avoid undercharging and boost your margins.
Choosing the right pricing model can make your quoting process smoother, more predictable, and more profitable. The model you use depends on the type of job, your experience level, and how you are getting your cleaning clients prefer to be billed.
Below are the most common pricing models used by house cleaning companies, along with when to use each, and the pros and cons to consider.
Charge clients based on the total number of labor hours spent on the job. Best when the scope is unclear or for first-time cleanings. This model works well for new businesses, unpredictable commercial cleaning jobs, or when you’re not yet confident in estimating flat rates. Clients like the transparency of paying for time, especially for one-time or first-time cleanings.
If you don’t yet have built-in ETA messaging, you can use free tools like Google Maps location sharing or [WhatsApp Live Location] to send manual ETA updates in real time. It’s not automated, but it works for small teams until you adopt a dispatch platform with integrated alerts.
✅ Best for: First-time cleans, unpredictable jobs
❌ Not ideal for: Fast-working teams or fixed-scope work
Flat-rate pricing means you charge a fixed price for the entire job, regardless of how long it takes. Set one price for the entire job, regardless of time spent. You’ll estimate time, team size, and supplies beforehand. No strict formula, but consider: Labor cost (time × wage), Supplies, Overhead, Contingency, Desired profit, etc
This model is ideal for recurring cleaning services or homes with consistent layouts and conditions. It simplifies quoting and billing, and clients like knowing the price upfront.
However, flat rates can backfire if the job takes longer than expected, which is why accurate quoting is crucial.
✅ Best for: Recurring clients, standard homes
❌ Not ideal for: New cleaners who misjudge time
Quote based on the size of the home or property. Smaller homes or detailed cleans may have a higher per-square-foot rate. This model is common for commercial cleaning and large properties. You calculate the charge for house cleaning based on the total cleanable area, making it objective and scalable.
Per-square-foot pricing is especially useful for bidding on office buildings, retail stores, or multi-unit spaces, where uniformity and scale matter more than personal touches. Keep in mind that this model may require adjustments for cluttered or high-traffic areas.
Charge more for small, cluttered spaces (e.g., $0.25 for 800 sq. ft deep clean), and less for large recurring jobs.
✅ Best for: Commercial jobs, large homes
❌ Not ideal for: Small, complex spaces
Charge a base rate for a 1 bed/1 bath, and add extra for each additional room. With this model, pricing is set based on the number of rooms or specific areas being cleaned. Some businesses charge per bedroom, per bathroom, or for specific zones like kitchens, basements, or garages.
It offers clarity and customization, and works well for clients who want partial cleaning or want to add-on services without a full-home clean.
However, the model can become complex if room sizes vary significantly, or if the condition of each area isn’t accounted for in advance.
✅ Best for: Residential cleaning jobs with consistent layouts
❌ Not ideal for: Homes with large common areas or unique layouts
Many experienced cleaning businesses combine multiple models to create a hybrid pricing system. For example, you might charge a base flat rate for a regular clean, then apply hourly rates for special requests or deep cleaning tasks.
Custom pricing is also useful for clients with unique needs, like post-renovation cleans, pet-heavy households, or multi-property contracts.
Best For: Large clients, specialized cleans, high-end or flexible service models
| Model | When to Use | Formula / Example |
| Hourly Rate | Unpredictable or first-time cleans | (Wage × # Employees) × 1.5 → $75/hr |
| Flat Rate | Recurring, standard jobs | Est. labor + overhead + profit → $100–$170/job |
| Square Foot Rate | Large homes, commercial jobs | Sq. ft × rate (e.g., 2,000 × $0.10 = $200) |
| Per Room | Small homes, partial cleans | $120 base + $20/bed + $30/bath → e.g., $190 total |
| Custom / Hybrid | Specialized cleans, large clients, or flexible service models | Flat base rate + hourly/room/sq. ft add-ons → $150 base + $30/hr for extras |
No two cleaning jobs are exactly alike — and neither are their price tags. Whether it’s a quick standard clean or a heavy-duty post-construction job, your rates should reflect the service type and effort involved.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of average cleaning rates across different pricing models to help you charge with confidence.
| Service Type | Hourly Rate | Flat Fee | Per Room | Per Sq. Ft. |
| Standard Cleaning | $20–$50/hr | $100–$170 | $100 base + $10–20/room | $0.05–$0.16 |
| Deep Cleaning | $40–$100/hr | $200–$400+ | $125–$175 for 3-bed, 2-bath | $0.13–$0.17 |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $40–$100/hr | $300–$400 | $125–$175 per 3-bed, 2-bath | Up to $0.22 |
| Post Construction Cleaning | $30–$50/hr | Up to $800 | $125–$175 per 3-bed, 2-bath | $0.10–$0.50 |
Note: Pricing depends on the home size, level of buildout, and local market rates. Always adjust based on job complexity and overhead.
Boost your income with add-ons — these commercial cleaning services are not usually part of a standard house cleaning service, but can be offered to increase your ticket size.
| Add-On Service | Average Price |
| Laundry (wash/fold/put away) | $5–$20 per load |
| Oven or appliance interior cleaning | $25–$35+ per appliance |
| Window/blind cleaning | $2–$6 per window |
| Carpet cleaning | $0.16–$0.28 per sq. ft. |
| Tile/grout cleaning | $0.12–$0.21 per sq. ft. |
| Floor buffing/waxing | $0.30–$0.50 per sq. ft. |
| Upholstery or curtain cleaning | $100+/hour |
| Green cleaning supplies (eco-friendly) | $5–$10 per visit |
| Odor removal / sanitization | $75–$100 per hour |
| Wall/ceiling cleaning | $0.50–$0.60 per sq. ft. |
| Emergency/disaster cleanup | $1,000–$4,000+ (project-based) |
Before you set your rates, it’s important to break down all the cost elements that go into a cleaning job. Whether you’re quoting hourly, per job, or per square foot, these pricing inputs help ensure you stay profitable and competitive:
This includes your hourly rate and any team members you hire. Multiply the number of cleaners by the total hours required
Includes cleaning products, tools, protective gear, and uniforms. Using eco-friendly or specialty supplies? Add them as a surcharge or upsell option.
Factor in gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, taxes, software subscriptions (e.g., CRM or scheduling tools), and advertising. These are recurring business costs that aren’t tied to one job but must be accounted for.
Always build in your target margin (typically 20–30%) on top of your costs. This ensures your business is sustainable and you’re not just breaking even.
If the client’s home is far from your typical service area, consider adding a travel fee or fuel surcharge (e.g., $10–$25 if >10 miles).
Extras like laundry, window washing, appliance cleaning, or green cleaning supplies can increase your revenue per visit. Clearly list these in your quote or service menu.
Research competitors in your area to see what they charge for similar services. Stay competitive, but don’t race to the bottom — highlight your value instead.
Last-minute or emergency cleanings (e.g., post-party or holiday rush) can be priced higher. Set a policy and communicate it upfront.
Use our free cleaning cost calculator to confidently set your service rates. Just plug in the job details — number of rooms, service type, and home size — and instantly get a pricing range that helps you stay competitive and profitable.
Walk through the space (physically or virtually), ask about the cleaning scope, and assess the size, dirt level, and special requests. Then, factor in your labor time, supplies, travel, and overhead before presenting the quote.
It depends on your business model. Hourly works well for variable jobs. Flat-rate pricing is easier for recurring clients. You can also offer room-based or square-foot-based pricing for transparency.
Rates typically range from $150 to $300 depending on location, cleaning depth, and house condition. Deep cleans or first-time cleans can cost more than recurring maintenance visits.
For standard cleaning services, most pros charge between $120 and $200. If the house needs extra attention or hasn’t been cleaned recently, the cost may be higher.
It generally covers dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom and kitchen cleaning, and tidying up living areas. Add-ons like window cleaning, appliances, or baseboards may cost extra.
