How Much to Charge for House Cleaning: Pricing Guide 2026
Are you undercharging? Most new cleaning businesses do. Here is a complete guide to setting profitable rates this year.
One big question keeps new cleaning business owners awake at night:"Am I charging enough?"
Charge too much, and you lose the job. Charge too little, and you work yourself into burnout with nothing to show for it. Let's break down the national averages and how to calculate your perfect price.
Average House Cleaning Rates in 2026
| Pricing Method | Average Rate | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $40 – $80 / hour / cleaner | Deep cleans, clutter, first-time visits |
| Flat Rate (Per Home) | $150 – $300 (3 Bed / 2 Bath) | Recurring maintenance cleans |
| Per Square Foot | $0.10 – $0.17 / sq ft | Move-out / Empty homes |
Hourly vs. Flat Rate: Which is Better?
Hourly protects you. If a house is a disaster area, you get paid for every minute. However, customers hate open-ended bills. They want to know the final price.
Flat Rate is what customers prefer. But you take the risk. If you quote $150 and it takes 6 hours, you're earning $25/hour.
The Hybrid Strategy:
Charge hourly for the first clean to establish a baseline. Then, offer a flat rate for recurring visits once you know the home.
How to Raise Your Prices Without Losing Clients
Inflation happens. Your costs go up. You need to raise prices eventually.
- Give notice: Tell them 30 days in advance.
- Explain why: "To continue providing the high-quality supplies and reliable staff you love..."
- Be confident: Don't apologize for running a profitable business.
Stop Guessing Quotes
The biggest mistake is guessing a price over the phone. You will almost always underbid. Use a standardized pricing engine or calculator.
Create Instant Quotes with ServiceHub
ServiceHub lets you set your base prices (per bedroom, per bath, per sq ft) and calculate perfect quotes instantly tailored to your business rules.