One of the most common questions when starting a cleaning business is: how much do I charge? Charge too little and you work too much for too little. Charge too much and you price yourself out of the market before you start.
Here I give you the real ranges being used in Atlanta and surrounding areas in 2026, based on what established businesses in the area charge.
Three ways to charge
Before talking numbers, understand there are three main ways to structure your prices:
By hour: Charge a fixed rate for each hour of work. Simple, but the client doesn't know how much they'll pay until you finish.
By square foot: Charge based on the size of the house. Predictable for the client, but you need to know how to estimate the time each type of space takes.
Flat rate per service: Charge a fixed price for the type of cleaning. The client knows exactly how much they pay. You need to calculate well to not lose money.
Most established businesses in Atlanta use flat rate because it's easier to sell and clients prefer knowing the price before hiring.
Price ranges in Atlanta (2026)
Standard cleaning (maintenance)
This is regular cleaning — the kind you do weekly or bi-weekly for recurring clients.
| House size | Price range |
|---|---|
| Apartment / 1-2 bedrooms | $80 – $120 |
| Medium house / 3 bedrooms | $120 – $180 |
| Large house / 4+ bedrooms | $180 – $300 |
Deep cleaning
First cleaning or cleaning after a long time without service. Takes double or triple the time.
| House size | Price range |
|---|---|
| Apartment / 1-2 bedrooms | $150 – $250 |
| Medium house / 3 bedrooms | $250 – $400 |
| Large house / 4+ bedrooms | $400 – $600+ |
Move-in / move-out cleaning
When someone moves and needs to leave the house spotless.
| Size | Price range |
|---|---|
| Apartment | $200 – $350 |
| Medium house | $350 – $500 |
| Large house | $500 – $800+ |
By the hour (if you prefer to charge this way)
| Type | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Individual cleaner | $25 – $45/hour |
| Team of 2 people | $50 – $80/hour |
What affects the price
Not all houses are equal. These factors raise or lower the price:
- Condition of the house: A neglected house takes more time than one cleaned regularly
- Pets: Dog or cat hair = more work
- Frequency: Weekly clients pay less per visit than monthly clients
- Extras: Washing windows, cleaning inside refrigerator, cleaning ovens — charged separately
- Area: Alpharetta and Buckhead pay more than Duluth or Norcross
How to calculate your minimum price
Before setting any price, you need to know your real cost per hour. It's not just what you want to earn — it includes:
- Your time (what you want to earn per hour)
- Gas and transportation
- Cleaning products
- Insurance (if you have it)
- Taxes (yes, you have to pay them)
Example: If you want to earn $25/hour net, you probably need to charge $35-40/hour to cover everything else.
Common mistake: charging too cheap to "get clients"
Many start charging $60 for a house that should cost $120, thinking that way they'll get more clients.
The problem: you end up working double for the same money, you burn out, and clients who only look for the cheapest are the ones who complain most and pay late most often.
It's better to start with fair prices and get fewer clients who pay well, than to fill up with underpaid work.
How to know if you're charging right
Two signs your price is right:
- Some clients say no — If everyone says yes, you're probably too cheap
- You have profit left after everything — After gas, products, time, and taxes, you have real money left
Next step
If you have your cleaning business and charge well but nobody finds you on Google, the problem isn't the price — it's visibility.
First is your Google Business profile (it's free). Second is a simple website where the client can see your services and request an estimate.