What does a house cleaning service cost in 2026?
House cleaning costs $30–60 an hour per cleaner in 2026, and most companies quote by the job instead: $120–250 for a standard clean of a two-bedroom home. Deep cleans and move-outs run roughly double a standard visit. Recurring service costs less per visit than a one-time clean, because the house never gets far from baseline.
Updated September 15, 2026
Why the first clean costs more
Almost every company charges more for the initial visit, often 1.5 to 2 times the recurring rate. That isn't a bait and switch. The first clean is where baseboards, grout, inside the oven, window tracks and the tops of cabinets get dealt with, and it takes two to three times as long as maintaining that state afterward.
Frequency then sets the ongoing price. Weekly service is cheapest per visit, biweekly is the most common choice, and monthly costs the most per visit because a month's worth of buildup takes closer to a deep clean each time.
Typical cleaning prices
Whole-home prices. Supplies are normally included; ask if they're not.
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate per cleaner | $30–60 |
| Standard clean, 1–2 bedroom | $120–250 |
| Standard clean, 3–4 bedroom | $180–400 |
| Deep clean, 3-bedroom | $300–600 |
| Move-out or move-in clean | $250–550 |
| Recurring biweekly, 3-bedroom | $140–280 per visit |
| Post-construction clean | $400–1,200 |
| Interior windows, per window | $5–15 |
Inside the fridge, inside the oven, interior windows and laundry are add-ons almost everywhere. Agree on them in writing before the first visit rather than discovering the difference on the invoice.
Company or an individual cleaner?
An independent cleaner typically charges 20–40% less and you get the same person every time. A company covers vacations and sickness, carries general liability and a janitorial bond, and handles payroll taxes and workers' compensation for its staff.
The line that matters is employment. If you pay a household worker more than the IRS annual threshold, you become a household employer with Social Security, Medicare and unemployment tax obligations, and many states require workers' compensation. Hiring through a company keeps that on their side of the ledger.
What to check before booking
Ask for a certificate of insurance from the carrier showing general liability and, for a company with staff, workers' compensation and a dishonesty bond. Ask whether the same team comes each visit, who has the key or door code and how it's stored, and what the cancellation window is — 24 to 48 hours is standard, and late cancellations are usually charged.
Tipping isn't required but is common: $10–20 per cleaner per visit, or a larger amount at the holidays for recurring service.
Frequently asked questions
How much does house cleaning cost per hour?
$30–60 an hour per cleaner. Most companies quote per job instead, which protects you if the visit takes longer than expected.
What's the difference between a standard and a deep clean?
A standard clean covers surfaces, floors, kitchen and bathrooms. A deep clean adds baseboards, grout, inside appliances, window tracks and cabinet tops, and costs roughly double.
How much is a move-out clean?
$250–550 for a typical apartment or small house. It's usually cheaper than losing part of a security deposit, and many landlords specify a checklist worth sharing with the cleaner.
Do cleaners bring their own supplies?
Almost always. If you want specific products used — for allergies, stone counters or pets — say so up front, and expect a small surcharge if they have to buy them.
Describe the job and we'll match you with the right company — free for homeowners.