Pricing your move out cleaning services correctly is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a cleaning business owner. Charge too little, and you risk losing money after accounting for supplies, travel, and labor. Charge too much without demonstrating value, and potential customers may choose a competitor.
The good news is that there’s no one-size-fits-all pricing model. Professional cleaning companies calculate their rates based on factors such as the property’s size, condition, location, required services, and the time needed to complete the job.
Whether you’re starting a new move-out cleaning business or looking to refine your pricing strategy, understanding these factors will help you create accurate quotes, remain competitive, and build a profitable business.
In this guide, you’ll learn average move out cleaning prices, different pricing methods, factors that affect costs, and practical tips for maximizing your profits without overcharging customers.
Related Reading: If you’re still planning your business, read our complete guide on How to Start a Low-Cost Move-Out Cleaning Side Business to learn how to launch a cleaning business from scratch.
Also Read: Before setting your prices, understand the startup costs of a move-out cleaning business so you know exactly how much you need to recover and profit from each job.
Understanding Move Out Cleaning Pricing
Unlike standard house cleaning, move out cleaning involves preparing a property for its next occupant. Because the work is more detailed and time-consuming, pricing is usually higher than routine residential cleaning.
A typical move-out cleaning service may include the following:
- Deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms
- Cleaning cabinets, drawers, and shelves
- Washing baseboards and trim
- Vacuuming and mopping all floors
- Interior window cleaning
- Dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Cleaning doors, walls, and switches
- Sanitizing sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers
- Cleaning inside appliances (when requested)
Some companies also offer premium add-on services such as carpet shampooing, garage cleaning, pressure washing, or exterior window cleaning, which increase the overall project value.
Because every property is different, professional cleaners rarely use a single fixed price. Instead, they evaluate several factors before preparing a quote.
Average Move Out Cleaning Prices
Move-out cleaning prices vary depending on your location, property size, and the condition of the home. However, understanding average market rates gives you a solid starting point for building a competitive pricing strategy.
The table below shows typical price ranges for professionally cleaned residential properties.
| Property Type | Average Price |
| Studio Apartment | $120–$220 |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | $150–$300 |
| Two-Bedroom Apartment | $220–$400 |
| Three-Bedroom House | $300–$600 |
| Four-Bedroom House | $450–$800+ |
| Large Luxury Home | $700–$1,500+ |
These estimates generally cover standard move-out cleaning services. Properties requiring extensive deep cleaning, stain removal, or specialty services may cost significantly more.
Average Hourly Rates
Some cleaning companies prefer charging by the hour, especially for heavily soiled properties or jobs with uncertain cleaning times.
Typical hourly rates include the following:
| Pricing Model | Average Rate |
| Solo Cleaner | $30–$60 per hour |
| Professional Cleaning Company | $50–$100 per hour |
| Two-Person Cleaning Team | $75–$150 per hour |
Hourly pricing can work well for unique projects, but many customers appreciate the certainty of a fixed quote before work begins.
Hourly vs Flat Rate Pricing
Choosing the right pricing model is just as important as deciding how much to charge, whether you’re running a full-time operation or a weekend house cleaning side business. Most successful cleaning businesses use either an hourly rate or a flat-rate pricing system, while some combine both depending on the property.
Hourly Pricing
With hourly pricing, customers pay based on the total time spent cleaning the property.
Advantages
- Easy to calculate
- Ideal for unpredictable cleaning jobs
- Reduces the risk of underpricing heavily soiled homes
- Flexible for customized services
Disadvantages
- Customers may worry about longer cleaning times
- Final costs are less predictable
- Less attractive for clients who want upfront pricing
Hourly pricing is often best for first-time customers, neglected properties, or homes where the cleaning scope is unclear.
Flat Rate Pricing
Flat-rate pricing means providing a fixed quote before the cleaning begins.
Most established move-out cleaning companies prefer this method because it creates clear expectations for both the business and the customer.
Advantages
- Customers know the total cost upfront
- Easier to market fixed-price packages
- Builds trust and confidence
- Encourages operational efficiency
Disadvantages
- Incorrect estimates can reduce profit
- Requires experience to quote accurately
- Unexpected property conditions can increase labor costs
Many experienced cleaning businesses use a flat-rate pricing model based on property size, then add separate charges for premium services such as appliance cleaning, carpet shampooing, or window washing.
Which Pricing Model Is Better?
For most move out cleaning businesses, a hybrid pricing strategy offers the best balance.
For example:
- Use flat-rate pricing for standard apartments and homes where the scope of work is predictable.
- Use hourly pricing for severely neglected properties or jobs that require custom cleaning requests.
- Add fixed fees for optional services such as oven cleaning, refrigerator cleaning, carpet cleaning, interior windows, or garage cleaning.
This approach provides transparency for customers while protecting your profit margins on more complex projects.
Pricing by Property Size
One of the most common ways to estimate a move-out cleaning job is by considering the property’s size. Larger homes generally require more labor, additional cleaning supplies, and longer completion times.
While every property is unique, the following price ranges provide a practical starting point.
Studio Apartment
Studio apartments are usually the quickest properties to clean because they have fewer rooms and a smaller floor area.
Average Price: $120–$220
Typical services include the following:
- Kitchen deep cleaning
- Bathroom sanitization
- Dusting all surfaces
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Interior windows (if included)
Estimated cleaning time:
2–4 hours
One-Bedroom Apartment
A one-bedroom apartment typically requires additional time for separate living and sleeping areas.
Average Price: $150–$300
Estimated cleaning time:
3–5 hours
Two-Bedroom Apartment
Two-bedroom apartments often include larger kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and additional living space.
Average Price: $220–$400
Estimated cleaning time:
4–6 hours
Three-Bedroom House
Three-bedroom homes are among the most common move-out cleaning projects.
Average Price: $300–$600
Estimated cleaning time:
5–8 hours
Four-Bedroom House
Larger homes require significantly more labor, especially if they include multiple bathrooms, staircases, or outdoor living areas.
Average Price: $450–$800+
Estimated cleaning time:
7–10+ hours
Luxury Homes
Luxury properties often include premium finishes, multiple living spaces, larger kitchens, and specialty surfaces that require extra care.
Average Price: $700–$1,500+
These jobs may require a two- or three-person team to complete efficiently.
Factors That Affect Move Out Cleaning Prices
No two move-out cleaning jobs are identical. Professional cleaning companies evaluate several variables before providing a final quote.
Understanding these factors will help you price your services accurately while explaining costs clearly to potential clients.
1. Property Size
The larger the property, the more time, labor, and cleaning supplies are required.
Most companies use square footage or the number of bedrooms and bathrooms as the foundation of their pricing.
2. Property Condition
A well-maintained home can often be cleaned quickly, while neglected properties require significantly more effort.
Examples that increase cleaning time include:
- Heavy grease buildup
- Soap scum
- Mold or mildew
- Excessive dust
- Pet hair
- Trash left behind
- Stained floors
Properties in poor condition may require deep cleaning instead of a standard move-out service.
3. Number of Bathrooms
Bathrooms are among the most time-consuming areas to clean.
More bathrooms generally mean the following:
- More fixtures to sanitize
- Additional mirrors
- More tile and grout cleaning
- Increased supply usage
Many companies adjust pricing based on the number of bathrooms.
4. Kitchen Condition
The kitchen often requires the most detailed work.
Pricing may increase if customers request cleaning of:
- Inside the oven
- Refrigerator interior
- Freezer
- Microwave
- Cabinets
- Range hood
- Grease removal
These tasks can add anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to the overall job.
5. Carpet Cleaning Requirements
Standard move out cleaning usually includes vacuuming.
However, carpet shampooing or stain removal is often priced separately because it requires specialized equipment and additional labor.
6. Interior Window Cleaning
Some customers only require windows to be wiped from the inside.
Others request:
- Window tracks
- Window frames
- Screens
- Glass polishing
These services are commonly offered as add-ons.
7. Garage, Basement, or Balcony Cleaning
Extra spaces frequently require additional pricing because they increase labor time.
Examples include:
- Garage sweeping
- Storage room cleaning
- Balcony washing
- Basement cleaning
8. Travel Distance
If the property is outside your normal service area, consider charging a travel fee to cover fuel and travel time.
This is particularly important for rural locations or jobs requiring long-distance travel.
9. Urgent or Same-Day Service
Customers sometimes need last-minute cleaning before handing over keys or completing a property sale.
Rush jobs often justify premium pricing because they require schedule adjustments and immediate availability.
10. Number of Cleaners Assigned
Some projects can be completed faster with a team of two or three cleaners.
While labor costs increase, customers often value the quicker turnaround, especially when facing tight moving deadlines.
Move Out Cleaning Add-On Services
Offering optional services is one of the easiest ways to increase the average value of each booking.
Rather than raising your base price, provide customers with additional services they can choose based on their needs.
| Add-On Service | Typical Price |
| Inside Oven Cleaning | $30–$75 |
| Inside Refrigerator Cleaning | $25–$60 |
| Interior Window Cleaning | $50–$150 |
| Carpet Shampooing | $80–$300 |
| Garage Cleaning | $50–$150 |
| Wall Spot Cleaning | $50–$150 |
| Blind Cleaning | $20–$75 |
| Balcony Cleaning | $30–$100 |
| Pressure Washing | $100–$300 |
| Junk Removal Coordination | Custom Quote |
Bundling multiple add-ons into premium packages can increase customer value while simplifying your pricing.
How to Calculate a Move Out Cleaning Quote
Professional cleaning companies don’t rely on guesswork. They follow a structured process to create accurate and profitable estimates.
A simple quoting process might look like this:
Step 1: Gather Property Information
Ask the customer about:
- Property type
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Current condition
- Requested cleaning date
- Special cleaning requests
Step 2: Estimate Labor Time
Determine how many hours the job is likely to take based on the property’s size and condition.
For example:
- Small apartment: 3–4 hours
- Medium home: 5–6 hours
- Large home: 8–10 hours
Step 3: Calculate Labor Costs
Multiply the estimated hours by your hourly labor rate.
Example:
6 hours × $55 = $330
Step 4: Add Operating Costs
Include expenses such as:
- Cleaning supplies
- Fuel
- Equipment wear and tear
- Insurance
- Payment processing fees
These costs should already be built into your pricing rather than added separately at checkout.
Step 5: Include Profit Margin
Your final quote should leave enough room for healthy profits after covering all expenses.
A sustainable pricing strategy allows you to invest in better equipment, marketing, and business growth while remaining competitive.
A Simple Pricing Formula
Many successful cleaning companies use a formula similar to this:
Estimated Labor Cost + Operating Expenses + Desired Profit = Final Quote
For example:
- Labor: $280
- Supplies: $20
- Fuel and Travel: $15
- Equipment Costs: $10
- Desired Profit: $125
Final Quote: $450
This pricing method helps ensure every job contributes to the long-term profitability of your business rather than simply covering expenses.
Common Pricing Mistakes That Reduce Profits
Setting the right price isn’t just about staying competitive—it’s about ensuring your business remains profitable over the long term. Many new cleaning business owners unintentionally reduce their earnings by making avoidable pricing mistakes.
Underpricing to Win More Customers
One of the biggest mistakes is charging less than competitors simply to secure more bookings.
While lower prices may attract initial customers, they often lead to:
- Lower profit margins
- Difficulty covering operating expenses
- Faster equipment wear and tear
- Business burnout
- Unsustainable growth
Instead of competing on price alone, focus on delivering exceptional service, reliability, and customer experience.
Forgetting Operating Costs
Many new cleaners only calculate labor costs and overlook expenses such as the following:
- Cleaning supplies
- Fuel
- Vehicle maintenance
- Insurance
- Equipment replacement
- Marketing
- Payment processing fees
- Business software
- Taxes
Every quote should account for these costs to ensure each job remains profitable.
Not Charging for Add-On Services
Some homeowners expect tasks like cleaning inside ovens, refrigerators, blinds, or garages to be included in the base price.
Clearly explain what’s included in your standard move-out cleaning package and list optional services separately. This approach improves transparency and increases your average booking value.
Providing Quotes Without Seeing the Property
Photos, videos, or an on-site walkthrough can help you identify issues such as:
- Heavy grease
- Mold or mildew
- Pet hair
- Construction dust
- Excessive clutter
- Stained carpets
Whenever possible, gather enough information before providing a fixed quote to reduce the risk of underestimating the job.
Never Reviewing Your Prices
Your operating costs will change over time due to inflation, fuel prices, wages, and supply costs.
Review your pricing at least once or twice a year to ensure your rates remain competitive and profitable.
How to Increase Revenue Without Raising Your Base Prices
Increasing profits doesn’t always require increasing your standard cleaning rates. Instead, focus on delivering more value while improving the average revenue from each job.
Create Service Packages
Offer multiple pricing tiers to give customers flexibility.
For example:
| Package | What’s Included |
| Basic Move Out Cleaning | Standard cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, and floors. |
| Premium Move Out Cleaning | Everything in the basic package plus interior oven, refrigerator, cabinets, and interior windows. |
| Complete Property Reset | Premium package plus carpet shampooing, garage cleaning, balcony cleaning, and selected add-on services. |
This strategy allows customers to choose the level of service that best fits their needs while naturally increasing your average order value.
Offer Bundle Discounts
If customers book multiple services together, consider offering a small package discount.
Examples include:
- Move out cleaning + carpet cleaning
- Move out cleaning + window cleaning
- Move out cleaning + pressure washing
Bundles provide more value to customers while increasing your revenue per visit.
Build Relationships with Property Professionals
Consistent work is often more valuable than occasional high-paying jobs.
Networking with:
- Property managers
- Landlords
- Real estate agents
- Apartment complexes
- Relocation companies
can generate repeat business and reduce your customer acquisition costs.
Encourage Repeat and Referral Business
Even if move-out cleaning isn’t a recurring service for most customers, referrals can become a major source of new business.
Simple strategies include:
- Referral discounts
- Follow-up emails
- Requesting online reviews
- Loyalty incentives for landlords and property managers
Satisfied customers often become your best marketing channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should I Charge to Clean an Empty House?
An empty property is generally easier to clean because there is no furniture to move around. However, the final price still depends on the property’s size, condition, and any requested add-on services. Many cleaning businesses use either a flat-rate price based on the number of bedrooms or an hourly rate for more complex jobs.
Is Flat-Rate Pricing Better Than Hourly Pricing?
For standard move-out cleaning jobs, flat-rate pricing is often preferred because customers know the total cost before work begins. Hourly pricing can be more suitable for heavily soiled properties or projects where the scope of work is uncertain.
Should I Charge Extra for Oven and Refrigerator Cleaning?
Yes. Cleaning the inside of ovens and refrigerators requires additional time and effort, so these services are commonly offered as optional add-ons rather than being included in the base price.
How Do Professional Cleaning Companies Estimate Prices?
Most professional cleaners evaluate the following:
- Property size
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Overall condition
- Estimated labor hours
- Travel distance
- Requested add-on services
- Operating costs
They then calculate a price that covers expenses while maintaining a healthy profit margin.
Can I Increase My Prices as My Business Grows?
Absolutely. As your business gains experience, earns positive reviews, and builds a strong reputation, customers are often willing to pay higher rates for reliable, high-quality service. Regularly reviewing your pricing helps ensure it keeps pace with rising operating costs and market demand.
Conclusion
Setting the right move-out cleaning prices is about more than choosing a number—it’s about building a profitable and sustainable business. By understanding your operating costs, selecting the right pricing model, and offering valuable add-on services, you can create competitive quotes that satisfy customers while protecting your profit margins.
Whether you’re just starting your cleaning business or refining your existing pricing strategy, reviewing your rates regularly and adapting to market conditions will help you stay competitive. Focus on delivering outstanding service, building trust with clients, and continuously improving your processes to achieve long-term success.
