What house cleaning costs in the Bay Area and Orange County, and what changes the number
A plain guide to house cleaning prices in the Bay Area and Orange County: typical ranges for standard, deep, and move cleans, the four things that move a quote, and how to get an exact price without a phone call.
Ask three cleaning companies in the Bay Area or Orange County for a price and you will get three different answers, three different definitions of “clean,” and at least one request to “come take a look first.” This guide explains what drives the price so you can compare quotes honestly, and it shows how we price so you know what a written quote from Lux will look like.
Typical ranges in the Bay Area and Orange County
Prices vary by company, but for a professionally run, insured service the ranges below are what most Bay Area and Orange County homeowners see in 2026.
| Service | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard clean, studio to 1 bed | $100 to $180 | Kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living area, floors |
| Standard clean, 2 bed | $150 to $240 | Same scope, one to two bathrooms |
| Standard clean, 3 bed | $200 to $320 | Same scope, two to three bathrooms |
| Standard clean, 4 to 5 bed | $280 to $550 | Larger homes, three or more bathrooms |
| Recurring visit | 10 to 20% below standard | Standard scope, shorter because the home is maintained |
| Deep clean | $175 to $1,100 by square footage | Baseboards, grout, fixtures, cabinet fronts, behind furniture |
| Move-in / move-out | Deep clean plus $75 to $200 | Everything in a deep clean plus inside cabinets and appliances |
| Hourly, per housekeeper | $55 to $80 | Partial cleans and task lists, usually with a 3-hour minimum |
Our own ranges are published in full on the pricing page, by bedrooms and square footage for standard cleaning and by square footage for deep cleaning. Each bathroom beyond the first adds $25, and heavy buildup adds $50 to $150. Every figure is an estimate confirmed in writing before a visit.
The four things that move a quote
Bedrooms and bathrooms. Square footage matters less than people expect. A 2,400 square foot home with two bathrooms takes less time than a 2,000 square foot home with four. Bathrooms are the most labor-intensive rooms in any house, so a quote leans on them heavily.
Condition. A home that was cleaned professionally three weeks ago is a maintenance job. A home that has gone a season is a restoration job. Honest companies ask; dishonest ones quote low and add on later. When we ask about condition in the quote form, we are not judging, we are planning the right amount of time.
Frequency. Recurring visits are shorter because the home never falls behind, and the schedule slot is predictable for the housekeeper. Both of those save money, and the saving is passed on. Weekly plans are priced lowest per visit, then bi-weekly, then monthly.
Add-ons. Inside the oven, inside the refrigerator, interior windows, laundry, and similar tasks are not part of a standard clean at any reputable company. They are priced per item, which keeps the base price honest and lets you add only what you want.
Flat rate or hourly?
Flat rates are better for the client on any defined job: a standard, deep, or move clean with a published checklist. You know the price before the visit, and the company carries the risk of the job running long.
Hourly makes sense for partial cleans and task lists, where the scope is yours to set. The important question is whether the company tells you honestly how much fits in the time. We do, and we will say no to a list that does not fit.
Questions to ask any company before you compare prices
- Is the price flat, or could it change on the day?
- Are your cleaners employees or contractors, and are they background-checked?
- Are you insured, and can you send a certificate?
- What exactly is included? Ask for the checklist in writing.
- What happens if I am not happy with something?
If a company cannot answer the fourth question with a document, the price it quotes is not comparable to one that can.
How to get an exact price
The quote form takes about two minutes: the service, bedrooms and bathrooms, the condition of the home, a date, and where to send the quote. You will see an estimated range as you go, and a written quote follows, usually within a few business hours. Nothing is scheduled until you approve it.
