When I first moved to Chicago, I was convinced cleaning my apartment would be a breeze. Armed with a Swiffer, a half-empty bottle of all-purpose cleaner, and boundless optimism, I had it all figured out. Fast forward three months, and there I was- searching “how to remove mysterious sticky spots from hardwood” at midnight while ignoring the pizza box that had become a permanent coffee table decoration.
The reality is that life in Chicago moves at a relentless pace. Between commuting, battling four seasons of weather in a single week, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, keeping your place spotless often falls to the bottom of the priority list.
That’s why at House Keep Up, we’ve done the research on the question we hear constantly from fellow Chicagoans: What’s the real cost of house cleaning in the Windy City?
Here’s what we found-
Average Cleaning Prices in Chicago Right Now
Our House Keep Up team conducted extensive research over the past month, surveying over 15 cleaning services across Chicago neighborhoods to bring you the most accurate and competitive pricing ranges available today.
Hourly Rates
- Professional companies: $35–$60 per hour, per cleaner
- Independent cleaners: $25–$40 per hour
A standard two-bedroom apartment usually takes 2–3 hours to clean, so you’re typically looking at $100–$180 depending on who you hire and what they include.
Flat-Rate Pricing
- Studio or 1 bedroom: $90–$150
- 2 bedrooms: $120–$200
- 3+ bedrooms: $150–$300+
- Deep cleaning add-on: $60–$150
- Move-in/move-out cleaning: $180–$400+
Flat-rate pricing is super common in Chicago as it keeps things simple and helps avoid those “wait, that costs extra?” moments.
What Affects the Price?
Size and Layout
Obviously, a tiny studio in Uptown is going to cost less than a three-floor townhome in Lincoln Park. Open layouts are quicker to clean than homes filled with nooks, crannies, and cat condos.
Type of Cleaning
- Standard clean: Regular upkeep like bathrooms, kitchen counters, floors, and dusting
- Deep clean: Includes things like baseboards, inside cabinets, and all the spots you pretend not to see
- Extras: Think fridge interiors, oven scrubbing, closet organizing, or tackling serious pet hair
Where You Live in the City
High-rises in the Loop or River North might come with extra logistics- parking, front desk check-ins, building rules- which can bump up the cost. And if your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), you’ll want to make sure you’re hiring a legit company.
Tips for Booking a Cleaner in Chicago
- Always ask what’s included. Some companies upcharge for basics like wiping down the inside of the microwave
- Confirm whether supplies are included (spoiler: they usually are, but it’s good to check)
- Look for discounts if you’re booking weekly or biweekly. You can avail better discounts if you opt for recurring cleaning services.
- Check local reviews- especially from folks in your own neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do people pay for house cleaning in Chicago?
In 2025, Chicagoans typically pay $90-150 for a studio/1-bedroom cleaning, $120-200 for a 2-bedroom, and $150-300+ for larger homes. For hourly rates, expect to pay $25-40 per hour for independent cleaners or $35-60 per hour for professional cleaning companies.
Is house cleaning more expensive in downtown Chicago?
Yes, cleaning services in downtown Chicago and high-rises often cost $10-25 more due to parking expenses, building security protocols, and elevator wait times. Areas like the Loop, River North, and Gold Coast typically have the highest cleaning rates in the city.
How much should I tip my cleaning lady in Chicago?
While not mandatory, most Chicago residents tip their house cleaners 15-20% for exceptional service. For regular arrangements, a typical tip is $10-20 per visit. Many clients also give a larger holiday tip equal to the cost of one cleaning session at year-end.
What extra fees do cleaning services charge in Chicago?
Common additional charges include:
• Parking in downtown areas: $10-20
• Deep cleaning appliances: $25-45 for ovens, $20-35 for refrigerators
• Window cleaning: $5-10 per window
• Pet hair removal (excessive): 10-15% surcharge
• Weekend appointments: 10-20% premium
• After-hours cleaning (post 6pm): 15-25% premium
How much cheaper are weekly cleanings versus one-time cleanings in Chicago?
Regular cleaning schedules offer significant savings in Chicago:
• Weekly cleanings: 15-20% discount off standard rates
• Bi-weekly cleanings: 10-15% discount
• Monthly cleanings: 5-10% discount
For example, a $150 one-time cleaning might cost only $120-125 when scheduled weekly.
What's cheaper - hourly or flat rate cleaning in Chicago?
For straightforward, maintenance cleanings of average-sized spaces, hourly rates ($25-60/hour) often work out cheaper. For deep cleanings, move-in/move-out services, or homes with many rooms, flat-rate pricing typically provides better value and more certainty about your final cost.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cleaning cost in Chicago?
In 2025, cleaning a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago typically costs $90-150 for a standard cleaning or $150-250 for a deep cleaning. Prices vary based on neighborhood, apartment condition, and whether you're using an independent cleaner or professional company.
How much does move-out cleaning cost in Chicago apartments?
Move-out cleanings for Chicago apartments typically cost:
• Studio: $150-220
• 1-bedroom: $180-250
• 2-bedroom: $220-350
• 3-bedroom: $300-450
These prices are higher than standard cleanings because they include appliance interiors, cabinet cleaning, and detailed attention to areas that might affect security deposits.
Are house cleaning rates higher in North Side vs. South Side Chicago?
Yes, cleaning rates typically vary by 10-20% between Chicago neighborhoods. North Side areas like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wrigleyville generally have higher rates, while South Side and West Side neighborhoods often have more competitive pricing. Suburban rates can be 5-15% lower than city rates.
Why House Keep Up Gets It
We know what it’s like trying to keep up with Chicago living. Whether you’re working crazy hours, juggling a family, or just don’t want to spend your Saturday scrubbing the tub, we’ve got you. No mystery pricing, no shortcuts, and yes- we clean behind the toilet.
Get Affordable, Transparent Chicago Cleaning Rates Today
Our competitive Chicago pricing means no surprises - just honest rates customized to your neighborhood, apartment size, and cleaning needs. Enjoy special discounts on weekly and bi-weekly cleanings across all Chicago areas.About the Author
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