Cost guide · Updated Aug 9, 2026
House cleaning cost in New York in 2026
A standard clean of a 2-bedroom apartment in New York runs $170 to $290 in 2026 — median around $215 for roughly three hours of work. Walk-up floors, doorman check-in time, and the sheer density of the appointment book all move the number more than square footage does.
Typical range
$170 – $290
~$215 for a standard 2-BR clean · ~3 hrs
By scope
| Scope | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-BR standard clean | $120 – $190 | 2–2.5 hrs |
| 2-BR standard clean | $170 – $290 | ~3 hrs |
| 2-BR deep clean (first visit) | $300 – $480 | 5–6 hrs |
| Hourly reference | $45 – $75 / hr per cleaner | 3-hour minimum common |
What swings the price
- Walk-up floors — a fifth-floor unit costs a cleaner twenty minutes of stairs before the first surface.
- Frequency — weekly service runs 20–30% below the one-time rate per visit.
- Supplies — bring-your-own-product services charge $15–$30 less than full-service.
- Pets, especially long-haired cats and dogs, which add 30–45 minutes of vacuuming and lint work.
- Building check-in — doorman logs, service entrances, and freight elevators eat billable time.
New York specifics
New York pricing is quoted by apartment size, not square feet, and that hides the real driver: prewar layouts have far more surface area per square foot than a new-build studio. Radiator covers, transoms, deep window wells, and crown molding in a Prewar Upper West Side one-bedroom take longer than an entire glass-walled unit in a Long Island City tower. Tell the service the building age when you request a quote; it predicts the hours better than the bedroom count.
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FAQs
How much does a house cleaner cost per hour in New York?
$45–$75 per hour per cleaner, with a three-hour minimum standard. Independent cleaners sit at the low end; insured agencies with W-2 staff and supplied products sit at the top.
How much should I tip a cleaner in NYC?
$10–$20 per visit for recurring service, or 15–20% of the total for a one-time deep clean. Tipping is customary here and matters most for independents, who are absorbing their own supplies and transit costs.
Is it cheaper to book weekly or every other week?
Per visit, weekly is cheapest — often 20–30% below a one-time rate — because the apartment never gets far from clean. Monthly costs the most per visit and frequently requires a deep-clean surcharge. Biweekly is the usual middle.
Do NYC cleaners bring their own supplies?
Agencies typically do; independents often ask you to stock products and a vacuum. Bring-your-own-supplies arrangements run $15–$30 cheaper per visit but mean you are responsible for having what the job needs on hand.
What is not included in a standard NYC clean?
Inside the oven and fridge, interior windows above reach, wall washing, and organizing are add-ons almost everywhere. A standard visit is surfaces, floors, kitchen, bathrooms, and trash. Ask for the checklist in writing before the first visit.
Sources
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Prices refresh quarterly. Last review: Aug 9, 2026.