Empty apartment cleaning prices typically range from $90 to $500, with many standard jobs landing around $200-$275. Apartment size, kitchen and bathroom buildup, local labor rates, and extras such as inside-oven cleaning determine the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $90 | $135 | $180 | Usually 400-600 sq ft |
| One-bedroom | $120 | $185 | $250 | Usually 600-850 sq ft |
| Two-bedroom | $180 | $265 | $350 | Usually 850-1,200 sq ft |
| Three-bedroom | $250 | $375 | $500 | Usually 1,200-1,700 sq ft |
| Per-square-foot pricing | $0.15 | $0.23 | $0.35 | Higher rates for heavy soil or detailed work |
What an Empty Apartment Cleaning Usually Costs
For an unoccupied apartment in average condition, a basic move-out clean commonly costs $120-$350. A small studio may fall below that range, while a large three-bedroom unit or a home needing intensive degreasing can exceed $500. The average assumes routine dust, bathroom residue, kitchen surfaces, and floors—not extensive trash removal, mold remediation, or repairs.
Pricing may be set by apartment size, a fixed package, or an hourly minimum. Per-square-foot estimates of $0.15-$0.35 are useful for comparing quotes, but many companies still apply a minimum charge, often $90-$150. A quote should specify whether it covers inside cabinets, appliances, baseboards, and closets.
A typical 800-square-foot one-bedroom in ordinary condition costs about $150-$230. Rates near the low end generally reflect easy access and light soil; higher quotes may include more detailed kitchen and bathroom work or higher local wages.
Assumptions: vacant unit, standard cleaning products, ordinary access, and no hauling, pest treatment, or repair work.
How Kitchen, Bathroom, and Floor Work Shape the Quote
Labor is usually the largest charge because empty-unit cleaning involves reaching exposed surfaces throughout the apartment. The table shows typical portions of a standard $200-$350 job; actual invoices may combine these tasks into one package rather than list each separately.
| Quote component | Typical charge | Common scope | Price driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $100-$240 total | Wiping, scrubbing, vacuuming, mopping | Hours, crew size, and condition |
| Cleaning materials | $5-$25 total | Detergents, cloths, bags, and disinfectant | Product type and usage |
| Equipment | $0-$35 total | Vacuum, mop system, or specialty tools | Usually included; specialty equipment may cost extra |
| Travel or minimum fee | $0-$50 total | Dispatch, parking, or small-job minimum | Distance and company policy |
| Add-on tasks | $15-$75 per task | Appliances, cabinets, or interior windows | Quantity and buildup |
Kitchen and bathroom detailing can account for a large share of the bill. Scrubbing greasy cabinet fronts, sanitizing a tub, and removing hard-water deposits take longer than wiping open counters. Floor type matters too: tile grout and sticky residue need more attention than lightly dusty vinyl or laminate.
Ask for the included task list rather than comparing only the package total. One company’s “move-out clean” may include the inside of the oven, while another charges separately for every appliance.
Apartment Size and Dirt Levels That Change the Price
Square footage provides a starting point, but room count and condition influence labor. A 700-square-foot apartment with a heavily used kitchen may cost more than a larger unit that has been kept clean. Companies may also charge more when the cleaning checklist requires detailed work in every empty cabinet or closet.
Condition surcharges are often discussed after a walkthrough or photos. Light dust and ordinary bathroom residue usually fit the base quote. Grease buildup, soap scale, pet hair, sticky floors, or neglected appliances can add $25-$150 or more, depending on the number of affected rooms.
Moving from a routine clean to a heavy-duty clean can raise a quote by roughly 15%-40%. Confirm whether the cleaner has a defined heavy-soil threshold and whether added work needs approval before the crew proceeds.
Layout can create extra work even when square footage is modest. Multiple bathrooms, a second kitchen area, long hallways, or several flights of stairs may increase the cleaning time. A unit above 1,500 square feet or with more than two bathrooms may need a custom estimate instead of a standard apartment package.
Assumptions: surcharges vary by provider; these ranges are planning estimates, not a fixed national fee schedule.
How Many Cleaner Hours Does an Empty Unit Need
A small, maintained studio may take one cleaner about 2-3 hours. A one-bedroom commonly requires 3-4 labor hours, a two-bedroom about 4-6, and a three-bedroom roughly 6-8. These are total labor hours: two cleaners working three hours each provide six labor hours, even though the visit lasts only three hours.
Independent cleaners may charge around $30-$55 per hour, while insured cleaning companies often price labor at an effective $40-$75 per worker-hour after overhead and service costs. Some providers use flat rates and do not show an hourly calculation.
For a 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment, six labor hours at $45-$65 equal $270-$390 before any package discount. A two-person team could complete that amount of work in about three hours, subject to access and soil levels.
Elevator reservations, paid parking, a long walk from the loading area, or a strict building entry window can affect crew productivity. Mention these details while requesting bids so the estimate accounts for the actual visit rather than assuming easy access.
Why Apartment Cleaning Rates Differ by U.S. Region
Labor markets and operating expenses create meaningful regional differences. In lower-cost small cities and rural markets, quotes may run 10%-20% below the national planning ranges. Large metro areas, especially those with high wages, parking costs, and dense scheduling, can run 15%-35% higher. These percentages are broad comparisons; individual neighborhoods and company service levels vary.
A standard one-bedroom job priced at $185 in a moderate-cost market could be about $150-$165 in a lower-cost area or $215-$250 in a costly metro. A larger apartment may show a bigger dollar difference because it takes more worker-hours. Rates also vary within a state, so local quotes are more useful than a statewide average.
Compare at least three local written estimates with the same room count and cleaning checklist. A cheaper quote may omit appliance interiors or charge separately for parking, while a higher quote may include those tasks.
Ask whether the estimate includes sales tax where applicable, travel, and a return visit if a missed item is reported promptly. Cleaning services do not all handle re-clean requests the same way, and a written policy helps avoid unexpected charges.
Appliance, Cabinet, and Trash Fees to Check Before Booking
Extras can turn a low base price into a substantially larger invoice. Inside an oven may add $20-$50; a refrigerator interior often adds $20-$45; and cleaning empty cabinets may cost $20-$60, depending on cabinet count and residue. Interior windows commonly cost $5-$15 per window, while blinds or tracks may be priced separately.
Trash removal is especially variable. A few small bags may be covered or cost $10-$30, but bulky furniture, construction debris, or a full apartment of abandoned belongings can require a separate hauling service. Heavy loads may be priced by volume, labor, and disposal charges; cleaning crews may decline the work altogether.
Request an itemized price for every task not clearly included in the base package. Carpet steam cleaning, often around $25-$60 per room, is typically a separate service from vacuuming and hard-floor mopping. Mold, biohazard cleanup, pest waste, and water damage generally require specialty providers rather than standard cleaners.
Some companies charge a $25-$75 rush or short-notice fee when a crew must be scheduled within a day or two. Weekend availability may also affect the quote. These charges are not universal, so confirm timing fees before accepting a booking.
Three Realistic Quotes for Vacant Apartment Cleaning
A 500-square-foot studio with one bathroom, light dust, and no appliance interiors might receive a $115 flat quote. At roughly $0.23 per square foot, the total could cover three labor hours, routine surface cleaning, and floors. A $25 oven add-on would bring the bill to $140.
A 900-square-foot one-bedroom with a moderately dirty kitchen could be quoted at $205. That is about $0.23 per square foot and might reflect four labor hours at an effective rate near $51 per hour. Including the refrigerator interior for $30 and cabinet interiors for $35 would raise the total to $270.
A 1,400-square-foot three-bedroom with two bathrooms, pet hair, and greasy appliances might cost $420-$510. A sample $465 quote could include eight labor hours at about $58 per hour, plus $45 for appliance detailing. Significant residue or difficult parking could move the estimate above that amount.
These examples show why add-on scope should be matched before comparing totals. Two quotes for a three-bedroom apartment are not equivalent if one includes only exterior appliance cleaning and the other includes oven, refrigerator, and cabinet interiors.
Assumptions: ordinary U.S. market rates, professional labor, and no furniture hauling or specialized remediation.
Which Cleaning Choices Can Lower the Final Bill
Remove food, personal items, and loose trash before the crew arrives. Clear counters and empty cabinets if cabinet interiors are not part of the service. Preparation can reduce delays and may prevent a company from adding labor for sorting or moving belongings, though it does not replace the cleaner’s assigned tasks.
Choose a precise checklist instead of automatically buying the most comprehensive package. If the refrigerator is already empty and clean, ask to omit its interior. If carpets only need routine vacuuming, skip steam treatment unless the lease or property manager requires it. Avoid paying for exterior windows or balcony work that is outside the move-out requirement.
Define the required result first, then price only the tasks needed to meet it. Before booking, ask the landlord or property manager which areas must be cleaned and whether a receipt or specific standard is required. This can prevent paying for unnecessary detailing.
Compare quotes on the same unit details: square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, soil level, appliances, and access. Ask whether the provider offers a flat rate after photos or a walkthrough, and whether extra work requires approval. Booking several days ahead may offer more scheduling options than requesting a same-day visit.
If the apartment is nearly clean, a targeted service for the kitchen, bathrooms, and floors may cost less than a full move-out package. However, confirm that the selected scope meets the handover checklist. A low price that leaves required work unfinished can lead to a second cleaning charge.