Airbnb cleaning costs depend on five key factors: property size, location, cleaning frequency, service provider, and additional services. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Property Size: Larger homes cost more to clean due to increased time and effort. A 1-bedroom property averages $30-$135, while 4+ bedrooms can cost $155-$500.
- Location: Urban and tourist areas have higher cleaning fees (20-50% more) than rural locations due to labor costs and demand.
- Cleaning Frequency: Regular cleanings (daily, weekly) reduce per-cleaning costs by 5-25%, while one-time services cost more.
- Service Provider: Professional companies charge $120-$150 per cleaning, while independent cleaners cost $20-$90 per hour.
- Additional Services: Extras like laundry, deep cleaning, or pool maintenance can increase costs by 15-150%.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Factor | Cost Impact | Examples/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Property Size | Larger homes = Higher costs | $30-$500 depending on size |
| Location | Urban/Tourist = +20-50%; Rural = -15-30% | NYC: $65-$150; Rural: $30-$80 |
| Cleaning Frequency | Regular = 5-25% lower per cleaning | Daily/Weekly cheaper than one-time |
| Service Provider | Professional = $120-$150; Independent = $20-$90/hr | Flexible vs. bundled services |
| Additional Services | 15-150% increase | Laundry, deep cleaning, pool upkeep |
Understanding these factors helps Airbnb hosts set fair cleaning fees, manage costs, and maintain guest satisfaction.
Airbnb Cleanings: How to Price & Schedule
1. Size of Property
The size of a property plays a big role in determining Airbnb cleaning costs. Bigger properties take more time, effort, and resources to clean properly, which leads to higher cleaning fees.
| Property Size | Average Cleaning Time | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | 1.5 hours | $30-135 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 2.5 hours | $90-155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 4.5 hours | $130-200 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 6+ hours | $155-500 |
Features like pools, hot tubs, or large shared spaces add to the cost since they need extra cleaning time and effort [1][6]. Cleaning larger properties involves more work, such as wiping down additional surfaces, mopping larger floor areas, and handling extra furniture.
The size of common areas also affects pricing. Professional cleaners take these factors into account when setting fees for larger homes [6][3].
Knowing how property size impacts cleaning costs helps hosts set reasonable fees that match the amount of work required. While size is a major factor, location also plays an important role in determining cleaning expenses.
2. Location of Property
Your Airbnb's location plays a big role in cleaning costs, beyond just the size of the property. Cleaning fees in urban areas are typically 20-50% higher than those in rural locations, due to differences in labor costs, competition, and seasonal demand [7][4].
| Location Type | Cost Impact | Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Major Cities (NYC, SF) | +30-50% above average | High labor costs, intense competition |
| Tourist Destinations | +20-35% above average | Seasonal demand, limited workforce |
| Suburban Areas | Average baseline | Balanced supply and demand |
| Rural Areas | -15-30% below average | Lower operating costs, reduced demand |
In high-cost-of-living cities, these differences become even more obvious [1][7]. Tourist hotspots experience seasonal spikes, like beach towns in summer or ski areas in winter, which can push cleaning costs higher [7].
A 2022 study revealed that the median cleaning fee for a one-night stay was $75, often accounting for 20-30% of the booking price [5]. To keep costs manageable, hosts can compare local rates and work with cleaning services offering competitive deals.
While location has a big impact on costs, how often you schedule cleanings is another important factor to consider.
3. Cleaning Frequency
Scheduling cleanings regularly can save money compared to sporadic or one-time services. A consistent schedule helps cleaning teams manage resources better, offering lower rates and ensuring your property stays in top shape.
| Cleaning Schedule | Cost Impact | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | 15-25% lower per cleaning | Streamlined workflow, efficient resource use |
| Weekly | 10-20% lower per cleaning | Keeps property in good condition, avoids buildup |
| Bi-weekly | 5-15% lower per cleaning | Balances cost with upkeep needs |
| Monthly/Irregular | Standard rates | Costs more per cleaning, often requires deeper cleaning |
| One-time | 10-20% premium | Extra setup and scheduling effort |
Sticking to a regular cleaning plan not only helps keep costs manageable but also ensures your property is always guest-ready. During busy seasons, you might need more frequent cleanings, which could affect your overall expenses [7]. A predictable cleaning routine also makes it easier to plan and control operational costs [1][4].
Several factors influence how often you should schedule cleanings:
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4. Choice of Service Provider
Picking the right cleaning service provider is key to managing costs and maintaining quality for Airbnb turnovers. On average, cleaning fees account for less than 10% of reservation costs but can climb as high as 25%, depending on the provider [5].
Your choice of provider directly affects pricing. Professional cleaning companies typically charge between $120-$150 per cleaning for 1-2 bedroom properties. They offer reliable, all-inclusive services but come at a higher price. On the other hand, independent cleaners charge $20-$90 per hour, giving you more flexibility but often lacking specialized Airbnb services.
| Service Provider Type | Average Cost Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Companies | $120-150 per cleaning | Bundled services, consistent results |
| Independent Cleaners | $20-90 per hour | Flexible scheduling, pay-per-hour |
Factors like service scope, reliability, and scheduling flexibility also play a role in costs. Professional companies often include extras like laundry services and ensure availability, even during busy seasons, which helps avoid issues like re-cleans or unhappy guests. Independent cleaners, while more flexible, may not always be available during peak times [3].
Tools like Find Airbnb Cleaning Services make it easier to compare costs and find trustworthy providers. While choosing a service provider is an important step, don’t forget that additional services can also influence your total cleaning expenses.
5. Additional Services Offered
Additional services can play a big role in shaping your Airbnb cleaning expenses [3].
Here’s a quick look at common extra services and their usual costs:
| Service Type | Cost Range | Impact on Total Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry Services | $10-25 per load | 15-25% increase |
| Deep Cleaning | 2.5x standard rate | 150% increase |
| Hot Tub/Pool Maintenance | $50-100 per service | 30-40% increase |
| Supply Restocking | Cost of items + 20% markup | 10-15% increase |
For example, if your standard cleaning fee is $125, adding deep cleaning could push it up to $312.50. Laundry for a two-bedroom space might add another $50 [3] [5].
Property-specific needs also affect costs. Luxury homes with amenities like pools or hot tubs often require specialized services, while a standard apartment might only need basic cleaning [7]. Additionally, cleaners in big cities tend to charge more for extras compared to those in smaller towns [7].
"Aim to use the cleaning fee to cover the expense of cleaning – not to make additional money", Airbnb advises in a memo to hosts [5].
To keep costs manageable:
- Look for Bundled Services: Many cleaning companies offer packages that combine multiple services at a reduced rate.
- Plan Seasonal Deep Cleaning: Instead of deep cleaning after every guest, consider doing it quarterly.
Make sure to clearly specify which services are included in your base cleaning fee to avoid misunderstandings with guests [7].
Being aware of these extra costs allows hosts to better manage their budgets and make smarter decisions.
Conclusion
Knowing what drives cleaning costs - like property size, location, frequency of cleanings, the service provider, and extra services - helps hosts balance fair fees with profitability and guest satisfaction. Cleaning fees typically make up 20-30% of listing prices, playing a big role in hosting expenses [5].
To manage cleaning costs effectively without sacrificing quality, hosts can:
- Study local markets to set rates that match guest expectations [2].
- Combine services smartly to cut costs by 15-20% annually [3].
- Work with specialized Airbnb cleaning providers for consistent, reliable results.
Find Airbnb Cleaning Services connects hosts with experts in vacation rental cleaning, ensuring professional standards are met every time.
Being upfront with guests about cleaning fees and what they cover is key. Investing in quality cleaning services not only protects your property but also boosts guest satisfaction, leading to better reviews - something every host needs for long-term success in the Airbnb market.
Next, we'll tackle some frequently asked questions about Airbnb cleaning fees.
FAQs
How much does a cleaning service cost for an Airbnb?
The cost of cleaning an Airbnb varies widely depending on the size of the property and its location. While smaller properties generally have lower base rates, factors like location and extra amenities can significantly affect the final price.
| Property Size | Time Required | Base Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 BR Condo | 1.5 hours | $30-135 |
| 2-3 BR House | 2.5-4 hours | $50-225 |
| 4+ BR House | 5+ hours | $100-450 |
Location plays a big role in pricing. For example, urban areas like New York City typically range from $65-150, while rural areas, such as parts of Arkansas, average $30-80 [8]. Features like hot tubs, pools, or pet-friendly policies can increase costs by 20-40%.
Knowing the typical costs is helpful, but it's just as important to learn how to set cleaning fees that work for your specific property.
How much should I charge to clean an Airbnb?
To determine a fair cleaning fee, take into account your property's characteristics and the local market. On average, cleaning fees for a one-bedroom rental hover around $55.93, with higher rates for larger properties [1].
Here’s an overview of average cleaning fees by property size:
- 2-bedroom: $72-90
- 3-bedroom: $100-130
- 4-bedroom: $155-250
- 5-bedroom: $175-300 [3]
When setting your fee, think about:
- Local market rates
- Property size and amenities
- Cleaning frequency
- Extra services required
- Seasonal demand changes
Typically, cleaning fees make up 20-30% of the total booking price [5]. Striking the right balance ensures you cover costs, remain competitive, and keep guests happy for repeat business.
