How Much Do Cleaning Services Cost in Iowa?

Most house cleaning services in Iowa charge $100 to $220 for a standard cleaning. Hourly rates range from $22 to $40 per cleaner. Iowa prices are below the national average due to the state's low cost of living.

What Are Average Cleaning Prices in Iowa?

Cleaning prices in Iowa are below the national average. The low cost of living and affordable housing keep prices accessible for homeowners.

Here is what most Iowa cleaning services charge:

Recurring clients pay less per visit. They keep your schedule steady and reduce your marketing costs.

How Much Does House Cleaning Cost per Hour in Iowa?

Hourly rates change by city. Bigger cities tend to charge more. Smaller cities and rural areas cost less.

Here are hourly rates for major Iowa cities:

West Des Moines and Iowa City has the highest rates. West Des Moines is an affluent suburb. Iowa City has a university-driven economy with higher-than-average incomes.

Davenport has the lowest rates. The Quad Cities area has a lower cost of living and more competition across the state line with Illinois.

What Affects Cleaning Prices in Iowa?

Several things change what you can charge. Knowing these helps you set the right price.

• Home size — larger homes take more time and cost more to clean
• Number of rooms — more bedrooms and bathrooms raise the price
• Level of dirt — homes that have not been cleaned in months cost more
• Pets — pet hair and dander add extra work and time
• Location — big cities cost more than small towns
• Supplies — bringing your own products lets you charge a small fee
• Frequency — weekly clients get a lower rate than one-time clients

Iowa has a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, the federal minimum. Most cleaning businesses pay $13 to $17 per hour to attract quality workers. The low cost of living helps keep labor costs manageable.

How Much Does Deep Cleaning Cost in Iowa?

Deep cleaning costs more than a standard cleaning. It covers areas that regular cleanings skip.

Most deep cleans in Iowa cost $215 to $420. A larger home costs more.

What Deep Cleaning Includes

• Inside ovens and refrigerators — scrubbing grease and stuck-on food
• Baseboards and window sills — wiping dust and grime buildup
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans — removing layers of dust
• Behind and under furniture — cleaning hidden dust and dirt
• Tile grout and shower doors — scrubbing mildew and soap scum
• Cabinet fronts — cleaning fingerprints and grease

Deep cleaning usually takes 4 to 8 hours. Most cleaners charge a flat rate instead of an hourly rate for this service.

Many clients book a deep clean as their first visit. After that, they switch to a regular cleaning schedule.

How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost in Iowa?

Move-out cleaning is one of the most profitable services. Tenants need a clean home to get their deposit back. Landlords need it ready for the next tenant.

Most move-out cleanings in Iowa cost $245 to $460. Empty homes are easier to clean, but clients expect spotless results.

What Move-Out Cleaning Includes

• All rooms cleaned top to bottom — walls, floors, and ceilings
• Kitchen deep clean — oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher inside and out
• Bathroom deep clean — tubs, toilets, and tile grout
• Closets and storage areas — shelves wiped and floors mopped
• Windows inside — glass, tracks, and sills
• Garage sweep — optional add-on for $50 to $100

Iowa has large college towns like Iowa City and Ames that create seasonal move-out cleaning demand. The rental market is steady in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids as well.

How Much Does Commercial Cleaning Cost in Iowa?

Commercial cleaning covers offices, retail stores, and other business spaces. Prices are based on square footage.

Most commercial cleaning in Iowa costs $0.06 to $0.16 per square foot.

Common Commercial Cleaning Rates

• Small office (under 2,000 square feet) — $160 – $400 per month
• Medium office (2,000 to 5,000 square feet) — $340 – $820 per month
• Large office (over 5,000 square feet) — $680 – $1,700 per month
• Retail store — $270 – $660 per month
• Medical office — $400 – $1,150 per month

Commercial clients pay monthly. They sign contracts and provide steady income. This makes commercial cleaning great for growth.

Not sure which model fits you? Read our guide on residential versus commercial cleaning.

How Do Iowa Cleaning Prices Compare to National Averages?

Iowa cleaning prices are below the national average, reflecting the state's affordable cost of living.

Here is how Iowa compares to national averages:

Iowa prices run 13 to 27 percent below national averages. The stable economy and low unemployment mean consistent demand. Focus on building recurring clients for steady revenue.

How Should You Price Your Cleaning Business in Iowa?

Setting the right price is one of the hardest parts. Price too low and you lose money. Price too high and you lose clients.

Step 1: Know Your Costs

Add up all your business costs first. Include supplies, gas, insurance, and your time. Your price must cover these costs and leave you a profit.

Iowa homes tend to be larger than the national average. Many have basements that add significant cleaning area. Price based on total cleanable square footage, including finished basements.

Step 2: Research Your Local Market

Check what other cleaners charge in your city. Call a few competitors or look at their websites. Your prices should be close to the market rate.

Step 3: Choose a Pricing Method

• Flat rate — one price for the whole job, based on home size
• Hourly rate — charge by the hour, good for unpredictable jobs
• Per room — charge a set price for each room cleaned
• Per square foot — best for commercial clients

Most residential cleaners use flat rates. Clients like knowing the total cost upfront. Use our guide on how to price cleaning services for step-by-step help.

Step 4: Offer Recurring Discounts

Give weekly clients 10 to 15 percent off. Give biweekly clients 5 to 10 percent off. These discounts fill your schedule and cut marketing costs.

Step 5: Review Your Prices Regularly

Check your prices every six months. Raise them if your costs go up. Most clients accept small raises without complaint.