Cleaning prices vary enormously by market — a standard 2BR clean that costs $100 in Kansas City might run $180 in Seattle. If you're comparing quotes without knowing your local market, you're flying blind.
Here's what you should actually pay in 20 major US cities, based on typical market rates for these cities.
What Affects the Price
Before diving into city data, understand the variables that move prices:
- Home size: The single biggest factor. Each additional bedroom adds $20-$50 to the base price.
- Clean type: Deep cleans and move-out cleans run 1.5-2x the recurring rate. First-time cleans for new clients also run higher.
- Frequency: Weekly clients typically pay 10-15% less than one-time clients. Bi-weekly is 5-10% less.
- Condition: Homes in poor condition may be quoted 20-50% higher — especially if last cleaned more than 3 months ago.
- Local labor costs: Coastal cities pay cleaners more, which flows through to prices.
City-by-City Pricing (2BR Standard Recurring Clean)
| City | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Deep Clean (2BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $110-$140 | $140-$180 | $185-$240 | $250-$340 |
| San Francisco | $115-$145 | $150-$190 | $195-$260 | $260-$360 |
| Seattle | $110-$135 | $140-$175 | $180-$235 | $240-$320 |
| Los Angeles | $105-$135 | $135-$170 | $175-$230 | $235-$310 |
| Miami | $100-$130 | $130-$165 | $170-$220 | $225-$300 |
| Chicago | $95-$125 | $125-$160 | $165-$215 | $210-$290 |
| Austin | $100-$125 | $125-$160 | $165-$215 | $210-$285 |
| Denver | $95-$120 | $120-$155 | $160-$210 | $205-$280 |
| Dallas | $90-$120 | $115-$150 | $150-$200 | $195-$270 |
| Houston | $88-$115 | $110-$145 | $145-$195 | $185-$265 |
| Atlanta | $88-$115 | $110-$145 | $145-$195 | $185-$260 |
| Nashville | $88-$112 | $108-$140 | $140-$185 | $180-$255 |
| Phoenix | $85-$110 | $105-$140 | $140-$185 | $175-$255 |
| Tampa | $85-$108 | $105-$135 | $135-$180 | $175-$245 |
| Charlotte | $83-$108 | $103-$135 | $133-$178 | $170-$240 |
| Orlando | $83-$105 | $100-$132 | $130-$175 | $168-$235 |
| Minneapolis | $82-$105 | $100-$130 | $128-$170 | $165-$230 |
| New Orleans | $80-$100 | $96-$125 | $125-$165 | $160-$225 |
| Kansas City | $75-$95 | $90-$120 | $118-$155 | $150-$210 |
| Baton Rouge | $72-$92 | $88-$115 | $114-$150 | $145-$205 |
Why the Ranges Are Wide
Within each city, prices vary based on who you hire:
- Large national chains (Merry Maids, Molly Maid): Tend to be at the high end of ranges, with inconsistent staff quality
- Small local companies: Often 10-20% below large chains, more consistent quality
- Independent cleaners via platforms: Wide range — best value when vetted properly
- Unvetted/uninsured independent: Often 20-30% below market — never worth the risk
Red Flags in Pricing
Be skeptical when quotes come in dramatically below market:
- Quote significantly below the city minimum range above — typically means unlicensed, uninsured, or inexperienced
- Hourly pricing that seems very low — you'll either be overcharged on hours or get a rushed job
- No willingness to discuss insurance — should always be offered proactively
How to Get the Best Price
- Get 3 quotes: For any job over $150, get at least 3 quotes to understand your local market
- Ask about recurring discounts: Most cleaners offer 10-15% off for weekly or bi-weekly recurring service
- Book off-peak: Tuesday through Thursday mornings are often discounted versus Saturday peak demand
- Bundle services: If you need a deep clean plus ongoing maintenance, ask for a package rate
- Tip well: Quality cleaners who are consistently tipped tend to provide above-average service and prioritize their best-tipping clients
The national average for a 2-bedroom home recurring clean in 2026 is approximately $125-$140. If you're paying significantly more without a clear reason (premium service, high-cost city, specialty services), you have room to negotiate or shop around.
