House Cleaning Pricing by State

House cleaning services offer everything from routine maintenance to deep cleaning and move-out services. Costs are determined by the size of your home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the level of cleaning required. Recurring services (weekly or bi-weekly) often come with a discounted rate compared to one-time deep cleans.

What Affects the Price

Understanding these cost drivers helps you budget accurately and evaluate contractor quotes:

Square footage and number of rooms
Type of clean (standard, deep, move-in/move-out)
Frequency of service (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
Presence of pets (hair and dander)
Condition of the home (clutter, buildup)
Special requests (oven, fridge, windows)

Standard Inclusions

These items are typically included in a standard house cleaning quote:

Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors
Cleaning bathrooms (toilets, showers, sinks)
Kitchen surface cleaning
Emptying trash bins

What's Typically Not Included

These items usually cost extra or require a separate contractor:

Washing dishes or laundry (unless requested)
Deep carpet cleaning or shampooing
Exterior window cleaning
Organization or decluttering services

Pro Tips for House Cleaning

Expert advice to help you get the best value and results:

Declutter surfaces before the cleaners arrive so they can focus on cleaning.
Ask for a checklist of what is included in a 'standard' vs. 'deep' clean.
Lock away valuables and secure pets to avoid accidents.
Consider bi-weekly service for the best balance of cost and cleanliness.

💰 Pricing Deep Dive: How House Cleaning Costs Really Work

House cleaning pricing splits into recurring service (weekly, biweekly, monthly) and one-time deep cleans. Recurring service is priced per visit and runs 30-50% less per visit than one-time cleaning because subsequent cleans are faster. The biggest pricing variable is square footage, followed by the number of bathrooms (bathrooms take disproportionately long). A deep clean of a 2,000 sq ft home might take 4-6 hours, while a recurring biweekly visit takes 2-3 hours. What most people don't realize is that franchise cleaning companies (Molly Maid, Merry Maids) charge $50-$100 more per visit than independent cleaners — you're paying for insurance, bonding, and consistency, which has real value.

⚠️ Common Mistakes When Hiring for House Cleaning

❌Comparing prices without confirming what's included — some 'cleaning' services don't include bathrooms, kitchens, or floors in the base price

❌Hiring the cheapest cleaner without checking if they carry liability insurance and workers' comp

❌Not doing an initial deep clean before starting recurring service — the first visit should be a deep clean to establish a baseline

❌Expecting cleaning to include organizing, laundry, or dishes unless specifically agreed upon

❌Not providing cleaning supplies and expecting the cleaner to bring professional-grade products at no extra charge

🔧 DIY or Hire a Pro? — House Cleaning

✅ You Can DIY

Daily pickup and surface wiping
Weekly vacuuming and mopping
Bathroom maintenance cleaning
Kitchen countertop and stovetop cleaning

🚫 Hire a Professional

Move-out deep cleans (landlords and buyers have high standards)
Post-construction or post-renovation cleaning (fine dust gets everywhere)
Seasonal deep cleans (spring cleaning, holiday prep)
Homes with severe allergies where HEPA-filtered professional equipment makes a real difference

Our Take: Regular maintenance cleaning is something most people can do. But recurring professional cleaning (biweekly or monthly) is one of the best quality-of-life investments for busy households — the economics make more sense when you value your free time.

📊 Real-World House Cleaning Cost Scenarios

Here's what you might actually pay in common real-world situations:

Recurring Biweekly

Per visit: $100-$175 biweekly ($200-$350/month)

Standard clean of a 1,500 sq ft apartment, 2 bed/1 bath. Ongoing biweekly service.

One-Time Deep Clean

Total: $300-$550 for initial deep clean (4-6 hours, 1-2 cleaners)

3-bedroom house, 2,000 sq ft, hasn't been professionally cleaned in over a year.

Move-Out Clean

Total: $250-$450 — some companies offer a re-clean guarantee if the landlord isn't satisfied

Empty 2-bedroom apartment, need to pass landlord inspection. Includes oven, fridge interior, window tracks.

📖 House Cleaning Terms You Should Know

Understanding these industry terms helps you communicate with contractors and evaluate quotes:

Deep Clean

A thorough one-time cleaning including baseboards, inside cabinets, behind appliances, and detailed bathroom scrubbing. Takes 2-3x longer than a standard cleaning.

Standard Clean

Regular maintenance cleaning: vacuuming, mopping, bathroom and kitchen surfaces, dusting visible surfaces. What most recurring services provide.

Bonded and Insured

A cleaning service that carries a surety bond (protects against theft) and liability insurance (covers accidental damage). Essential for regular in-home service.

Flat Rate vs. Hourly

Flat rate means a fixed price for the job. Hourly means you pay for actual time spent. Flat rate is more predictable; hourly can be cheaper for quick cleans.

Complete Guide to Hiring House Cleaning Services

Professional house cleaning saves time and delivers a level of cleanliness that's hard to achieve on your own. Whether you need recurring service or a one-time deep clean, understanding what's included, how to prepare, and what to expect helps you get the best value and results from your cleaning service.

Before You Hire: Preparation Checklist

Taking these steps before contacting contractors will help you get accurate quotes and avoid surprises:

✓Decide on the level of cleaning you need: standard maintenance, deep clean, or move-in/move-out
✓Determine your preferred frequency: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one-time
✓Make a list of any special requests or areas of concern
✓Note any areas you want avoided or given special attention
✓Decide if you'll provide cleaning supplies or they should bring their own

Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring

These questions help you evaluate contractors and protect yourself from poor service:

"What's included in your standard cleaning vs. deep cleaning?"

Why this matters: Services vary widely; get a detailed checklist

"Are you insured and bonded?"

Why this matters: Protects you if something is broken or stolen

"Do you bring your own supplies, and are they eco-friendly?"

Why this matters: Important if you have allergies or prefer green products

"Is it the same cleaner each visit?"

Why this matters: Consistent cleaners learn your preferences and do better work

When to Call a Professional

While some tasks can be DIY, these situations typically require professional expertise:

⚠️Before hosting events or guests

⚠️After construction or renovation work

⚠️Moving in or out of a home

⚠️When you're too busy to maintain cleanliness

⚠️For deep cleaning that requires special equipment

DIY vs. Professional: What You Can Do Yourself

Many people combine professional cleaning with their own maintenance. Pros are great for deep cleans and hard-to-reach areas, while you handle daily tidying. This hybrid approach saves money while maintaining a clean home.

🚩 Red Flags: Warning Signs of Bad Contractors

Watch out for these warning signs that may indicate an unreliable or dishonest contractor:

✗No insurance or bonding
✗Significantly cheaper than competitors (may cut corners)
✗Won't provide references
✗No clear cancellation policy
✗Poor communication or missed appointments

Seasonal Timing Tips

The best time to schedule service can save you money and ensure better availability:

Spring

Book a deep clean to refresh after winter; include windows and blinds

Summer

Focus on high-traffic areas and floors if kids are home more

Fall

Pre-holiday deep clean; get guest rooms ready

Winter

Focus on entryways and floors to manage salt and snow tracked inside

⚡ Safety Considerations

Secure valuables and personal items
Note any surfaces that require special care
Inform cleaners of any alarm codes needed
Keep pets secured or inform cleaners of their presence

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes—these are the most common errors homeowners make:

⚠Not decluttering before the cleaner arrives
⚠Expecting deep clean results at standard clean prices
⚠Not communicating priorities clearly
⚠Hovering while they work (distracting and uncomfortable)

💰 Cost-Saving Strategies

Smart ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality:

Choose bi-weekly instead of weekly service
Tidy up before they arrive so they can focus on cleaning
Skip add-ons you can do yourself (like making beds)
Ask about discounts for referrals or prepayment

Get House Cleaning Cost Estimates by State

Select your state below to view estimated costs adjusted for your local cost of living. Our estimates use official government data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Understanding House Cleaning Costs Nationwide

House Cleaning costs vary significantly across the United States based on regional labor rates, cost of living differences, and local market conditions. States with higher costs of living, like California and New York, typically see higher service prices, while more affordable regions offer lower rates.

Beyond geography, the actual cost of your project depends on factors specific to your situation: the scope of work, accessibility, materials required, and the timing of your project. Emergency or after-hours service typically commands premium rates, while scheduling during a contractor's off-peak season may offer savings.

To get the most accurate pricing for your specific needs, we recommend requesting quotes from at least three local contractors. Use our estimates as a starting point to understand whether the quotes you receive are in line with typical market rates for your area.