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.
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:
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:
Book a deep clean to refresh after winter; include windows and blinds
Focus on high-traffic areas and floors if kids are home more
Pre-holiday deep clean; get guest rooms ready
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.