Most house cleaning services in California charge $150 to $300 for a standard cleaning. Hourly rates range from $30 to $60 per cleaner. Big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco cost more than Fresno or Bakersfield.
What Are Average Cleaning Prices in California?
California cleaning prices are higher than most states. The high cost of living and wages push prices up.
A standard home cleaning costs $150 to $300. Smaller homes cost less. Larger homes cost more.
Most cleaners charge by the job or by the hour. Flat-rate pricing is the most common choice.
Standard Cleaning Price Ranges
- Studio or one-bedroom home — $90 to $150
- Two-bedroom home — $120 to $200
- Three-bedroom home — $150 to $280
- Four-bedroom home — $200 to $350
- Five-bedroom home or larger — $300 to $500
How Much Does House Cleaning Cost per Hour in California?
Hourly rates in California range from $30 to $60 per cleaner. Coastal cities charge more than inland cities.
The state minimum wage is $16 per hour. This is higher than the federal rate. Cleaning workers earn well above minimum wage.
Hourly Rates by City
| City | Hourly Rate per Cleaner | Standard Clean (3-Bedroom) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $45 – $65 | $200 – $350 |
| Los Angeles | $35 – $55 | $170 – $300 |
| San Diego | $35 – $50 | $160 – $280 |
| Sacramento | $30 – $45 | $140 – $250 |
| Fresno | $25 – $40 | $120 – $200 |
| Bakersfield | $25 – $38 | $110 – $190 |
San Francisco tops the list. High rents and wages drive prices up there.
Fresno and Bakersfield are the most affordable. Lower living costs keep cleaning prices down.
What Affects Cleaning Prices in California?
Several factors push California prices higher than other states. Here are the main ones.
Cost of Living
California has one of the highest costs of living in the country. Rent, gas, and food all cost more here. Cleaning businesses pass these costs to their clients.
Minimum Wage
The California minimum wage is $16 per hour. Some cities set even higher local rates. San Francisco requires at least $18.67 per hour.
These higher wages raise labor costs for cleaning businesses. Owners must charge more to cover payroll.
Competition
Big cities have many cleaning companies. More competition can push prices down slightly. In smaller towns, fewer cleaners mean higher prices.
Home Size and Condition
Bigger homes cost more to clean. A dirty home takes longer than one cleaned every week. Homes with pets also cost more due to extra hair and mess.
Travel Distance
California traffic adds time between jobs. Cleaners in spread-out areas may charge more. This covers the cost of gas and drive time.
Want to start a cleaning business in California? Read our full California cleaning business startup guide. It covers licenses, insurance, and state rules.
How Much Does Deep Cleaning Cost in California?
Deep cleaning costs more than a standard cleaning. It covers areas that regular cleaning skips.
Expect to pay $250 to $550 for a deep clean in California. The exact price depends on home size and condition.
What Deep Cleaning Includes
- Scrubbing inside the oven — removes grease and baked-on food
- Cleaning behind appliances — reaches hidden dust and grime
- Washing baseboards and door frames — often skipped in standard cleans
- Deep scrubbing bathrooms — tile grout, shower doors, and fixtures
- Cleaning inside cabinets — kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- Washing light fixtures and fans — removes built-up dust
Deep Cleaning Prices by Home Size
- One-bedroom home — $200 to $300
- Two-bedroom home — $250 to $400
- Three-bedroom home — $300 to $500
- Four-bedroom home — $400 to $600
How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost in California?
Move-out cleaning is the most thorough type. It prepares a home for new tenants or buyers.
In California, move-out cleaning costs $300 to $650. Larger homes and very dirty spaces cost more.
What Move-Out Cleaning Includes
- Everything in a deep clean — plus extra detail work
- Cleaning inside all appliances — oven, fridge, dishwasher, and microwave
- Washing all windows inside — includes tracks and sills
- Cleaning all closets and shelves — wiped down and dust-free
- Removing marks from walls — scuffs, fingerprints, and stains
Many landlords require a move-out cleaning. They may deduct the cost from a security deposit if tenants skip it.
How Much Does Commercial Cleaning Cost in California?
Commercial cleaning prices depend on the space type and size. Most commercial cleaners charge per square foot.
California commercial rates run $0.08 to $0.25 per square foot. Offices, retail stores, and medical spaces all have different needs.
Commercial Cleaning Rates by Space Type
| Space Type | Price per Square Foot | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Office (under 3,000 square feet) | $0.10 – $0.25 | $300 – $750 |
| Large Office (3,000 to 10,000 square feet) | $0.08 – $0.18 | $500 – $1,500 |
| Retail Store | $0.10 – $0.20 | $400 – $1,200 |
| Medical Office | $0.15 – $0.30 | $600 – $2,000 |
| Warehouse or Industrial | $0.05 – $0.12 | $300 – $1,000 |
Medical offices cost the most. They need special cleaning and disinfection steps.
Warehouses cost the least per square foot. They have fewer surfaces to clean.
How Do California Cleaning Prices Compare to National Averages?
California prices run 20 to 40 percent above the national average. Higher wages and costs of living explain the gap.
California Compared to National Averages
| Service Type | California Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cleaning (3-Bedroom) | $180 – $300 | $130 – $220 |
| Hourly Rate per Cleaner | $35 – $55 | $25 – $40 |
| Deep Cleaning | $300 – $500 | $200 – $400 |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $350 – $600 | $250 – $450 |
| Commercial (per Square Foot) | $0.10 – $0.22 | $0.07 – $0.15 |
The gap is largest in coastal cities. San Francisco prices can be double the national average.
Inland California prices are closer to national rates. Fresno and Bakersfield are only 10 to 15 percent above average.
How Should You Price Your Cleaning Business in California?
Setting the right price is key to running a profitable business. Charge too little and you lose money. Charge too much and you lose clients.
Research Your Local Market
Check what other cleaners charge in your city. Call five to ten local companies. Ask about their rates for standard and deep cleans.
This gives you a clear picture of local prices. Use that data to set your own rates.
Cover Your Costs First
Add up all your costs before setting a price. Include these items:
- Labor — pay at least $18 to $22 per hour to keep good workers in California
- Supplies — cleaning products, tools, and replacements
- Insurance — general liability and workers' compensation
- Travel — gas, vehicle wear, and drive time between jobs
- Taxes — California state tax and federal tax
- Profit margin — aim for 20 to 30 percent profit on each job
Choose a Pricing Method
Most California cleaners use flat-rate pricing. It is simple for clients to understand. Hourly pricing works well for first-time deep cleans where the mess is unknown.
Read our full guide on how to price cleaning services for more detail.
Adjust for Your City
Your prices should match local demand. A cleaner in San Francisco charges more than one in Fresno. Both can be equally profitable if costs match.
Use our free cleaning price calculator to find the right rate for your area. It factors in your costs and local market rates.