Once seen as a luxury, hiring house cleaning services has become the modern homeowner’s secret weapon. When your calendar is packed, and dust bunnies are staging a quiet rebellion under the couch, a professional house cleaning service isn’t a splurge—it’s a strategy.
And if you’re wondering how much does house cleaning cost these days, you’re not alone. Between flat fees, per-hour rates, and deep cleaning upgrades, house cleaning prices can feel like a mystery wrapped in a mop.
Here’s a clue: the national average house cleaning cost sits between $120 and $240 per visit, depending on the square footage and just how wild things have gotten since your last tidy-up.
This guide unpacks the real numbers, the fine print, and what to expect when booking a pro. Curious about what affects the bill? Spoiler: it’s more than just dust.
Let’s break down the cleaning cost—without sugarcoating (or sweeping anything under the rug).
Factors That Affect House Cleaning Costs
Home Size
The bigger the space, the more there is to clean—simple as that. A small condo might take an hour or two, while a 3,000-square-foot home could take an entire afternoon. More square footage means more labor, more cleaning supplies, and a higher cleaning cost. If your home has multiple floors or large open spaces, expect the cleaning team to adjust their time—and rates—accordingly.
Cleaning Frequency
How often you schedule house cleaning services directly impacts the price. One-time cleanings usually cost more since they require a deeper reset. In contrast, recurring cleaning services—like weekly or bi-weekly visits—are often cheaper per session. Think of it as a cleaning subscription that saves you money while keeping your space consistently fresh.
Type of Cleaning
Not all cleaning jobs are created equal. A standard cleaning includes the basics—dusting, vacuuming, wiping surfaces. But a deep cleaning? That means scrubbing tile grout, cleaning behind appliances, and tackling buildup in overlooked areas. If you’re preparing for a move, move out cleaning adds another layer of intensity. Even post-construction cleanups come with specialized cleaning tasks that drive up the price.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Every additional bedroom or bathroom increases both time and labor. A five-bedroom, four-bath home takes far more work than a cozy two-bedroom cottage. Bathrooms especially require thorough cleaning—from soap scum to mirror streaks—which adds to the overall cost. When getting quotes, most cleaning companies ask how many rooms need attention for an accurate estimate.
Pets in the Home
Your dog might be your best friend, but to a house cleaner, he’s also a source of extra work. Fur, dander, muddy paw prints—these all call for more intensive cleaning. Some professional cleaning companies charge a bit more for pet-friendly homes, especially if you’ve got more than one animal in the mix.
Dirt and Clutter Levels
If your space hasn’t seen a cleaning in months—or you’re preparing for guests after a chaotic stretch—it’ll likely cost more. A home that needs more extensive cleaning takes more time, and that’s reflected in the bill. Messy kitchens, cluttered floors, or dusty shelves don’t just look bad—they slow down the entire cleaning process.
Your Location
Where you live matters. House cleaning prices can vary significantly from one city to the next. In high-cost metro areas, you’ll often pay more due to higher labor costs, overhead costs, and transportation time. Whether you’re in downtown Atlanta or a quieter suburb, local pricing standards will affect your quote.
How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
Standard Cleaning Prices
Let’s start with the basics. Imagine walking into your home after a long day and finding everything looking fresh—counters wiped, floors gleaming, and not a dust bunny in sight.
That’s what a standard cleaning gives you: a tidy home without lifting a finger.
Standard house cleaning services focus on routine upkeep. Think of it as your home’s version of a reset button. Tasks typically include general tidying, light dusting, vacuuming, mopping floors, and wiping down kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
It’s not a deep scrub, but it keeps everything presentable.
Now, onto the numbers.
If you’re living in a 1-bedroom apartment, the average house deep cleaning cost ranges between $80 and $120 per visit. A medium-sized 2–3 bedroom home typically runs $130 to $200. Got a big household? Expect $200 to $300 or more for homes with 4+ bedrooms.
And here’s a helpful stat: the national average hourly rate for a house cleaner falls between $25 and $50, depending on whether you’re hiring through an agency or going with individual cleaners.
While it may seem like a simple service, standard cleaning is the backbone of most home cleaning schedules. It’s what keeps the chaos in check and your weekends a little more relaxing.
Deep Cleaning Costs
If standard cleaning is your home’s weekly wardrobe, deep cleaning is the tailored suit. It’s not about tidying—it’s about transforming your space from “mostly clean” to “meticulously spotless.”
Deep cleaning services go far beyond surface-level shine. We’re talking about scrubbing tile grout, wiping down baseboards, cleaning vents, and vacuuming behind appliances that haven’t seen daylight in months.
Whether it’s polishing wood furniture or sanitizing doorknobs, deep cleaning is all about the details. It’s ideal for spring cleaning, allergy season, or post-illness recovery when a thorough cleaning really matters.
This type of service takes more time, more effort, and often more cleaners, which is why the cleaning cost is higher.
For most homes, deep cleaning services range between $200 and $400+, depending on square footage and just how intensive the job is.
Planning your first visit with a professional house cleaning service? Many cleaning companies recommend starting with a deep clean before moving into a recurring cleaning schedule.
Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning
Moving is chaotic enough without having to scrub behind the fridge. That’s where move-in/move-out cleaning services come in—your secret weapon for a spotless send-off or a fresh start.
If you’re handing over the keys or stepping into a new place, this specialized cleaning job ensures the space is in tip-top shape. Unlike standard cleaning, this service covers areas that are often hidden under furniture or long forgotten—inside cabinets and drawers, behind appliances, baseboards, even light fixtures.
Some requests may also include carpet cleaning, window washing, or sanitizing high-touch surfaces, depending on the home’s condition.
It’s basically a deep clean with a mission—to impress landlords, new owners, or even just yourself.
The average cost for a move-out cleaning or move-in service ranges from $200 to $500+, depending on your home’s size, layout, and how much TLC it needs after years of living—or before new memories begin.
Hourly vs Flat Rate Pricing
Ever felt like you needed a calculator just to book a cleaning? You’re not alone.
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they’ll be paying by the hour or getting a flat fee—and the answer depends on what kind of cleaning you need.
Hourly rates are typically used for smaller or more customized cleaning jobs. Let’s say you only want help with your kitchen and bathroom, or maybe you’re hiring a professional house cleaning service for a one-time visit—that’s when hourly pricing shines.
It offers flexibility, but the final bill can vary depending on how long the cleaning process takes.
Most house cleaners charge between $25 and $80 per hour, with an average rate hovering around $50 per hour. So, a deep cleaning that takes four hours might set you back about $200.
On the other hand, flat rate pricing gives you a fixed number upfront—no surprises.
This is especially common for recurring services like weekly or biweekly cleanings. It’s easier for budgeting, especially if you like knowing exactly what you’ll pay before the mop hits the floor.
On average, a flat rate for a full home cleaning falls between $118 and $236, with the national average sitting at about $173 per visit.
Some cleaning companies even charge per square foot, typically ranging from $0.05 to $0.15 per square foot. This approach is often used for larger properties or specialized cleaning like commercial cleaning projects.
So, which is better?
If you’re booking regular cleanings, flat fees often make more financial sense. But if you’re after a one-time deep clean or just need help in one area, home cleaning services with hourly rates give you the flexibility to get exactly what you need—nothing more, nothing less.
Add-On Services and Their Costs
So, your base cleaning is booked—but what about those sneaky messes hiding in places no one wants to tackle?
That’s where additional cleaning services come in. These extras aren’t always included in a standard package, but they can make a major difference in how fresh and functional your space feels.
After all, even the most thorough cleaning doesn’t usually involve the inside of your fridge or the grime caked onto the oven walls.
Whether you’re prepping for guests or just tired of pretending not to see those smudged windows, specialized services can be added for a more tailored clean.
Here’s a quick look at common add-ons and what they typically cost:
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Inside Fridge | $25 – $50 |
| Inside Oven | $20 – $40 |
| Laundry Services (per load) | $10 – $20 |
| Windows (Interior Only) | $50 – $150 |
| Window Cleaning (Per Window) | $4 – $10 |
| Green/Eco-Friendly Cleaning | $10 – $30 extra |
While some maid services may bundle these into larger packages, most charge à la carte. These upgrades are especially useful during move out cleaning, spring refreshes, or when you just need a little extra sparkle without a full overhaul.
Keep in mind, if you’re using your own supplies or requesting specialty cleaning materials, that might also influence the total cleaning cost.
Average Cost of House Cleaning by Square Footage
Think your home’s size doesn’t impact cleaning prices? Try telling that to someone scrubbing five bathrooms before lunch.
When it comes to house cleaning services, square footage isn’t just a number—it’s a major cost factor.
From compact apartments to multi-level homes, each additional room means more time, more effort, and a bigger cleaning team.
Whether you’re booking a basic clean, diving into a deep cleaning, or prepping for a move-out cleaning, knowing how your home’s size affects the final quote can help you plan (and budget) smarter.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the average house cleaning cost by square footage:
| Square Footage | Average Cost (Basic) | Average Cost (Deep) | Average Cost (Moving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 sq.ft. | $64 – $80 | $80 – $240 | $160 – $360 |
| 1,000 sq.ft. | $80 – $100 | $100 – $300 | $200 – $450 |
| 1,500 sq.ft. | $120 – $150 | $150 – $450 | $300 – $675 |
| 2,000 sq.ft. | $160 – $200 | $200 – $600 | $400 – $900 |
| 2,500 sq.ft. | $200 – $250 | $250 – $750 | $500 – $1,125 |
| 3,000 sq.ft. | $240 – $300 | $300 – $900 | $600 – $1,350 |
| 3,500 sq.ft. | $280 – $350 | $350 – $1,050 | $700 – $1,575 |
| 4,000 sq.ft. | $320 – $400 | $400 – $1,200 | $800 – $1,800 |
| 4,500 sq.ft. | $360 – $450 | $450 – $1,350 | $900 – $2,925 |
| 5,000 sq.ft. | $400 – $500 | $500 – $1,500 | $1,000 – $2,250 |
| 6,000 sq.ft. | $480 – $600 | $600 – $1,800 | $1,200 – $2,700 |
These estimates help you gauge what to expect, whether you’re keeping things tidy or going all-in with a professional house cleaning company. Keep in mind that supply costs, labor costs, and unique service requests can still tip the scale.
How to Choose the Right House Cleaning Service?
Your home isn’t just another address on a cleaner’s route—it’s your space, your mess, your peace of mind.
So choosing who gets to scrub your sinks and sweep your floors? That’s not a decision to rush through.
The right house cleaning service should feel like a trusted sidekick, not a gamble. Whether you’re booking your first-ever professional cleaning or replacing a past provider who ghosted after the grout got tough, there are a few things worth checking before you hand over the keys.
Start with the essentials: look for cleaners who are licensed, bonded, and insured.
If they’re not, that’s your cue to move on. These aren’t just buzzwords—they protect you from damage, accidents, and worst-case scenarios.
Before handing over the keys, do a little digital digging. Check out their Google or Yelp reviews, and if anything feels too good to be true, ask for references. A solid professional cleaning service will be proud to share happy clients.
Next, don’t settle for the first quote you get.
Reach out to two or three local cleaning services, and compare prices, cleaning checklists, and what’s actually included. Are they charging per hour or a flat fee? Are cleaning supplies included, or are you expected to provide them?
Also, don’t forget the fine print—especially the cancellation policy. Whether you’re booking a one-time move out cleaning or ongoing recurring cleaning services, you’ll want flexibility just in case plans shift.
When the dust settles (literally), the right team won’t just clean your home—they’ll make your life easier.
Ways to Save on House Cleaning Costs
No one said a clean home had to come with a messy price tag. If you’ve ever looked at house cleaning prices and wished you could trim the cost without sacrificing the sparkle, you’re in luck—there are smart ways to clean up the bill, too.
Start by locking in a schedule. Recurring cleaning services—like weekly or bi-weekly visits—almost always come with a lower cleaning rate.
Cleaners spend less time on maintenance visits than on a once-in-a-blue-moon deep clean, and you get a home that stays consistently fresh.
Before your professional cleaners arrive, a quick pre-clean helps more than you think. Picking up clutter, toys, or laundry can cut down on the total time required, especially when you’re paying per hour.
If you’re considering add-on services, ask if they can be bundled into a package. It’s often more cost-effective than selecting each one à la carte. Some cleaning companies even offer seasonal discounts or referral bonuses—so don’t forget to ask what’s available.
Not every clean needs to cover every square inch. If you’re looking to save money, focus on high-traffic areas. A partial clean—just the kitchen and bathrooms, for instance—can give you maximum impact for minimal cost.
Make Cleaning Hassle-Free with Atlanta Maids
Dirty dishes. Dusty shelves. Floors that used to be white? Yeah—we’ve seen it all. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to deal with it.
Atlanta Maids isn’t just another cleaning company—we’re the people you call when you’d rather binge-watch than broom-sweep, or when your to-do list has zero room for “scrub the oven.” We handle the mess so you can handle… literally anything else.
Need a one-time miracle or a weekly wipe-down that keeps the chaos in check? We’ve got it covered—with real humans, real cleaning, and no judgment about the snack wrappers under the couch.
Ready to reclaim your free time?
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Go on—put the mop down.
Atlanta Maids: We clean. You chill.