The 2026 House Cleaning Price Guide

Stop guessing about house cleaning prices. Explore our transparent breakdown of local rates in this comprehensive house cleaning price guide—from standard upkeep to deep cleans—and find the perfect service for your budget.

Understanding the Market

The 2026 Austin Pricing Landscape

To understand pricing, you must first understand who you’re hiring.
The Austin market is split into three distinct service providers:

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Independent Contractor

$30 – $50 per hour

Individuals finding work via Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

National Franchise

$140 – $250 per visit

Big-box corporate chains with standardized checklists.

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Local Professional Agency

$50 – $90 per hour

Locally owned businesses with professional insurance and a personal touch.

Understanding the Market

Why Does One Cleaner Charge $30 and Another $90?

Insurance

Professional agencies carry million-dollar liability policies. If an uninsured cleaner damages your home, you could be financially responsible.

Living Wages

Companies that pay living wages have lower staff turnover—meaning you see the same trusted faces in your home, rather than a revolving door of strangers.

Who Should NOT Hire a Professional Agency?

We value transparency. If your absolute top priority is the lowest possible dollar amount, and you’re comfortable assuming liability risks, an independent contractor may be your best fit.

 

However, if you prioritize security and quality, the “cheapest” option often becomes the most expensive.

Understanding the Market

"Hidden" Fees (And Why We Share Them Upfront)

“Variable” costs are a reality in the cleaning industry. Legitimate businesses incur real expenses when dealing with excessive pet hair, initial deep cleans, or lost time. The problem isn’t that these fees exist—it’s that many competitors hide them.

 

When comparing quotes, always ask other providers about these common industry costs so you aren’t hit with a surprise invoice later.

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Initial "Deep Cleans"

The first visit requires extra time to get your home to professional maintenance standards. They typically cost 50-75% more than recurring service plans.

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Weekend Fees

Service premiums usually apply to weekend bookings.
This allows employers the ability to cover additional staffing and overtime costs.

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Lockout Fees

If a cleaning team arrives and cannot enter your home, a fee equal to 50% of the scheduled service cost is usually applied to to cover lost time and travel.

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Pet Surcharges

We love your four-legged family members! To cover the extra care and time needed to remove pet hair from your home, expect a small surcharge between $10-$30.

2026 Market Estimates

Market Price Ranges for Austin Homes

Visualize your budget with these estimated market ranges for common Austin area homes in 2026.

The Downtown Condo

1 Bed / 1 Bath, 750 sq. ft.

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Market Price

$90 – $150

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Time Estimate

1.5 – 2 Hours

Standard Maintenance

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The Family Home

3 Bed / 2 Bath, 2,000 sq. ft.

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Market Price

$180 – $225

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Time Estimate

2 – 2.5 Hours

Bi-Weekly Recurring

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The Move-Out

Empty Home, 2,500 sq. ft.

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Market Price

$350 – $550+

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Time Estimate

4 – 6+ Hours

Deep Clean + Interiors

The Logical Choice

Why The Boardwalk Cleaning Co. Stands Out

After analyzing the market risks and rates, we solve the common frustrations homeowners face with both cheap contractors and rigid franchises.

Solving the "Hidden Fee" Problem

We believe in total clarity. Instead of confusing tiers, we offer a simple, transparent rate: $90-$95 per hour for a team of two professional maids with all supplies and equipment. No surprise upsells at your door.

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Solving the "Risk" Problem

We combine the care of a local business with the security of a large corporation. Every employee is background-checked and covered by liability insurance.

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Solving the "Chemical" Problem

While many competitors charge $10–$25 extra for "green" supplies, we include eco-friendly products as standard. Your family's health shouldn't be an expensive add-on.

The Best Choice

The Boardwalk Difference

Why Austin homeowners choose us for a stress-free experience:

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Total Peace of Mind

We take care of all insurance, taxes, and liability, so you never have to worry about the risks of being an "employer."

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A Team You Can Trust

Every team member is professionally trained, background-checked, and committed to our high standards of care.

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The "Little Things" Matter

We don’t just "surface clean." We focus on the meticulous details—like baseboards and light switches—that make your home truly shine.

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Local Support, Always

Our friendly Austin-based office team is just a phone call away to ensure your experience is seamless from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

While market averages for a standard clean range between $120 and $250 per visit, pricing models vary. At The Boardwalk Cleaning Co., we charge a flat rate of $90 per hour for Standard Cleaning and $95 per hour for Deep or Move-In/Move-Out services. This covers a team of two fully equipped, insured professionals.
A standard clean includes dusting all surfaces (ceiling fans, lamps, furniture), vacuuming and mopping floors, emptying trash, and thoroughly sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens (counters, sinks, toilets, and showers). For homes not cleaned professionally in over a month, a Deep Clean is recommended.
A Standard Clean covers routine maintenance (vacuuming, mopping, dusting accessible surfaces). A Deep Clean includes hand-wiping baseboards, ceiling fans, and detailed scrubbing of build-up. For new clients, we typically recommend a Deep Clean to establish a baseline of cleanliness.
No, you do not need to be home. Most Austin homeowners prefer to be away to let the cleaners work efficiently. You can provide a spare key, door code, or lockbox instructions. All our employees are fully background-checked and insured.
It depends on the company. Professional services like The Boardwalk Cleaning Co. arrive fully equipped with all necessary supplies and commercial-grade equipment, including eco-friendly products that are safe for pets and children.
Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated for exceptional work. In the Austin area, a standard tip ranges from 10% to 20% of the total service cost.
A Deep Clean is for furnished homes and focuses on top-to-bottom detailing. A Move-Out Clean is for empty homes and includes the interiors of cabinets, drawers, ovens, and refrigerators to ensure you get your security deposit back.
Yes. Unlike many independent contractors, we are a fully professional agency carrying full liability insurance, protecting you from financial risk in the rare event of an accident or damage.
We stand behind our quality with a 24-Hour Cleaning Warranty. If you aren’t 100% happy with any area we cleaned, let us know within 24 hours, and we’ll return to re-clean it for free—no questions asked.
We accept all major credit cards. Typically, we require a 50% deposit to reserve your appointment, with the rest due upon completion. If you book directly through our website, the full amount will be charged upfront.
We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for any changes. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are subject to a cancellation fee (typically 50% of the service cost) to compensate our staff for their lost time.
Absolutely. All our staff are W-2 employees who undergo rigorous background checks and training. We are fully insured for your peace of mind.

Ready for a Cleaner Home Without
the Guesswork?

Experience the difference of a cleaning service that prioritizes transparency and quality.