Move-in cleaning typically costs $150-$600, with an average near $300 for a professionally cleaned, empty home. Move-in cleaning cost depends mainly on home size, condition, location, and whether the quote includes inside appliances, cabinets, or other detailed work.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio or small apartment | $100 | $170 | $275 | About 400-700 sq ft |
| Two-bedroom home | $180 | $300 | $450 | About 900-1,400 sq ft |
| Large house | $350 | $550 | $900 | About 2,000-3,000 sq ft |
| Hourly cleaning | $25 | $45 | $75 | Per cleaner, before some fees |
Typical move-in cleaning prices by home size
For a vacant, maintained home, a studio or one-bedroom apartment often runs $100-$275; a two- or three-bedroom home commonly costs $180-$450. Larger houses, heavy buildup, or detailed cleaning can push the total to $600-$900 or more. Many companies price by home size and scope, while others quote by labor hours or use a minimum service charge.
A practical baseline is about $0.10-$0.25 per square foot for standard vacant-home cleaning. A 1,500-square-foot home might therefore cost about $150-$375 before add-ons, unusually dirty conditions, or local price differences. Assumptions: vacant home, standard cleaning products, normal access, and no major grease, mold, or construction debris.
What cleaning labor and add-ons contribute to the quote
Quotes differ because “move-in clean” can mean a basic surface clean or a detailed reset of rooms, appliances, and storage areas. Confirm the checklist before comparing prices; an inexpensive quote may exclude inside the refrigerator, oven, or cabinets.
| Quote component | Typical charge | What it covers | Price driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $25-$75 per cleaner per hour | Bathrooms, floors, surfaces, kitchen | Condition and crew time |
| Standard supplies | $10-$40 per visit | Cleaning products and basic tools | Usually included |
| Inside oven | $25-$60 | Interior and racks | Grease buildup |
| Inside refrigerator | $20-$50 | Interior shelves and drawers | Size and residue |
| Cabinet interiors | $30-$100 | Empty cupboard shelves and drawers | Number and condition |
| Travel or minimum fee | $25-$100 | Trip, setup, or small-job minimum | Distance and company policy |
Labor and the requested checklist usually account for most of the bill. A rough labor estimate is ; for example, 6-8 cleaner-hours at $35-$55 per hour equals $210-$440 before fees or add-ons.
How square footage and dirt level change the price
Size is only a starting point. A 900-square-foot apartment with a greasy kitchen or several bathrooms may take longer than a larger, recently maintained home. Some cleaners also charge more for pet hair, hard-water deposits, smoke residue, or a home that has been vacant for months.
Extra bathrooms and neglected surfaces can matter as much as floor area. A home with three or more bathrooms may add $25-$75 per bathroom compared with a similar-sized home with one or two. A home needing heavy scrubbing may cost 20%-50% more than a standard-condition clean.
Scope also changes with height and access. Tall windows, stairs, crowded rooms, and limited parking can increase labor time. Post-renovation dust, paint residue, or debris is usually a different service from routine move-in cleaning and may require a separate estimate.
How long a cleaning crew may need
A solo cleaner may spend 3-5 hours on a small apartment and 6-10 hours on a typical family home. A two-person crew can shorten the elapsed appointment, but the labor charge reflects both workers. Larger properties or deep-detail requests may take 10-16 total cleaner-hours.
Ask whether the estimate is based on elapsed time or total cleaner-hours. A four-hour visit with two cleaners equals eight labor-hours. Confirm whether the company charges extra when the home’s actual condition exceeds the description used for the quote.
Regional rates from cities to rural areas
Labor markets can shift estimates substantially. Rates in major coastal cities and other high-cost metro areas may be 15%-35% above a national midpoint. Smaller cities and rural markets may run 10%-20% below it, although longer travel distances or fewer available providers can offset the difference.
Compare local quotes using the same room list and add-ons. A $250 quote in a lower-cost market is not directly comparable with a $350 quote in a major metro if one includes appliance interiors and the other does not. Taxes, service fees, and parking charges may also differ by location.
Three sample quotes for common move-in jobs
| Home and scope | Estimated labor | Unit basis | Example total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600-sq-ft apartment, standard clean | 3-4 cleaner-hours | $0.20-$0.32 per sq ft | $120-$190 |
| 1,200-sq-ft home, two baths, oven included | 6-8 cleaner-hours | $0.19-$0.30 per sq ft | $230-$360 |
| 2,400-sq-ft house, detailed kitchen and cabinets | 10-14 cleaner-hours | $0.18-$0.30 per sq ft | $430-$720 |
These examples assume empty homes in ordinary condition and vary with local labor rates. The larger-home example includes more detailed kitchen work; unusually heavy buildup, stairs, or additional appliance cleaning may raise the final quote.
When move-in cleaning needs extra services
Some tasks are commonly priced separately rather than included in a standard clean. Carpet extraction may cost $100-$300 for several rooms, while interior window cleaning can add about $5-$15 per window. Heavy trash removal, mold treatment, exterior window work, and post-construction cleanup generally need separate pricing.
Check for minimum charges and service boundaries before booking. Ask whether the cleaner will remove leftover items, clean inside cabinets, wash window tracks, or handle floors requiring specialty equipment. If the home is not empty, expect a higher quote because belongings can slow access and cleaning.
Ways to lower the move-in cleaning bill
Reduce the scope before asking for estimates: remove belongings and trash, empty cabinets, and decide which appliance interiors actually need cleaning. If a landlord or seller has already arranged basic cleaning, request a targeted kitchen or bathroom service instead of paying for a full-home repeat.
Use an identical task list when comparing at least three written quotes. Ask about bundle pricing for oven, refrigerator, and cabinet interiors, but keep optional services separate so the total is clear. Booking ahead may improve scheduling choices; last-minute appointments, weekends, and holiday periods can carry premiums of roughly 10%-25% where cleaner availability is tight.