House Cleaning Cost Calculator
Enter your home size, cleaning type, and how often you want it cleaned to get an instant price estimate. The calculator factors in square footage, room count, regional labor costs, frequency discounts, and optional add-on services such as oven cleaning and window washing. Results update as you type and a full cost breakdown shows exactly where the money goes.
How house cleaning prices are calculated
Professional cleaning services price jobs using one of three models: flat rate, hourly rate, or per-square-foot. Flat rates are the most common for residential work because they are easy for homeowners to budget. A typical flat rate starts with a base charge for the home size, then adds per-room fees for bedrooms ($15-$25 each) and bathrooms ($25-$40 each) because those rooms take more time. The total is then adjusted for the type of clean requested (standard vs. deep vs. move-out), the local cost of labor, and whether you are booking a one-time visit or a recurring schedule. Recurring clients almost always pay less per visit because less buildup accumulates between sessions.
What affects the final price most
Square footage is the largest single driver, but four other factors move the needle significantly. First, cleaning type: a deep clean costs 60-100% more than a standard visit because cleaners scrub inside appliances, wipe baseboards, descale fixtures, and detail areas that routine cleaning skips. Second, frequency: booking weekly or bi-weekly visits rather than a one-time clean typically saves 12-18% per session. Third, region: labor in the Northeast and on the West Coast runs 25-35% above the national average, while the South and Midwest are 10-15% below it. Fourth, add-on services such as oven cleaning, carpet steam-cleaning, and interior window washing add $25-$120 per item and can double the total for a smaller home.
Standard vs. deep vs. move-out cleaning
A standard cleaning covers the surfaces you see every day: vacuuming, mopping, dusting furniture and fixtures, wiping countertops and stovetop surfaces, and cleaning bathrooms at a maintenance level. A deep clean goes further: inside the oven and refrigerator, behind and beneath appliances, inside cabinets if requested, window sills and tracks, baseboards, and light fixtures. Move-out cleaning (also called a move-in clean) is the most thorough of the three and is typically required to get a rental deposit back. It includes everything in a deep clean plus cleaning inside all closets, wiping every wall and switch plate, and often cleaning the garage. Post-construction cleanup is priced separately because it involves removing drywall dust, adhesive residue, and construction debris - a different skill set from regular residential cleaning.
How to get the best price
Get at least three quotes from local services before booking. Independent cleaners are generally 15-25% cheaper than franchise companies, though franchise services often carry more insurance. Ask whether the quote is hourly or flat rate, whether cleaning supplies are included, and what specifically is covered in the stated price. Starting with a deep clean and then switching to recurring standard maintenance visits is the most cost-effective long-term approach, as it resets the home to a clean baseline the first time, meaning maintenance visits take less time and cost less. Finally, bundle add-ons into your regular visit rather than booking them separately to avoid a trip fee.
Typical cleaning costs by home size and type (2026 national averages)
| Home size | Standard clean | Deep clean | Move-out clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (500-800 sq ft) | $75-$120 | $130-$200 | $175-$260 |
| 1 bed / 1 bath (~850 sq ft) | $90-$140 | $150-$230 | $190-$290 |
| 2 bed / 1-2 bath (~1,100 sq ft) | $110-$170 | $190-$280 | $230-$350 |
| 3 bed / 2 bath (~1,500 sq ft) | $140-$210 | $240-$360 | $290-$440 |
| 4 bed / 3 bath (~2,200 sq ft) | $190-$280 | $320-$480 | $390-$580 |
| Large (3,000+ sq ft) | $250-$400+ | $420-$650+ | $520-$800+ |
Prices reflect one visit at national average rates for independent cleaners. Regional variation of +/-35% applies.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a house cleaner cost per hour?
Independent cleaners typically charge $25-$50 per hour per cleaner. Small cleaning companies charge $35-$65 per hour, and larger franchise operations run $50-$80 per hour. Keep in mind that most services send two cleaners, so an hourly job can feel more expensive than a flat-rate quote even if the hourly rate looks low. Always ask for a flat-rate estimate alongside any hourly quote to compare accurately.
How much does it cost to clean a 3-bedroom house?
A standard clean for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home (roughly 1,400-1,600 sq ft) costs $130-$220 at national average rates. A deep clean of the same home runs $230-$380, and a move-out clean runs $280-$450. Northeast and West Coast markets add about 30-35% to these figures. Booking bi-weekly rather than one-time typically shaves $20-$40 off each visit.
Is it cheaper to hire an independent cleaner or a cleaning company?
Independent cleaners are usually 15-25% cheaper than company-operated services. However, companies typically carry their own insurance and bonding, run background checks on all employees, and can send a replacement if your regular cleaner is sick. Independent cleaners offer more flexibility and often build a stronger long-term relationship with your home. The right choice depends on your priorities: cost savings vs. accountability and backup coverage.
What is included in a standard house cleaning?
A standard cleaning typically covers: vacuuming all floors and rugs, mopping hard floors, dusting accessible surfaces and ceiling fans, wiping countertops and stovetop, cleaning bathroom sinks and toilets, scrubbing showers and tubs, emptying trash cans, and making beds if linens are left out. Interior oven cleaning, inside refrigerator, inside cabinets, walls, baseboards, and windows are usually extra or require a deep-clean booking.
How often should a house be professionally cleaned?
Most households find bi-weekly (every two weeks) to be the sweet spot: the home stays consistently clean without the cost of weekly visits. Single people or couples without children or pets can often get by with monthly cleaning. Families with young children or multiple pets often benefit from weekly visits. A practical approach: start with a deep clean, then downshift to bi-weekly standard visits to maintain that baseline.
What add-on services are worth paying for?
Oven and refrigerator cleaning are high-value add-ons because they are unpleasant to do yourself and take significant time (30-60 minutes each). Interior window washing is worth it if you have hard-to-reach windows. Carpet steam cleaning is best booked separately from a specialist rather than as a cleaning add-on because professional carpet cleaners have better equipment. Laundry folding is convenient for busy households but is one of the cheaper add-ons to skip if you are cutting costs.