Cost guide · House cleaning
How much does move-out cleaning cost in 2026?
Typical range
$275 – $650
for typical 2-3 bedroom residence
Move-out cleaning costs $275–$650 in 2026 for typical 2-3 bedroom residences. Larger homes or sale-prep cleaning runs $500–$1,200. Pricing reflects the comprehensive scope (everything cleaned for next-occupant readiness).
Why the range is wide
Move-out cleaning is comprehensive cleaning performed when residents vacate. Scope is more extensive than deep cleaning: empty interior of all appliances, inside cabinets and drawers, window tracks, door frames, baseboards, light fixtures, ceiling fans, behind appliances if movable. Customers vary: tenants seeking deposit recovery, landlords preparing for next tenant, homeowners preparing for sale.
Factors that affect price
Home size
Studio/1BR: $185-$385. 2BR: $275-$485. 3BR: $385-$650. 4BR: $500-$850. 5BR+: $650-$1,200+.
Customer type
Tenant-paid (security deposit recovery): cost-sensitive, often selecting standard scope. Landlord-paid (between tenants): often higher scope including any deferred maintenance items. Sale-prep: highest scope, often requiring open-house-ready presentation, premium pricing.
Pre-cleaning condition
Well-maintained property: standard pricing. Heavily neglected (years of inattention): +50-100%. Pet damage requiring extensive treatment: +$100-$400.
Add-on services
Carpet cleaning: typically separate service, $185-$525 added. Window cleaning interior + exterior: +$75-$250. Garage cleaning: +$100-$250. Yard cleanup: separate service entirely.
Timing pressure
Standard 2-3 week scheduling notice: standard pricing. Rush service (within 2-5 days): 25-40% premium for prioritization. Same-day or next-day emergency: premium pricing varies by operator.
Regional variation
Apartment-dense urban markets (NYC, Boston, San Francisco, DC) drive heaviest move-out cleaning demand due to high rental turnover. Pricing scales with regional cost of living similarly to standard house cleaning.
DIY vs pro
DIY move-out cleaning is feasible but time-consuming (8-15 hours for typical 2-3BR home for a thorough job). Professional service value: thoroughness meeting landlord/realtor standards, time savings during a stressful move period, documentation of condition (some operators provide photos), reduced risk of failed deposit return. Tenant deposit recovery often justifies the professional cleaning cost.
Move-out cleaning — frequently asked
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