Professional apartment cleaning cost typically ranges from $90 to $350 per visit, with an average near $180 for a standard recurring or one-time clean. Apartment size, dirt level, service frequency, local labor rates, and add-ons such as oven cleaning or move-out work drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio or small one-bedroom | $75 | $120 | $190 | Routine clean, roughly 400-700 sq ft |
| Two-bedroom apartment | $120 | $190 | $300 | Standard condition, about 800-1,200 sq ft |
| Move-out service | $180 | $300 | $500 | Empty unit with detailed surfaces and appliances |
| Typical hourly rate | $25 | $45 | $75 | Per cleaner, varies by market and company |
What professional apartment cleaning costs by bedroom count
For a routine professional clean, a studio or small one-bedroom usually costs $75-$190, a two-bedroom $120-$300, and a three-bedroom $180-$400. Typical averages are about $120, $190, and $275, respectively. These ranges assume standard kitchen and bathroom cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, and mopping, with ordinary access and no heavy buildup.
Per-square-foot quotes commonly land around $0.08-$0.20 for routine service, though many companies use a minimum charge rather than a strict area calculation. A 1,000-sq-ft apartment might therefore price near $80-$200 by area, but extra bathrooms, pets, or a first-time deep clean can raise the invoice. Assumptions: U.S. standard cleaning, typical finishes, normal access, and no specialty restoration.
For a normally maintained two-bedroom apartment, budgeting $150-$250 per visit is a practical starting point.
How labor, supplies, and add-ons shape an apartment quote
Labor is usually the largest line item. A company may send one cleaner or a small crew, and its quoted price can include scheduling, insurance, travel, and administrative overhead. Supplies are generally included; specialty products or requested eco-friendly supplies may carry a modest extra charge.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers | Common cost effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning labor | $25-$75 per cleaner-hour | Kitchen, bath, floors, dusting | About $60-$240 for 2-4 labor hours |
| Supplies and equipment | $0-$25 per visit | Standard products and vacuum | Often included in the base quote |
| Oven or refrigerator interior | $25-$60 each | Detailed interior cleaning | Usually priced as an add-on |
| Pet hair or heavy buildup | $20-$100 extra | Additional time and tools | Depends on condition and surfaces |
| Parking, access, or disposal | $0-$50 | Paid parking or special handling | More likely in dense urban buildings |
Ask whether the estimate is flat-rate or hourly, and confirm which rooms and appliance interiors are included. Flat rates make totals easier to compare, while hourly billing may rise if the home takes longer than expected.
Which square footage and condition details raise the rate
Size matters, but usable detail matters more than the listing’s floor area. A 700-sq-ft apartment with two bathrooms, extensive shelving, and a shedding pet can take longer than a larger, uncluttered unit. Each additional bathroom may add roughly $15-$40, depending on fixture count and buildup.
Cleaning frequency also changes the labor estimate. A weekly or biweekly visit may cost 10%-25% less per appointment than a one-time clean because soil has less time to accumulate. A first-time deep clean can add 20%-50% over routine pricing, particularly when kitchens, grout, blinds, or baseboards need extra attention.
Scope thresholds are useful when checking a quote: above about 1,200 sq ft, or with three or more bathrooms, request a room-by-room estimate. Heavy grease, hard-water deposits, clutter, and pet hair may trigger added time or a condition surcharge.
How long cleaners spend in studios and larger apartments
A studio routine clean may take one cleaner 2-3 hours; a one-bedroom often takes 2.5-4 hours. A two-bedroom commonly needs 3-5 cleaner-hours, while a larger three-bedroom or detailed clean can take 5-8 hours. Two cleaners can shorten elapsed time, but the total labor-hours may remain similar.
Hourly services often charge $25-$75 per cleaner per hour, with a minimum booking of two or three hours. Some companies quote a flat price after asking about square footage, bathrooms, pets, and the last professional cleaning. Confirm whether the company charges by clock time, labor-hours, or a fixed scope before approving the appointment.
When move-out cleaning costs more than routine service
Move-out cleaning commonly costs $180-$500 for an apartment, with higher quotes for large units, neglected kitchens, or multiple bathrooms. An empty apartment can be easier to clean because furniture is absent, but detailed work may include inside cabinets, appliance interiors, closet shelves, and baseboards. These tasks are not always part of a standard clean.
For comparison, a 500-sq-ft studio with one cleaner for three hours at $45 per hour might total $135 before add-ons. A 950-sq-ft two-bedroom with five labor-hours at the same rate might total $225. A 1,400-sq-ft three-bedroom move-out with eight labor-hours could reach $360, with extra charges for an oven, refrigerator, or unusually dirty floors.
Get the required checklist in writing, especially when a landlord or property manager expects specific move-out tasks. Cleaning rarely guarantees return of a security deposit, since charges may depend on damage or lease terms.
How apartment cleaning prices differ across U.S. markets
Prices in high-cost cities and dense neighborhoods can run about 15%-35% above national midrange estimates, reflecting wages, parking, insurance, and travel time. Smaller cities and rural areas may be 10%-20% below typical rates, although fewer providers can limit competition. Local quotes can also vary within the same metro area.
For a routine two-bedroom clean that might average $190 nationally, an expensive urban market could quote around $220-$260, while a lower-cost market might fall near $150-$180. Compare providers using the same room list and add-ons, not just the advertised starting rate. Check minimum fees, cancellation policies, and whether tax or parking is separate.
Where renters can trim a professional cleaning bill
Keeping routine visits on a steady schedule can reduce the time required and may qualify for a lower per-visit rate. Before the cleaner arrives, clearing counters, picking up loose items, and securing pets can prevent paid labor from going to basic tidying. Confirm that prep work does not replace tasks already included in the agreed service.
Choose only the add-ons that matter: an oven interior may be worthwhile before moving, while a lightly used appliance may not need detailed cleaning every visit. Compare at least three written quotes, check whether supplies are included, and ask about a lower-cost standard clean instead of deep cleaning when the apartment is maintained.
Controlling scope and avoiding duplicate services are usually more reliable savings than choosing the lowest advertised hourly rate. A low starting price may exclude bathrooms, appliance interiors, or minimum charges that appear on the final bill.