The Real Cost of Hiring a Cleaner: What Aussies Should Expect in 2025
Introduction: Cleaning Costs Are Changing — Here’s What You Need to Know
Hiring a cleaner in Australia used to be simple. You’d call a few cleaners, get a rough hourly rate, and that was it. But in recent years — especially heading into 2025 — prices have changed, standards have changed, and so has what Australians expect from a home clean.
If you’re thinking about hiring a cleaner, this guide will show you exactly what affects the price, what the average costs are in 2025, and how to get the best value for your money. This breakdown will help you plan your cleaning budget with confidence.
1. Why Cleaning Prices Have Changed in Australia
Over the last few years, households have noticed cleaning costs creeping up. But it’s not just inflation — there are real reasons why prices have shifted.
Key reasons include:
- Increased demand as more Australians prioritise convenience
- Higher cost of cleaning supplies and eco-friendly products
- Insurance requirements for reputable cleaners
- Fuel and travel costs
- More professionals operating as registered businesses rather than under-the-table cash-only cleaners
These changes mean you now pay not just for labour, but for reliability, professionalism, and peace of mind.
2. Average Cleaning Prices in Australia for 2025
Cleaning costs vary by city, service type, and home size — but here’s a reliable, realistic overview of what Aussies can expect to pay in 2025.
✔ Hourly Rates (Most Common Pricing)
$35–$60 per hour
Typical across all major Australian cities.
Breakdown by region:
- Sydney/Melbourne: $45–$60/hr
- Brisbane/Perth/Canberra: $40–$55/hr
- Adelaide/Hobart: $35–$50/hr
- Regional areas: $30–$45/hr
Tip: Lower hourly rates aren’t always cheaper. A good cleaner may finish a 3-hour job in 2 hours.
✔ Flat-Rate General Home Cleaning Costs
Many companies now offer fixed pricing based on home size:
Apartments / Units:
- 1 bedroom: $90–$140
- 2 bedroom: $120–$180
- 3 bedroom: $150–$220
Houses:
- 3 bedroom: $180–$260
- 4 bedroom: $220–$310
- 5+ bedroom: $280–$400+
These prices usually include:
✔ Kitchens
✔ Bathrooms
✔ Bedrooms
✔ Vacuuming
✔ Mopping
✔ Surface cleaning
But always check the inclusions — each company’s definition of a “standard clean” is different.
✔ Deep Cleaning Costs
A deep clean typically costs 30–60% more than a regular clean.
Expected cost:
$250–$500+ depending on home size
Deep cleans include:
- Detailed bathroom scrubbing
- Skirting boards
- Window tracks
- Tile scrubbing
- Hard-to-reach areas
- Appliance exteriors
- Built-up grime removal
These take longer — which is why the pricing increases.
✔ End of Lease / Bond Cleaning Costs
This is the most intensive clean and requires specific standards set by real estate agents.
Average 2025 prices:
- 1 bedroom apartment: $250–$400
- 2 bedrooms: $350–$500
- 3 bedrooms: $450–$650
- 4 bedrooms: $550–$800+
Extras like wall cleaning, carpet steam cleaning, and oven cleaning may increase the price.
Most companies offer a bond-back guarantee — worth looking for.
✔ Carpet & Steam Cleaning Prices
These vary heavily by room and carpet condition.
Average cost:
- Per room: $30–$55
- Entire home: $120–$250
- Stain removal: extra charge depending on severity
✔ Specialist Cleaning Costs
Some jobs require unique equipment or skills.
Examples:
- Mould removal: $200–$800+
- Oven cleaning: $60–$120
- Fridge clean-out: $20–$40
- Balcony clean: $40–$80
- Window cleaning: $80–$250
3. What Affects the Cost of Hiring a Cleaner?
Two homes can be the same size — but the cleaning price can be totally different. Here’s why.
✔ 1. Home Size & Number of Rooms
More rooms = more time.
✔ 2. How Dirty the Property Is
A clean-but-messy home is very different from a home with built-up grime.
First-time cleans often cost more.
✔ 3. Type of Cleaning Needed
General vs deep vs bond cleaning all have different rates.
✔ 4. Location
Major cities cost more — especially CBD areas.
✔ 5. Whether You Provide Cleaning Products
If the cleaner brings their own products, insurance, and equipment, the price rises — but so does convenience.
✔ 6. Frequency of Service
Most cleaners discount for:
- Weekly cleans
- Fortnightly cleans
- Long-term clients
✔ 7. Additional Extras
The more add-ons you request, the higher the final price.
4. How to Get the Most Value for Your Cleaning Dollar
There are smart ways to ensure you don’t overpay — even in big cities.
✔ Compare at least 3–5 cleaning quotes
Prices can vary by up to 40% between cleaners.
✔ Ask what’s included
A cheaper quote may not include products, equipment or the oven.
✔ Ask about discounts
Many companies offer:
- First-time customer deals
- Weekly/fortnightly discounts
- Bundle packages
✔ Choose a cleaner with insurance
It protects you and guarantees professionalism.
✔ Be clear about expectations
Create a checklist to avoid misunderstandings.
5. Warning Signs of Overpriced (or Underpriced) Cleaning Quotes
Not all quotes are equal. Here are red flags to watch out for.
⚠ Overpriced Quotes:
- No breakdown of inclusions
- Charging separately for basic tasks (vacuuming/mopping)
- No reviews or online presence
⚠ Suspiciously Cheap Quotes:
- No ABN
- No insurance
- No website or reviews
- “Cash only”
- Rushed work
- Hidden extra charges
- Unclear inclusions
Cheap cleaning usually leads to poor cleaning.
6. The Smartest Way to Hire a Cleaner in 2025
To get the best results without wasting money:
- Decide the type of clean you need
- Request multiple quotes
- Compare inclusions — not just prices
- Check reviews and insurance
- Choose a cleaner who offers transparency and reliability
This alone will save most Australian families between $100 and $300 per year for regular cleaning services.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning services are more in demand than ever in Australia, and prices in 2025 reflect that. But with the right approach, you can still get excellent value, quality service, and a cleaner home without overpaying. Understanding what affects the cost — and how to compare quotes properly — will help you make the smartest choice for your family and your budget.
