Most house cleaning services in Maine charge $120 to $260 for a standard cleaning. Hourly rates range from $25 to $45 per cleaner. Maine prices are near the national average, with the Portland area running slightly higher.
What Are Average Cleaning Prices in Maine?
Cleaning prices in Maine are near the national average. The Portland metro area has higher rates driven by tourism and a growing population, while inland areas are more affordable.
Here is what most Maine cleaning services charge:
| Service Type | Price Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cleaning | $120 – $260 | $180 |
| Deep Cleaning | $240 – $470 | $340 |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $270 – $520 | $380 |
| Recurring Weekly | $100 – $220 | $155 |
| Recurring Biweekly | $110 – $235 | $165 |
| Recurring Monthly | $125 – $260 | $185 |
Recurring clients pay less per visit. They keep your schedule steady and reduce your marketing costs.
Maine has a massive seasonal tourism industry. Vacation rentals, summer cottages, and Airbnb properties along the coast create a surge in cleaning demand from May through October. This is a major revenue opportunity.
How Much Does House Cleaning Cost per Hour in Maine?
Hourly rates change by city. Bigger cities tend to charge more. Smaller cities and rural areas cost less.
Here are hourly rates for major Maine cities:
| City | Hourly Rate (per Cleaner) | Standard Home Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | $28 – $45 | $135 – $270 |
| South Portland | $26 – $43 | $125 – $255 |
| Bangor | $23 – $38 | $110 – $230 |
| Lewiston | $22 – $36 | $100 – $215 |
| Scarborough | $27 – $44 | $130 – $260 |
| Bar Harbor | $28 – $48 | $135 – $280 |
Portland and Bar Harbor has the highest rates. Portland is Maine's economic center with high demand. Bar Harbor serves wealthy tourists and vacation homeowners near Acadia National Park.
Lewiston has the lowest rates. Lewiston has a lower cost of living and less tourism-driven demand than the coastal cities.
What Affects Cleaning Prices in Maine?
Several things change what you can charge. Knowing these helps you set the right price.
- Home size — larger homes take more time and cost more to clean
- Number of rooms — more bedrooms and bathrooms raise the price
- Level of dirt — homes that have not been cleaned in months cost more
- Pets — pet hair and dander add extra work and time
- Location — big cities cost more than small towns
- Supplies — bringing your own products lets you charge a small fee
- Frequency — weekly clients get a lower rate than one-time clients
Maine has a minimum wage of $14.15 per hour. The short summer season means you should price seasonal work at a premium. Many cleaners charge 15 to 25 percent more for vacation rental turnovers during peak season.
How Much Does Deep Cleaning Cost in Maine?
Deep cleaning costs more than a standard cleaning. It covers areas that regular cleanings skip.
Most deep cleans in Maine cost $240 to $470. A larger home costs more.
What Deep Cleaning Includes
- Inside ovens and refrigerators — scrubbing grease and stuck-on food
- Baseboards and window sills — wiping dust and grime buildup
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans — removing layers of dust
- Behind and under furniture — cleaning hidden dust and dirt
- Tile grout and shower doors — scrubbing mildew and soap scum
- Cabinet fronts — cleaning fingerprints and grease
Deep cleaning usually takes 4 to 8 hours. Most cleaners charge a flat rate instead of an hourly rate for this service.
Many clients book a deep clean as their first visit. After that, they switch to a regular cleaning schedule.
How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost in Maine?
Move-out cleaning is one of the most profitable services. Tenants need a clean home to get their deposit back. Landlords need it ready for the next tenant.
Most move-out cleanings in Maine cost $270 to $520. Empty homes are easier to clean, but clients expect spotless results.
What Move-Out Cleaning Includes
- All rooms cleaned top to bottom — walls, floors, and ceilings
- Kitchen deep clean — oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher inside and out
- Bathroom deep clean — tubs, toilets, and tile grout
- Closets and storage areas — shelves wiped and floors mopped
- Windows inside — glass, tracks, and sills
- Garage sweep — optional add-on for $50 to $100
Maine has a strong vacation rental market along the coast. Turnover cleaning for vacation properties is a major business opportunity. College towns like Orono also create seasonal move-out demand.
How Much Does Commercial Cleaning Cost in Maine?
Commercial cleaning covers offices, retail stores, and other business spaces. Prices are based on square footage.
Most commercial cleaning in Maine costs $0.08 to $0.20 per square foot.
Common Commercial Cleaning Rates
- Small office (under 2,000 square feet) — $200 – $480 per month
- Medium office (2,000 to 5,000 square feet) — $420 – $1,020 per month
- Large office (over 5,000 square feet) — $840 – $2,100 per month
- Retail store — $330 – $800 per month
- Medical office — $480 – $1,380 per month
Commercial clients pay monthly. They sign contracts and provide steady income. This makes commercial cleaning great for growth.
Not sure which model fits you? Read our guide on residential versus commercial cleaning.
How Do Maine Cleaning Prices Compare to National Averages?
Maine cleaning prices are slightly below the national average, with coastal tourist areas commanding premium rates.
Here is how Maine compares to national averages:
| Service | Maine Average | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cleaning | $180 | $190 | 5% lower |
| Deep Cleaning | $340 | $350 | 3% lower |
| Hourly Rate | $34 | $35 | 3% lower |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $380 | $400 | 5% lower |
| Commercial (per square foot) | $0.14 | $0.15 | 7% lower |
Maine prices are within 3 to 7 percent of the national average. Coastal and tourist areas can support premium pricing well above the average. Leverage the seasonal tourism rush for maximum revenue.
How Should You Price Your Cleaning Business in Maine?
Setting the right price is one of the hardest parts. Price too low and you lose money. Price too high and you lose clients.
Step 1: Know Your Costs
Add up all your business costs first. Include supplies, gas, insurance, and your time. Your price must cover these costs and leave you a profit.
Maine homes often have older construction that requires more careful cleaning around hardwood floors and antique fixtures. Factor in extra time for these homes.
Step 2: Research Your Local Market
Check what other cleaners charge in your city. Call a few competitors or look at their websites. Your prices should be close to the market rate.
Step 3: Choose a Pricing Method
- Flat rate — one price for the whole job, based on home size
- Hourly rate — charge by the hour, good for unpredictable jobs
- Per room — charge a set price for each room cleaned
- Per square foot — best for commercial clients
Most residential cleaners use flat rates. Clients like knowing the total cost upfront. Use our guide on how to price cleaning services for step-by-step help.
Step 4: Offer Recurring Discounts
Give weekly clients 10 to 15 percent off. Give biweekly clients 5 to 10 percent off. These discounts fill your schedule and cut marketing costs.
Step 5: Review Your Prices Regularly
Check your prices every six months. Raise them if your costs go up. Most clients accept small raises without complaint.
Read our full guide on how to start a cleaning business in Maine. It covers licenses, insurance, and everything you need to get started.