Is it your first time hiring a house cleaner? Are you looking to compare cleaning prices? If yes, you’ve come to the right place!
Close those 10 browser tabs — we’ve done the hard work for you and put together the ultimate guide for house cleaning rates in Australia.
Whether you’re hiring a solo cleaner off Airtasker or booking a regular clean with a professional company, here’s what you can expect to pay.
Individual Cleaners vs Companies | Average Hourly Rate in Australia | Average Cleaning Rates By City
How Do House Cleaning Prices Work?
Domestic cleaning services are usually charged in one of two ways: hourly rate or flat rate.
The actual house cleaning rates vary between individual cleaners and cleaning companies!
Flat rate vs hourly rate pricing
A standard hourly rate service means the cleaner will work at your house for a set amount of time. They may be asked to focus on certain tasks, or will prioritise what needs the most work.
There may be a minimum required time (usually two hours), and extra time will incur additional charges.
On the other hand, flat rate services are determined by the size of your home, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The cleaner will follow a detailed checklist of tasks, and extra services may be added at cost.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two:
| HOURLY RATE | FLAT RATE |
| Based on specific tasks or priorities | Based on a detailed checklist of tasks |
| Cleaner works for allotted time only | Cleaner works until tasks are finished |
| Additional time charged per extra hour | Add-on services available at extra cost |
Individual house cleaner pricing
It’s true that a house cleaner hired online (say, from Airtasker, Facebook, or ServiceSeeking) will have more affordable rates.
These cleaners are self-employed and do not have additional costs of operating a business. That means they can decide their own rates, schedules, and services, and charge you accordingly.
They’re less likely to have flat-rate prices, though, especially if they’re not doing the job full-time.
Professional house cleaning company pricing
A professional cleaning service may not be as affordable as an individual cleaner found online, but the rates will vary!
Moreover, a company that services multiple locations may charge different rates for each area based on demand and the availability of cleaners.
However, both the hourly and flat rates are fixed, as are add-on service costs. Companies will usually charge based on the size of your home, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and type of cleaning needed.
Many cleaning companies will offer a discounted rate if you book a regularly scheduled service!
Pros and Cons of Individual Cleaners vs Cleaning Companies
While individual cleaners may be affordable, they do have some shortcomings! They may not be consistently reachable, and usually don’t have someone to fill in if they’re unwell.
They also most likely don’t have insurance coverage or background checks, and are not vetted beforehand.
With cleaning companies, the higher prices mean higher-quality service from start to finish. Cleaners are required to pass background checks, and the companies have insurance.
You also get a guarantee on your services, and can even get a fill-in cleaner if something goes wrong.
| INDIVIDUAL HOUSE CLEANERS | PROFESSIONAL CLEANING COMPANIES |
| Usually cash or bank transfer only | Secure online payments |
| No insurance or liability | Comprehensive liability insurance |
| Only word-of-mouth background checks | Fully vetted cleaners |
| Booking via online freelancer platform, Facebook, or direct message | Booking through secure online websites |
| Payment upfront | Payment on completion of service |
| Generally more affordable | Costs may vary |
| Communication may not be clear or timely | Dedicated customer service team available via phone or email |
| May need you to provide equipment or charge extra for their own | Professional cleaning equipment and products provided |
| May not charge a cancellation fee | Cancellation fees to cover missed scheduling opportunities |
| Potentially out-of-pocket on costs if unsatisfied | Reliable service guarantee |
| No back-up cleaner if needed | Fill-in professional cleaners available if needed |
What Do Most House Cleaners Charge Per Hour?
The average hourly rate for a cleaner in Australia is $55.37.
This rate was calculated based on data collected from 10 major cities and over 200 quotes, from both established cleaning companies and local cleaners.
Average Cleaning Rates Per Hour Around Australia
House cleaning costs vary based on location and available services. From Adelaide to Wollongong, here are the average cleaning hourly rates in major cities.
How much does a cleaner cost in Adelaide?
The average cost of house cleaning in Adelaide is $54.64 per hour.
As a capital city with a large population, this is a fair price! The Adelaide cleaning services market is competitive between companies and individuals.
One advantage, though, is that cleaners can easily get around the city, so they’re typically able to cover wide areas.
How much does a cleaner cost in Brisbane?
The average cost of house cleaning in Brisbane is $58.02 per hour.
While there is a high number of house cleaners available for hire, you’ll need to ensure they can cover your Brisbane suburb.
Actual prices will vary based on your specific location — so it’ll be different whether you live in the CBD, Moreton Bay, or Ipswich.
How much does a cleaner cost in Cairns?
The average cost of house cleaning in Cairns is $48.17 per hour.
With a smaller population, Cairns has a lower-than-average cost per hour. That said, there are some challenges when it comes to home cleaner availability.
How much does a cleaner cost in Canberra?
The average cost of house cleaning in Canberra is $59.57 per hour.
There are numerous house cleaning companies that operate in Canberra, but research showed fewer individual cleaners.
How much does a cleaner cost in Darwin?
The average cost of house cleaning in Darwin is $47.48 per hour.
Darwin has the lowest average prices of the listed cities. There aren’t many professional companies that cover the NT, while the individual cleaners charge below-average prices.
How much does a cleaner cost in Geelong?
The average cost of house cleaning in Geelong is $53.88 per hour.
Geelong doesn’t have a high population, but the affluent suburbs and prime real estate locations contribute to the costs of cleaning.
Moreover, the city radius is quite extensive, so check that the cleaner covers your area or has a wide travel radius!
How much does a cleaner cost on the Gold Coast?
The average cost of house cleaning on the Gold Coast is $54.11 per hour.
There are plenty of companies and individual cleaners available on the Gold Coast! However, be sure to properly vet their experience and credentials.
Many students pick up cleaning jobs while at university. This isn’t necessarily bad, but they may not meet the same high standards as a professional company.
How much does a cleaner cost in Hobart?
The average cost of house cleaning in Hobart is $49.61 per hour.
Hobart is a small capital city, so there are a limited number of cleaning providers available.
How much does a cleaner cost in Launceston?
The average cost of house cleaning in Launceston is $50.25 per hour.
As expected from a small city, there aren’t many options for home cleaners.
How much does a cleaner cost in Melbourne?
The average cost of house cleaning in Melbourne is $60.96 per hour.
There’s no shortage of high-quality companies and skilled independent cleaners in Melbourne! However, it’s worth noting they typically cover smaller areas due to traffic congestion and travel time.
Moreover, the prices for cleaning services in Melbourne may vary based on your location — say, whether you’re near the CBD or in the outer suburbs.
How much does a cleaner cost in Newcastle?
The average cost of house cleaning in Newcastle is $56.93 per hour.
For those based more inland (such as Cessnock or Maitland), there may be less availability.
How much does a cleaner cost in Perth?
The average cost of house cleaning in Perth is $57.23 per hour.
If you’re hiring a local Perth cleaner, double-check whether they only operate NOR or SOR!
How much does a cleaner cost on the Sunshine Coast?
The average cost of house cleaning on the Sunshine Coast is $54.49 per hour.
Given the length of the Sunny Coast, it’s important you find a cleaner based in your local area, whether that’s Noosa or Caloundra.
Companies ideally have several teams that cover different areas throughout the coast and hinterland. A solo cleaner will likely have a limited travel radius of 30km.
How much does a cleaner cost in Sydney?
The average cost of house cleaning in Sydney is $62.40 per hour — the highest for the major cities listed.
As the most populated city in Australia, the cleaning industry is very competitive in Sydney. Cleaners typically operate with a smaller travel radius, while companies will have several teams to cover different areas.
Make sure your cleaner covers your area in Sydney, whether that’s the CBD, Eastern Suburbs, or Northern Beaches.
Parking is also a major factor when hiring a domestic cleaner in Sydney. If you don’t have private parking available, companies or contractors may charge an additional fee.
How much does a cleaner cost in Wollongong?
The average cost of house cleaning in Wollongong is $57.53 per hour.
The smaller population of Wollongong means there are fewer available companies and solo cleaners.
FAQs About House Cleaning Costs
We’ll break down a few more common questions or concerns that people have about hiring a professional house cleaner.
What are the benefits of hiring a cleaner?
There are several benefits to hiring a regular cleaning service!
- Less stress over chores
- Saving time to focus on work, family, or hobbies
- No need to constantly buy or refill cleaning products
- More thorough job cleaning your home, top to bottom
Moreover, you get your entire home — or the areas you prioritise — tidied in one go! That means you don’t need to chip away at general cleaning tasks daily, weekly, or monthly.
And since you have an experienced professional handling the work, you can rest assured they’ll do a careful and detailed job.
What can I expect when hiring house cleaners?
Expect a clean and tidy home, for one!
Flat rate services follow a detailed checklist from your cleaning provider, while for hourly rate, you’ll be asked to submit a list of priorities or tasks.
Don’t be afraid to get specific! A good cleaner will listen to reasonable requests and work on your home the way you want it.
Companies will typically send you at least one reminder of your booking in advance.
If you are home when the cleaner arrives, they will check in with you about their services for the day. They may confirm areas or tasks to prioritise, and any special instructions.
Afterwards, they will let you know they’ve finished cleaning and take their leave.
If you aren’t home, then the cleaner will follow any instructions given prior to the service.
Don’t worry — they won’t judge your home. They’ve seen everything and know it’s their job to help you out.
For supplies, professional companies will provide their own unless otherwise specified. If you have preferred products, you may be able to request that the cleaner use yours instead.
Company-employed cleaners should also come in uniform.
What cleaning tasks are included in most services?
No matter who you hire for a house clean, most professionals will include basic cleaning services such as:
- Bathrooms (toilets, showers, sinks, and tubs)
- Bedrooms
- Ceiling fans and fixtures (within reach)
- Dusting and wiping (e.g. furniture)
- Floors (vacuuming and/or mopping)
- General surface cleaning
- Kitchen (e.g. benchtops, cupboards, sink, stovetop)
- Indoor rubbish bins
- Living areas
The full extent of the services provided will depend on the size of your home and the type of services required.
To avoid issues such as running out of time to complete standard tasks, flat rate cleaning is recommended.
What’s not included in most house cleaning services?
Domestic house cleaning services have limitations, though! This lets cleaners focus on tasks within their expertise, while protecting their safety.
Here are several services that are typically not included in a standard house clean:
- Air conditioner cleaning
- Carpet and rug shampooing
- Exterior cleaning (including balconies)
- Garages
- Home maintenance or repair
- Mattress cleaning
- Wall washing
- Window exteriors
A cleaning company will also not tackle any biohazards, such as significant mould removal.
What extra charges should I expect when hiring a cleaner?
Some companies charge extra for providing their own equipment and supplies, or for providing specialty equipment.
You also may incur additional charges if you have pets or have a home with multiple storeys.
Moreover, companies often have add-on services with extra costs, such as:
- Blinds or shutters
- Deep cleaning
- Housekeeping tasks (e.g. laundry and dishes)
- Inside the fridge
- Inside cabinets
- Interior windows
- Oven cleaning
Looking For a House Cleaning Quote for Your Home?
Maid2Match has got you covered!
We’re fully transparent about our cleaning prices — no hidden fees or surprise costs. Check out our Pricing Page for reference or get a quick rundown of our services and extras on our Services Page.
When you’re ready, head over to our online booking form for an instant quote on your house cleaning services.
If you’ve made it this far into the blog, we appreciate you! As a token of appreciation, here’s a $40 OFF discount code to try out our house cleaning service: TRYM2M.
Claim the discount by entering it in the online booking form or mentioning it while booking over the phone.
