How much does a maid cost?
How much does a maid cost?
Maid service costs $120 to $280 on average. Most maids offer discounts of 5% to 20% for recurring weekly or monthly cleanings. Maid services charge $25 to $70 per hour per cleaning lady or $200 to $550 per day. A full-time or live-in maid costs $18,000 to $55,000 per year.
$120 – $280 Average price per cleaning
$25 – $70 average cost per hour
Maid service costs $120 to $280 on average. Most maids offer discounts of 5% to 20% for recurring weekly or monthly cleanings. Maid services charge $25 to $70 per hour per cleaning lady or $200 to $550 per day. A full-time or live-in maid costs $18,000 to $55,000 per year.
Maid service cost
The average cost of maid service is $120 to $280, depending on the home's size and cleaning frequency. Weekly maid service costs $75 to $250, while monthly service costs $120 to $300. Maid services charge $25 to $70 per hour per cleaning lady or $0.06 to $0.20 per square foot.
| Service type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| One time / first cleaning | $140 – $330 per visit |
| Deep cleaning or full day | $200 – $550 per visit |
| Weekly | $75 – $250 per visit |
| Monthly | $120 – $300 per visit |
| Live-in | $20,000 – $55,000 annually |
| Full-time | $1,500 – $2,700 per month |
| Square feet | $0.06 – $0.20 per square foot |
| Hourly | $25 – $70 per hour |
*Standard tipping rates for one-time service are 10% to 20% or $10 to $20.
Average cost of maid service
The following table shows the cost of maid service for an average home with 2 to 4 bedrooms.
| National average cost | $180 |
| Minimum cost | $60 |
| Maximum cost | $600 |
| Average range | $120 to $280 |
*Based on 4,291 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
How much is a maid?
Cleaning services may charge a flat rate, hourly, or per square foot. Pricing depends on the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, location, cleaning frequency, and whether it's a professional company or independent cleaner.
| Home size* | One time | Weekly | Biweekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bed 1 bath | $110 – $200 | $75 – $120 | $85 – $125 | $95 – $170 |
| 2 bed 1 bath | $120 – $210 | $80 – $130 | $90 – $150 | $100 – $180 |
| 2 bed 2 bath | $140 – $225 | $95 – $145 | $100 – $170 | $120 – $190 |
| 3 bed 1 bath | $150 – $230 | $100 – $165 | $115 – $190 | $125 – $205 |
| 3 bed 2 bath | $160 – $320 | $110 – $200 | $120 – $220 | $130 – $230 |
| 4 bed 2 bath | $180 – $330 | $130 – $240 | $135 – $260 | $145 – $280 |
| 4 bed 3 bath | $200 – $380 | $150 – $250 | $160 – $275 | $180 – $300 |
| 5 bed 3 bath | $210 – $400 | $170 – $310 | $175 – $370 | $200 – $380 |
| > 5 bedrooms | $240 – $600 | $190 – $420 | $200 – $440 | $225 – $550 |
*Half baths count as full bathrooms.
One-time maid service cost
One-time house cleaning costs $140 to $330 on average. Larger homes with 4+ bedrooms cost $200 to $600 for a single cleaning. A one-time deep cleaning costs $230 to $600, while move-out cleaning costs $150 to $500.
Hiring a maid for a day costs $200 to $550 or $25 to $70 per hour.
| Type of cleaning | Average cost |
|---|---|
| One-time | $200 – $350 |
| Deep clean* | $230 – $600 |
| Move in / move out | $150 – $500 |
| Full day | $200 – $550 |
*Deep cleaning services are recommended for first-time customers because of the extra time required to remove built-up grime.
Weekly and bi-weekly maid service cost
Weekly maid service costs $75 to $145 per visit for an apartment or $100 to $250 per visit for a home, depending on the size.
A biweekly cleaning service costs $85 to $170 every two weeks for an apartment or $115 to $275 every two weeks for a home, depending on the size.
| Home size | Weekly cost | Biweekly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | $75 – $145 | $85 – $170 |
| 1,500 SF Home | $100 – $200 | $115 – $220 |
| 2,500 SF Home | $130 – $250 | $135 – $275 |
Regular cleaning saves money per visit, prevents dirt buildup, and minimizes allergens in the home. Customers can choose between having the entire house cleaned regularly or only specific rooms on a rotating schedule.
Monthly maid service cost
Monthly maid service costs $120 to $300 and includes a deeper cleaning than weekly services but is more costly per visit. Monthly maid services are best for people who regularly clean their homes but want a maid to provide an occasional thorough cleaning.
Maid cost per year
A maid costs $18,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on if they are a full-time or live-in maid. In comparison, weekly maid service costs $4,200 to $13,000 per year.
| Type | Annual cost |
|---|---|
| Live-in maid | $20,000 – $55,000 |
| Full-time maid | $18,000 – $35,000 |
| Weekly maid | $4,200 – $13,000 |
Full-time maid cost
Hiring a full-time maid costs $18,000 to $35,000 per year or $1,500 to $2,700 per month. Full-time maids perform cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, running errands, and additional responsibilities negotiated when hiring. Some full-time maids also provide child care.
Live-in maid cost
A live-in maid costs $20,000 to $55,000 per year or $1,900 to $4,300 per month, plus room and board. Live-in maids provide services like cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, changing bed linens, driving, grocery shopping, and running errands. Some live-in maids also provide babysitting or child care.
A live-in or full-time maid is considered your employee and requires paying federal employment taxes. Consult IRS Publication 926, the Household Employer's Tax Guide, to learn more.
Maid cost per hour
Maid services charge $25 to $70 per hour per cleaner. Rates on the lower-end may apply if a team of maids cleans the house together. Independent maids charge $15 to $40 per hour but typically are not licensed or insured. Most standard cleaning jobs take 2 to 5 hours.
| Type | Average cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Independent cleaning lady | $15 – $40 |
| Cleaning company | $25 – $70 |
Maid service cost per square foot
Maid services cost $0.06 to $0.15 per square foot for standard cleaning and $0.20 per square foot or more for one-time cleanings, deep cleaning, or move in/move out cleaning. The average cost to clean a 2,000 square foot house is $110 to $320.
| Square feet | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| <1,000 | $60 – $200 |
| 1,001-2,000 | $80 – $300 |
| 2,001-3,000 | $120 – $400 |
| 3,001+ | $220 – $550+ |
*Minimum fees may apply.
Maid prices per room
Maids charge $130 to $320 to clean a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home. Maid services for a one-bedroom apartment cost $100 to $200. Standard cleaning services include the kitchen, living room, dining room, hallway, and stairs. Additional rooms cost $20 to $25 each.
Home offices, dens, family rooms, and sunrooms count as extra bedrooms.
Half baths count as full bathrooms.
Airbnb cleaning service cost
Airbnb cleaning services cost $100 to $200 for a 1- to 3-bedroom house and $200 to $350 for homes with four or more bedrooms or bathrooms. Vacation rental cleaning services include standard cleaning plus emptying the trash, changing bed linens, and restocking toiletries.
| Bedrooms | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | $100 – $200 |
| 4 or more | $200 – $350 |
Maid cleaning service price list
Standard maid cleaning services include:
Sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming floors
Cleaning kitchen and bathroom counters
Scrubbing sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets
Cleaning appliances' and cabinets' faces
Dusting furniture, ceiling fans, and windowsills
Cleaning the stovetop, range hood, and inside the microwave
Wiping mirrors and fixtures
Add-on services like doing the laundry, washing dishes, cleaning inside the oven or refrigerator, and dusting blinds are priced separately.
| Service | Average price |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator cleaning | $20 – $40 |
| Oven cleaning | $20 – $45 |
| Cleaning interior of cabinets | $20 – $50 |
| Laundry | $15 – $30 per load |
| Changing bed linens | $5 – $10 per bed |
| Dishwashing | $15 – $25 per load |
| Window cleaning (interior only) | $5 – $10 per window |
| Dusting blinds | $15 – $50 |
| Baseboard cleaning | $20 – $75 |
| Patio / Garage sweeping | $25 – $35 |
| Finished basement cleaning | $20 – $50 |
| Polishing or waxing floors | $10 – $50 |
| Carpet shampoo or steam cleaning | $25 – $70 per room |
| Pet hair | $15 – $40 |
Most maid service companies offer interior window washing as an add-on service. Exterior window cleaning costs $150 to $370 total or $10 to $15 per window.
Professional carpet cleaning costs $25 to $70 per room, not including maid services.
How much do maids charge to deep clean a house?
Deep cleaning a house costs $200 to $550, depending on the home’s size. Deep cleaning is more thorough and includes all standard maid services plus:
Scrubbing tile grout
Cleaning inside the oven, range hood, and refrigerator
Cleaning behind appliances
Wiping down walls and baseboards
Sanitizing wastebaskets
Wiping doors/frames to remove fingerprints and smudges
Cleaning interior windows and blinds
Vacuuming underneath and behind furniture
Wiping ceiling fan blades, lighting fixtures, and HVAC vent covers
Maid service price factors
Number and type of rooms – Maid prices depend on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Additional rooms like home offices, dens, and sunrooms increase the price.
Pets – Most maids charge $15 to $40 more for homes with pets due to the additional dirt and hair.
Providing the cleaning products – Some companies offer a $5 to $10 discount to customers who provide the cleaning supplies.
Valuable or delicate items – Maids may charge more to dust or wipe down breakable items that require special handling. Confirm the company has insurance to protect from damage.
Tall ceiling fans and multiple stories – Costs may increase for hard-to-access areas or several stories. Most companies don't allow their maids to climb higher than a 2-step stool for safety reasons. Instead, maids use an extension duster for higher areas.
Cancellation and no-access fees – Most maids charge a $50 to $125 fee or 20% to 50% of the cleaning price if you give less than 48 hours notice for cancellation or if they can't get into the home.
Allergies and chemical sensitivity – Companies often charge more to use cleaning products designed for customers with allergies or chemical sensitivities.
Eco-friendly cleaning products – Environmentally friendly cleaning supplies cost more than standard products, which may add $5 to $10 per visit.
Independent cleaner vs. professional cleaning service cost
Professional cleaning services cost $25 to $70 per hour per cleaner, but employees are vetted and formally trained. Most cleaning companies send a team of two or three maids to clean the house faster. Although, they may send different maids for each visit.
An independent cleaner costs $15 to $40 per hour but may not be licensed or insured. An independent housecleaner takes longer to clean a home but may be more flexible about personalizing services or handling additional cleaning requests.
| Comparison | Professional cleaning service | Independent cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $25 – $70 | $15 – $40 |
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How much does Merry Maids cost?
Merry Maids costs $150 to $300 per cleaning on average, depending on the home's size and the frequency of cleaning visits. Merry Maids doesn't charge per hour for standard house cleaning services and instead customizes their price based on your home's specific needs.
How much does Molly Maid cost?
Molly Maid costs $60 to $100 per hour per team of two to three maids for monthly, one-time, and initial cleanings. Molly Maid's weekly or biweekly service prices are $120 to $220, depending on the number of rooms. Molly Maid service includes standard house cleaning plus changing bed linens and wiping down doors.
Maid service prices near me
House cleaning services typically cost more in major cities and areas with a high cost of living.
| Location | Average price |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $120 – $280 |
| Chicago, IL | $90 – $280 |
| Dallas, TX | $120 – $300 |
| Denver, CO | $125 – $290 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $110 – $280 |
| Miami, FL | $110 – $290 |
| New York, NY | $115 – $290 |
| San Francisco, CA | $140 – $320 |
| Seattle, WA | $140 – $300 |
Is hiring a maid worth the cost?
Hiring a maid service frees up your valuable time and ensures the house is thoroughly cleaned regularly. If your time is worth $50 per hour and the maid charges $25 an hour, it's worth hiring them. If you earn less than $25 per hour, it's more cost-effective to clean the home yourself.
DIY cleaning requires tools and supplies, including a broom, mop, bucket, vacuum, duster or cloth wipes, and household cleaning products. Basic cleaning tools cost $10 to $20 each, and cleaning products run $3 to $15 per bottle.
What does a maid do?
Maid services typically include dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, cleaning bathroom and kitchen surfaces, emptying trash, making the beds, polishing mirrors, and light organizing. Add-on services include washing windows, doing dishes or laundry, and cleaning the refrigerator or oven.
What can a cleaner do in two hours?
A maid can complete a standard cleaning of an apartment or family home in two hours. Deep cleaning, move in/move out cleaning, or standard cleaning for houses with more than four bedrooms takes 5 to 12 hours.
What is the difference between a maid and a housekeeper?
Housekeepers cost $25 to $70 per hour or about the same as maids. A housekeeper's duties typically include tidying up, washing dishes, doing laundry, or cooking. Maids clean all kitchen and bathroom surfaces, dust furniture and window ledges, and sweep, mop, and vacuum floors.
Many cleaning companies use the terms "maid" and "housekeeper" interchangeably.
How often to get maid service
Most customers schedule a professional cleaning every four weeks or occasionally throughout the year. Homeowners with allergies may benefit from weekly or biweekly cleanings that reduce dust buildup. Plus, weekly maid service costs less per visit than monthly or one-time cleanings.
How to prepare for maid service
Put away the pets.
Put away delicate or sentimental items.
Secure valuables such as jewelry, electronics, and cash.
Hide important documents, bills, and other papers.
Make sure the maid can get in. Consider installing electronic locks with one-time security codes.
Conduct a walkthrough of your home with the maid to confirm which cleaning services are included in the estimate.
How much should I tip a maid service?
Standard tipping rates for maids are 10% to 20% or $10 to $20 per cleaning if the quality of service meets or exceeds your expectations. If there are multiple cleaners, split the tip among them. Tipping your maid isn't required, but they always appreciate the gesture.
If you have a recurring service with the same maid throughout the year, it's unnecessary to tip for every cleaning. Instead, consider giving your maid a bonus at the end of the year.
How to hire a maid
Start by searching online to find professional maids in your area. When researching and finding potential house cleaning services be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Discuss any add-on services you need.
Request a written contract listing all services included in each cleaning visit.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Do you offer package deals for weekly, biweekly, or monthly services?
Do you bring your own cleaning supplies and equipment, or will I need to provide them?
Do you use eco-friendly cleaning products?
How will you gain access to my home?
Do you conduct a background check on all employees?
Will you always send the same cleaning team?
What kind of training do your employees receive?
Are you insured and bonded, and do you carry worker's compensation insurance?
How do you handle theft or breakage?
What should I do with my pet while you're in the home?
Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?