Cleaning prices in Washington, DC
| Job | Typical local price | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Studio, standard clean | $100 – $140 | per visit |
| 2-bed, 1-bath standard clean | $105 – $145 | per visit |
| 3-bed, 2-bath standard clean | $175 – $240 | per visit |
| 4-bed, 3-bath standard clean | $255 – $355 | per visit |
| 2-bed, 1-bath deep clean | $210 – $290 | per visit |
| 3-bed, 2-bath deep clean | $350 – $480 | per visit |
| 1-bed move-out clean | $185 – $255 | per visit |
| 2-bed move-out clean | $245 – $335 | per visit |
| 3-bed move-out clean | $400 – $550 | per visit |
| 3 rooms, carpet cleaning | $155 – $245 | per visit |
All prices are per visit and computed from the same model as the calculator on this page, scaled by Washington metro cleaner wages (BLS OEWS 2025). Minimum call-out charges are already applied.
Cleaner wages in Washington
The median hourly wage for maids and housekeeping cleaners in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area is $18.19, against a national median of $17.56 (BLS OEWS 2025, occupation 37-2012). That puts local cleaning labor 4% above the U.S. average, so the labor-driven prices on this page are about 104% of the national figure.
Source: BLS OEWS 2025, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (area 47900). Metro-wide figure; cities inside a metro can differ.
How Washington compares with nearby metros
| Metro area | 3-bed standard | 3-bed deep | 2-bed move-out | vs U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | $160 – $220 | $320 – $440 | $225 – $305 | -5% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $165 – $225 | $330 – $450 | $230 – $315 | -3% |
| Richmond, VA | $155 – $210 | $310 – $425 | $215 – $295 | -8% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $145 – $195 | $285 – $395 | $200 – $275 | -15% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $150 – $205 | $295 – $410 | $205 – $285 | -12% |
Prices per visit. Each metro is priced from its own BLS wage figure, not a statewide average.
Security deposit rules in District of Columbia
If you are cleaning to get a deposit back in District of Columbia: the landlord must return the deposit or send an itemized statement 45 days after move-out. Maximum deposit: 1 month's rent. Cleaning deductions: Not specified.
Full District of Columbia deposit rule and the statute it comes from →
What changes the price in Washington
- Home size and bathrooms. Bathrooms take the longest per square foot; each extra one adds about half an hour.
- Cleaning type. A deep clean takes roughly twice the labor of a standard clean, and a move-out clean about 2.3 times.
- Condition and pets. A home that has not been cleaned in months takes 30-50% longer; pets add about 10%.
- Frequency. Recurring visits are faster, so cleaners price them lower per visit.
- Inside appliances, cabinets and interior windows are add-ons in a standard clean and are included in most move-out quotes.
Why local prices differ from the national figure
Labor is most of a cleaning bill. In the Washington metro the median cleaner wage is 4% above the national median, so the labor-driven prices on this page are about 104% of the national figure. Materials and equipment are only partly wage-sensitive, which is why per-room and per-square-foot services move less than hourly labor does.
Every price on this page comes from the same model as the calculator above. Last recalculated October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does house cleaning cost in Washington?
A 3-bedroom, 2-bath standard clean runs $175–$240 per visit here, based on local cleaner wages from BLS OEWS. Use the calculator above with your own square footage and cleaning type for a closer figure.
Is cleaning cheaper in the suburbs around Washington?
Sometimes. Cleaning prices follow local wages, and outlying metros can price well below the central city. The comparison table above lists nearby metros priced the same way.
How much is a move-out clean in Washington?
It depends on the size of the home and whether the inside of appliances and cabinets is included. The local price table above lists 1, 2 and 3-bedroom move-out ranges for Washington.
Do I need a receipt or invoice from my cleaner in Washington?
If cleaning comes out of a security deposit, an invoice showing what was cleaned is the clearest evidence. Our free invoice generator writes one with your business details.
What does District of Columbia law say about getting the deposit back?
The state sets a deadline for returning the deposit or an itemized statement. Our state rules page links the statute for District of Columbia.