After helping hundreds of Austin homeowners find reliable house cleaning services, I’ve seen every pricing trick and hidden fee in the book. The hourly cost of house cleaning in Austin ranges from $23.21 to $38.68 per hour, with most homeowners paying around $30.94. But here’s what nobody tells you upfront: that rate includes way more than just labor.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows cleaning workers earn $15.47 per hour, but you’re paying double or more because that rate covers business insurance, commercial-grade supplies, vehicle costs, and company overhead. Understanding this breakdown helps you spot legitimate services versus fly-by-night operations.
Living in Austin’s humid subtropical climate means dealing with extra dust from construction booms and allergens year-round. This affects both cleaning frequency and costs - something I’ll break down completely below.
Cost of Biweekly House Cleaning Services
Biweekly cleaning is Austin’s sweet spot for busy professionals and families. Most homes in neighborhoods like Mueller and Circle C Ranch fall into the 1,500-2,500 square foot range, making biweekly service both practical and affordable.
| Home Size | Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 BR Apartment | $80 | $110 | $140 |
| 3 BR House | $120 | $160 | $200 |
| 4+ BR House | $180 | $240 | $300 |
The biweekly house cleaning cost works out better than weekly service for most Austin families. You’ll save 15-20% compared to weekly rates while maintaining a consistently clean home. Companies offer this discount because they can schedule more efficiently and build predictable routes through neighborhoods like Tarrytown and East Austin.
Expect to pay premium rates during SXSW and ACL festival seasons when demand spikes and many services get booked solid weeks in advance.
Move In Cleaning Service Costs
Austin’s competitive housing market means move-in cleaning is essential - you’re often dealing with homes that sat empty or were hastily cleaned between showings. The move in cleaning service cost runs significantly higher than regular cleaning because of the deep-clean requirements.
| Service Type | Studio/1BR | 2-3 BR | 4+ BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Move-in | $150-200 | $200-300 | $300-450 |
| Deep Move-in | $200-280 | $280-420 | $420-600 |
| Post-renovation | $300-400 | $400-600 | $600-900 |
Move-in cleaning includes inside appliances, cabinet interiors, baseboards, and often some light fixture cleaning. In Austin’s older neighborhoods like Hyde Park, expect to pay toward the higher end due to accumulated grime and the need for specialized cleaning of historic home features.
Book move-in cleaning at least two weeks ahead, especially during peak moving season (May through September) when Austin’s student population and tech workers relocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does house cleaning cost in Austin?
Austin house cleaning costs $23-39 per hour or $80-300 per visit depending on home size and service type. A typical 3-bedroom house runs $120-200 for biweekly cleaning. Rates vary by neighborhood - expect to pay more in West Lake Hills or downtown compared to outlying areas. Festival seasons (SXSW, ACL) can increase prices 20-30% due to demand. One-time deep cleans cost more than regular maintenance cleaning, and move-in services are the most expensive option.
What factors affect house cleaning prices in Austin?
Home size is the biggest factor, but Austin-specific issues matter too. Homes near construction zones (common in East Austin and Mueller) need more frequent dusting. Pet hair from outdoor cats and dogs costs extra due to our year-round outdoor weather. Neighborhoods with older homes like Clarksville often require more detailed cleaning of original hardwood and tile. Company insurance levels, employee background checks, and supply quality also affect pricing. Expect 15-20% higher rates from bonded, insured companies versus unlicensed services.
Is biweekly cleaning worth it compared to monthly service?
Absolutely, especially in Austin’s climate. Our humidity and constant construction dust means monthly cleaning lets grime build up too much. Biweekly service costs about 60% more than monthly but delivers much better results. Your home stays consistently clean, and each cleaning session is faster since there’s less buildup. Most Austin families with kids or pets find biweekly hits the sweet spot between cost and cleanliness. Monthly works fine for empty nesters or people who travel frequently for work.
When’s the best time to schedule house cleaning in Austin?
Avoid festival seasons (March for SXSW, October for ACL) when prices spike and availability drops. Summer months bring higher rates due to increased dust and allergens requiring more thorough cleaning. Best value is January through February and late November when demand is lowest. For weekly or biweekly service, mid-week slots cost less than Fridays or Mondays. Book recurring service in December for January start dates to lock in better rates before spring demand hits.
Insurance and Guarantees You Actually Need
Austin’s cleaning industry has zero licensing requirements, making insurance your only protection. Legitimate companies carry general liability ($1M minimum) and bonding to cover theft. Many budget services operating out of apartments or offering storage units services on the side skip this coverage entirely.
Ask for certificate of insurance before any cleaning. Companies should also guarantee their work - most offer free return visits within 24-48 hours if you’re unsatisfied. Avoid services that demand payment upfront or only accept cash.
Workers’ compensation matters too. If an uninsured cleaner gets hurt in your home, your homeowner’s insurance could be liable. This is why legitimate services cost more - they’re covering real business expenses that protect you.
Seasonal Timing and Austin-Specific Considerations
Austin’s cedar fever season (December-February) means more frequent cleaning for allergy sufferers. Many homeowners add monthly deep cleans during this period, increasing costs by $50-100 per session.
Spring brings construction dust from our never-ending development boom. Homes in rapidly growing areas like Mueller and Circle C need more frequent window and surface cleaning. Summer’s extreme heat means cleaning crews work earlier hours, sometimes affecting scheduling flexibility.
Festival seasons create massive demand spikes. SXSW week sees 40-50% rate increases, and many services stop taking new clients. ACL weekend has similar effects. Book these periods months in advance or expect to pay premium emergency rates.
DIY vs Professional: The Real Austin Math
DIY cleaning supplies cost $30-50 monthly for quality products. Add 6-8 hours weekly for thorough cleaning of an average Austin home, and you’re looking at substantial time investment.
Professional biweekly cleaning runs $160-200 for most homes but saves 12-16 hours monthly. At Austin’s median income levels, many families find the time savings worth the cost. Factor in professional equipment, liability coverage, and guaranteed results, and the value proposition becomes clear.
DIY makes sense for studio apartments, minimal-use homes, or tight budgets under $3,000 monthly household income. For busy families or larger homes, professional service usually pencils out better.
Hidden Costs and Surprise Fees
“Supplies included” often means basic products only. Specialty cleaners for granite, hardwood, or delicate surfaces cost extra. Pet hair removal, inside oven cleaning, and garage organization aren’t typically included in standard rates.
Travel fees apply outside central Austin - expect $10-25 extra for service to Pflugerville, Cedar Park, or Buda. Holiday scheduling (cleaning before parties) costs 25-50% more. Same-day or emergency cleaning doubles standard rates.
Always clarify what’s included upfront. Legitimate companies provide detailed service lists and transparent pricing. If they can’t explain exactly what you’re paying for, find someone who can.
Money-Saving Strategies That Work
Bundle services for better rates - many companies offer discounts when you combine house cleaning with duct cleaning services or other home maintenance. Refer neighbors for credit toward future cleanings.
Prep work saves money. Pick up clutter, load dishwashers, and clear surfaces before cleaners arrive. Most services charge extra for organizing and basic tidying that isn’t actual cleaning.
Lock in annual contracts during slow seasons for 10-15% discounts. Pay quarterly instead of per-service for another 5-10% off. Consider monthly service if your home stays relatively clean - the per-visit cost drops significantly.
Compare services in nearby cities too - Fort Worth house cleaning costs and El Paso house cleaning costs can provide context for Austin pricing.
What You Should Actually Pay
For reliable, insured service in Austin, expect $25-35 per hour as the realistic range. Anything under $20 per hour raises red flags about insurance, employee background checks, or service quality. Premium services in wealthy neighborhoods might hit $40+ per hour but should deliver notably better results.
The hourly cost of house cleaning reflects real business costs in Austin’s competitive market. Companies charging appropriate rates can afford proper insurance, quality employees, and professional equipment. Those rock-bottom prices usually mean cut corners somewhere important.
Budget $120-180 monthly for biweekly service in most Austin homes. Factor in occasional deep cleans, holiday premium rates, and tip money (10-15% for exceptional service). This investment typically pays for itself in time savings and stress reduction for busy Austin households.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.