Most move-out cleanings cost between $150 and $450, but a large home that needs a deep clean and add-ons like carpet shampooing can run well past $1,000. Use the calculator below to estimate your price based on your home’s size, bathrooms, condition, and the extras your landlord expects, then compare quotes from local cleaners.
Move-Out Cleaning Cost Calculator
Estimate a professional move-out clean in about 60 seconds
$0
Estimate based on 2026 national averages. Prices run higher in large metro areas and lower in rural markets.
How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost?
Professional move-out cleaners typically charge $0.20 to $0.45 per square foot, or roughly $25 to $50 per hour per cleaner. Most companies send a team of two or three, so a 2-bedroom apartment in average condition usually takes a crew two to three hours. Sources including Angi and HomeGuide put the typical total between about $120 and $500.
Move-out cleaning cost by home size
| Home size | Standard move-out clean | Deep clean |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (about 500 sq ft) | $120 – $190 | $190 – $300 |
| 1 bedroom (about 750 sq ft) | $150 – $240 | $230 – $360 |
| 2 bedrooms (about 1,000 sq ft) | $200 – $350 | $300 – $520 |
| 3 bedrooms (about 1,600 sq ft) | $330 – $550 | $490 – $820 |
| 4 bedrooms (about 2,400 sq ft) | $500 – $850 | $750 – $1,250 |
What a standard move-out clean includes
A standard package is built around what landlords check at the walk-through. Expect it to cover:
- Vacuuming and mopping all floors, including closets
- Dusting ledges, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents
- Cleaning and disinfecting toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, and mirrors
- Wiping kitchen counters, cabinet fronts, the sink, and appliance exteriors
- Spot-cleaning switch plates, door handles, and door frames
A deep clean usually costs 50% or more above a standard clean. It adds detail work such as scrubbing baseboards, removing hard-water and soap scum buildup, degreasing the kitchen, and cleaning behind and under appliances. Choose it if the home has not been deep cleaned in a year or more, or if your lease requires “professional cleaning.”
Add-On Costs That Raise Your Total
Many of the items landlords inspect most closely are priced as extras. These are the typical rates used in the calculator above:
| Add-on | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Inside refrigerator | $25 – $75 |
| Inside oven | $25 – $75 |
| Inside cabinets and drawers | $30 – $80 |
| Wall and baseboard wipe-down | $40 – $100 |
| Interior windows | $5 – $10 per window |
| Blinds | $5 – $15 per set |
| Carpet shampooing | $40 – $90 per room |
| Garage sweep-out | $70 – $150 |
| Tile and grout deep cleaning | $250 – $700 |
A few other factors can push a quote up:
- Short notice. Same-day and next-day bookings often carry a 20% to 35% premium, especially at the end of the month.
- Heavy buildup. Pet hair, grease, mold, or smoke residue can add 25% to 50%.
- Location and access. Big-city rates run well above rural rates. Travel fees, paid parking, and walk-up units can add $20 to $50.
- Stuff left behind. Most cleaners will not haul furniture or junk. Price that separately with our junk removal cost calculator, or see our dumpster rental cost calculator for bigger cleanouts.
Is Professional Move-Out Cleaning Worth It?
For renters, the math usually comes down to your security deposit. Landlords can deduct cleaning costs when a unit is not returned in the condition you received it, minus normal wear and tear, and their cleaning charges are often higher than hiring your own crew. A $250 professional clean that protects a $1,500 deposit is usually a good trade, especially if your lease specifically requires professional cleaning.
Doing it yourself makes sense for a small, well-kept apartment if you have the time. Budget $40 to $80 for supplies and plan on roughly one and a half times the labor hours the calculator shows, since a professional crew works faster with better equipment. If carpets need cleaning, renting a carpet cleaner for a day is a cheaper middle ground.
Tip: Ask your landlord for the move-out checklist before you book. Give it to your cleaner, and take date-stamped photos of every room when the job is done.
Cleaning Company vs. Independent Cleaner
| Independent cleaner | Cleaning company | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical rate | $25 – $40 per hour | $40 – $65 per hour per cleaner |
| Supplies | Sometimes extra | Usually included |
| Insurance and bonding | Varies, so ask | Usually carried |
| Pricing flexibility | Often negotiable | Fixed packages |
| Satisfaction guarantee | Varies | Often offers a free re-clean |
An independent cleaner is often the cheaper option for a small, straightforward job. For larger homes, or when your deposit depends on passing an inspection, a company with liability insurance and a re-clean guarantee is often worth the higher rate. Whichever you choose, confirm the price in writing and ask exactly what is included, especially inside appliances and cabinets.
How to Lower Your Move-Out Cleaning Cost
- Book one to two weeks ahead. End-of-month dates fill up quickly, and short-notice pricing adds up fast.
- Empty the home first. Cleaners work fastest in an empty space, and most charge more or leave areas uncleaned when furniture and boxes are still there.
- Do the easy parts yourself. Take out trash, wipe out the fridge, and vacuum, then pay only for the detail work.
- Bundle add-ons with one provider. Carpet, windows, and appliances usually cost less as part of one job than from separate contractors.
- Get at least three quotes. Prices for the same job can vary by 50% or more between local providers.
Gap Between Move-Out and Move-In?
If your new place is not ready when your lease ends, getting your belongings out early lets cleaners work in an empty home and keeps your move on schedule. A nearby self storage unit works well for a few weeks or months. A PODS container lets you load at your old place and have everything delivered to the new one. Use promo code WEBSAVE6 to save 10%, or see all current PODS promo codes.
Move-Out Cleaning FAQ
How much should I pay for a move-out cleaning?
Most move-out cleanings cost $150 to $450. A studio or 1-bedroom apartment is usually $120 to $250. A 3- or 4-bedroom house can cost $330 to $850 for a standard clean, and more for a deep clean with add-ons.
How long does a move-out cleaning take?
A two-person crew typically needs two to three hours for a 2-bedroom apartment and five to eight hours for a larger house, depending on condition and add-ons.
Is move-out cleaning more expensive than regular cleaning?
Yes. Move-out cleaning is more detailed than routine housekeeping because an empty home shows every scuff, dust line, and stain. It typically costs 30% to 100% more than a standard cleaning of the same home.
Should I tip move-out cleaners?
Tipping is not required, but 10% to 20% of the bill, or $20 to $40 per cleaner, is common for a big or especially dirty job.
Can my landlord charge me for cleaning?
In most states, landlords can deduct reasonable cleaning costs from your security deposit if the unit is left dirtier than when you moved in, beyond normal wear and tear. Rules vary by state, so check your lease and local tenant laws.
Easy Storage Search may earn a commission when you use links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Cost figures are national averages as of 2026 and vary by market.