House Cleaning Price Lists in the US: From Standard Visits to Deep Cleanings
Understanding how much house cleaning really costs in the United States can feel confusing, with hourly rates, flat fees, and extra add ons all priced differently. This article walks through typical price ranges for standard visits, deep cleanings, and air duct work so you can estimate a realistic budget before booking local services.
Figuring out what you should pay for house cleaning in the United States is not always straightforward. Some cleaners charge by the hour, others use flat rates, and extra tasks such as fridge scrubbing or air duct cleaning can add more to the bill. Knowing the usual price ranges and what affects them can help you compare quotes and avoid surprises when hiring local services.
What is the hourly rate for house cleaning
Many professional house cleaners in the US use an hourly pricing model, either alone or alongside flat fees. A common range for independent cleaners is around 20 to 40 dollars per hour per cleaner, while larger companies often fall between about 25 and 60 dollars per hour per cleaner. The exact rate depends on your location, the cleaner’s experience, and how challenging the home is to tidy.
In higher cost metro areas, such as parts of California, New York, and Washington, hourly rates tend to sit at the upper end of these ranges. In smaller cities or rural areas, rates are often lower. Homes with heavy buildup, many occupants, pets that shed, or significant clutter may take longer to complete, which can raise the total bill even if the hourly rate is unchanged. When you ask what the hourly rate for house cleaning includes, be sure to clarify supplies, taxes, and any minimum visit length.
Example house cleaning price list
Instead of hourly billing, many companies quote a house cleaning price list using flat fees based on home size and scope of work. For a typical 1 bedroom apartment, a standard recurring visit might fall roughly between 80 and 140 dollars. A 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single family home might be priced closer to 140 to 260 dollars for a standard clean, assuming the home is in average condition and visits are scheduled regularly.
Deep cleaning visits are more intensive and usually cost more because cleaners spend extra time on tasks like baseboards, inside oven cleaning, detailed bathroom scrubbing, and heavier dust removal. For the same 3 bedroom home, a deep clean could range from about 220 to 400 dollars or more, especially if the home has not been professionally cleaned in a long time. Move in or move out cleanings, which often include inside cabinets and appliances, can be similar to or higher than deep cleaning prices.
House cleaning services prices in your area
Price lists are strongly influenced by where you live and the type of local services available. In dense urban areas, professional companies may charge more to cover higher labor and overhead costs. Travel time, parking, and demand can also affect quotes. In suburban communities or smaller towns, there may be a mix of independent cleaners and small local companies, sometimes offering slightly lower rates but with a wide range in service quality and insurance coverage.
When you compare house cleaning services prices in your area, pay close attention to what is included in each package. Some price lists bundle routine tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom cleaning, while charging extra for windows, inside fridge or oven cleaning, or laundry folding. Ask whether the quote is per visit or per hour, whether there is a first time cleaning fee, and how often recurring clients receive discounted pricing.
Air duct cleaning services and pricing
Air duct cleaning is often treated as a separate but related service to normal house cleaning. While a regular cleaner may dust vents and registers, full air duct cleaning usually involves specialized equipment to clear dust and debris from the ductwork and sometimes the furnace components. Because it is more technical and less frequent, prices tend to be higher than a routine house cleaning visit.
For a typical single family home, air duct cleaning services often range from about 300 to 700 dollars, depending on the number of vents, system complexity, and regional labor costs. Some national restoration or cleaning brands offer this alongside carpet or upholstery cleaning, and you may see package discounts if you combine multiple services.
Several well known providers publish general pricing guidance or ranges for house cleaning or related services. The table below gives example estimates for common services from real providers operating in parts of the United States; exact quotes still depend on your specific home and location.
| Product or Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard house cleaning for a typical 3 bed home | Merry Maids | Often around 150 to 300 dollars per visit, depending on size and frequency |
| Standard house cleaning for small to mid size homes | Molly Maid | Commonly between 120 and 280 dollars per visit for recurring service |
| Deep or intensive house cleaning packages | The Maids | Frequently in the range of 220 to 450 dollars or more per visit, based on home size and condition |
| Whole home air duct cleaning | Stanley Steemer | Commonly around 300 to 600 dollars for many single family homes, varying by system and region |
| Air duct and HVAC system cleaning | Servpro | Often in the range of 400 to 700 dollars or more, depending on system size and accessibility |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
These figures are general estimates that can shift with promotions, fuel surcharges, or changes in labor costs. Within the same city, you might see quotes that are significantly higher or lower, particularly if one business is heavily insured, offers employee benefits, or brings premium equipment, while another has minimal overhead. It is helpful to gather several written estimates, confirm what each visit covers, and ask how long a typical service lasts in hours.
In summary, house cleaning price lists in the United States generally fall into a few patterns. Hourly rates often range from roughly 20 to 60 dollars per cleaner, standard flat fee visits for small to mid size homes often land between about 80 and 260 dollars, and deep or move related cleanings usually cost more because they take additional time. Separate services, such as air duct cleaning, tend to be higher ticket but less frequent. By understanding these typical ranges and the factors that influence them, you can better interpret quotes, compare providers, and align cleaning choices with your household budget.
