But before you book a clean, it’s only natural to wonder what’s reasonable to pay.
If you’re shopping around, you’ve probably noticed that cleaning rates aren’t the same across New Zealand. At times, the costs vary even within the same city!
That’s because prices don’t cover just the cleaning itself. Factors like the size of your home, the type of service you need, and whether you hire a contractor or a company all influence the final cost.
In this guide, we break down the average house cleaning rates across major New Zealand cities, alongside extra charges to look out for.
Why Do House Cleaning Rates Vary Across New Zealand?
House cleaning rates differ widely between cities and regions in New Zealand, but location is just one factor to consider.
What’s included in the service and the products used also shape the overall cost.
How location affects house cleaning prices
Domestic cleaning rates are often set based on local demand and the availability of cleaners in your area.
Generally, prices tend to be higher in bigger cities, where many people with packed schedules need help maintaining their homes.
Consider transportation and access, too.
If your home is farther away or heavy traffic might be an issue, some cleaners require a minimum booking (typically 2–3 hours) or charge a call-out fee.
Access fees may also be applied, most commonly for paid parking.
For end of tenancy cleans, there could be additional time and travel needed if a cleaner has to collect keys from a separate real estate office. This can affect the final cost as well.
Other factors that influence house cleaning costs
Aside from location, here are other things that determine what you pay a house cleaner:
TYPE OF CLEANING SERVICE: One-off cleans and deep cleans are detailed and intensive, so they often come at a higher cost than regular weekly or fortnightly upkeep. Add-on services like oven or stovetop cleaning can also increase the price further.
PROPERTY SIZE: Larger homes with additional bedrooms and bathrooms take longer to clean and use more supplies, which can raise the cost.
CLEANING PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT: Cleaners who use eco-friendly or specialised products might charge higher rates.
HOURLY VS FLAT RATE: With flat rate packages, the total price is fixed and predictable. With hourly cleaning services, you may be billed for extra hours if a cleaner needs more time to finish the job.
CONTRACTOR VS COMPANY: Individual cleaners usually offer lower rates. But unlike companies, they might not carry insurance or provide complete supplies.
Keeping these factors in mind can help you compare providers and gauge if you’re getting good value for your money.
What Do Cleaners Charge per Hour in New Zealand?
The average cost of house cleaning in New Zealand is $47.12 per hour.
This is based on regular rates advertised by providers in 5 cities, including Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Wellington.
We also included a mix of cleaning companies and independent contractors when determining the average.
How much does house cleaning cost in Auckland?
In Auckland, house cleaning typically costs $46.46 per hour.
As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland sees a high demand for cleaning because of renters and busy, dual-income families.
Fortunately, there’s also a large pool of professional cleaners in the area!
Just be sure to confirm if your home is within a cleaner’s usual service range before booking.
For example, you may be charged more if you live in the outer suburbs (like the North Shore or South Auckland) and your cleaner is travelling from central Auckland.
In such cases, you might be billed a travel fee on top of the cleaning rate. This helps cover tolls or longer commutes through heavy traffic, like around Spaghetti Junction.
Moreover, access fees are quite common in built-up zones (e.g. CBD, Newmarket, Parnell) where free parking can be limited.
How much does house cleaning cost in Christchurch?
House cleaning in Christchurch costs around $47.09 per hour.
If you’re based in satellite towns that are a bit farther away from the city centre, such as Lincoln, Kaiapoi, or Rangiora, some cleaners may charge an extra transport fee.
As you plan your budget, it’s also worth thinking about how often you’d like your home maintained and the type of upkeep required.
You might need to have your home cleaned more frequently if you’re in a coastal area, like New Brighton or Southshore, where salt and sand tend to accumulate on surfaces.
Additionally, cleaners might need to work longer to clear heavy buildup, and this can affect your overall spend.
How much does house cleaning cost in Hamilton?
You can expect to pay around $47.25 per hour for house cleaning in Hamilton.
This price suits the city’s growth — ‘The Tron’ is one of the fastest-growing urban centres in New Zealand.
There’s a steady demand for domestic cleaning, as many residents are busy professionals who commute to Auckland.
When booking a service, it’s important to factor in the type of your property.
For instance, if you live on an upper floor with no lift, a cleaner may have to carry equipment up a long flight of stairs. It’s worth confirming if the added effort will incur an extra fee.
How much does house cleaning cost in Tauranga?
In Tauranga, a house cleaning service costs $46.32 per hour on average.
Many Tauranga residents use regular cleaning services, especially those in retirement villages or those who own Airbnb holiday homes.
If you need an ongoing clean, it might be easiest to schedule it between Tuesday and Thursday.
As Tauranga is a tourism hub, cleaners may be fully booked on Mondays (post-weekend cleans) and Fridays (preparing for weekend guests).
And keep in mind: summer is usually the peak season, particularly for popular destinations like Mount Maunganui and Papamoa. It’s wise to arrange your cleaning service a few weeks in advance!
How much does house cleaning cost in Wellington?
In Wellington, house cleaning costs about $48.50 per hour, making it the most expensive among New Zealand’s major cities.
Regular house cleaning is in high demand, especially among busy families and young professionals who simply want to enjoy their weekends.
Plus, Wellington’s coastal winds can cause dirt to build up faster, so homes may need more upkeep.
Just remember that your exact location can affect the final costs. For example, in the city centre and other busy areas, parking may be limited or expensive.
To avoid surprises, always check with your cleaner if a minimum booking or any access-related fees apply.
Are You Getting the Best Value From Your House Cleaning Service?
Now that you know the average cleaning rates across New Zealand, the next question is: are you getting the best value for your money?
When booking a professional house cleaner, you’ll usually choose between hourly and flat rate packages.
You also have to decide if you’re going for an independent contractor or a cleaning company.
Your choice can influence the total cost and the quality of service, so think carefully about what will work best for your home!
Hourly rate vs flat rate cleaning services
Hourly services seem cheaper at first glance, as you’re paying for the exact time a cleaner spends in your home. However, the costs can add up if the service takes longer than expected.
That’s why hourly pricing is best for smaller tasks — for example, if you need help with specific chores like floor cleaning or dusting blinds. It’s also ideal when you want only a few rooms refreshed, rather than the entire house.
On the other hand, a flat rate is usually better for bigger or more detailed jobs, such as full house cleans. The cleaner will follow a checklist, and the price is fixed no matter how long the work takes. That way, you don’t have to deal with unexpected charges.
Here’s a quick comparison between hourly and flat rate cleaning to help you decide:
| HOURLY RATE CLEANING | FLAT RATE CLEANING |
| The cleaner works for a set time | The cleaner works until the job is completed |
| Additional costs apply if the job takes longer | Cost is fixed; no surprises |
| Best for lighter or partial cleans | Best for full house or deep cleans |
Just keep in mind that a regular flat rate service sometimes needs to be upgraded to a deep clean, especially if your home hasn’t been tidied in a while.
It’s a good idea to check with your cleaner about any price changes once they’ve had a chance to assess your property.
Independent contractors vs cleaning companies
If you’re hiring a solo cleaner through platforms like Trade Me or Facebook, you’ll likely find lower hourly rates compared to cleaning companies.
Since contractors are self-employed, they don’t have the same overheads as a company, like administrative staff or insurance. This allows them to set highly competitive prices.
However, cheaper cleaning doesn’t always mean better value.
For instance, many independent cleaners offer hourly rates only. So if you regularly need a full house clean, the costs can add up. The quality of the service may also vary, especially without a standard process.
On the other hand, cleaning companies typically charge higher rates, but that pricing often translates to better quality and greater peace of mind.
For example, companies like Maid2Match carry out thorough background checks on their cleaners. Applicants undergo a structured interview process, and must pass a Ministry of Justice check before being hired.
Our Field Staff are also trained on the most effective cleaning techniques, and the same cleaner is assigned to regular cleaning services for consistency.
We’re covered by public liability insurance as well, which protects our employees and clients in case of damage or accidents.
Below, we list what to consider when choosing between a contractor and a cleaning company:
| INDEPENDENT CLEANERS | PROFESSIONAL CLEANING COMPANIES |
| Might ask you to provide cleaning products or equipment | Cleaners arrive fully equipped |
| Referrals come through word of mouth | Cleaners are formally vetted and trained |
| No replacement if the cleaner can’t make it | Backup cleaners can be assigned |
| Usually cheaper upfront | Higher cleaning rates |
| Rates can be negotiable, but are often limited to hourly options | Rates are usually fixed; offers hourly and flat rate options |
| Might request payment before the clean | Payment is typically processed after the service |
| May not be insured | Comprehensive insurance coverage |
Need a House Cleaning Quote?
Maid2Match is a professional house cleaning company that operates in New Zealand’s major cities.
We offer fully transparent prices, whether you need a once-off or a regular house clean. No hidden charges!
You can also choose between hourly rates and flat rates depending on your needs.
Our prices cover:
- Comprehensive insurance
- Fully vetted and trained cleaners
- Professional cleaning supplies and equipment
- A full-time customer support team for any concerns
Wondering how much your house clean will cost? You can find our pricing on our House Cleaning Services page.
Alternatively, you can call us at 0800 647 855 to discuss your needs in detail. Our sales team will help set up your booking, including your preferred frequency and any areas you’d like us to focus on.
FAQs About NZ House Cleaning Rates
Got more questions about professional house cleaning in New Zealand?
We’ll explain everything below — including how to tell if you need a cleaner or what to expect from the first service.
How can I tell if I need a house cleaner?
Not sure if you need a house cleaner? It depends on your lifestyle, schedule, and priorities.
A professional cleaning service can help if you:
- Don’t have time to clean regularly
- Want more time for family, hobbies or rest
- Need help with larger or more intensive tasks
- Have a mobility limitation that affects everyday cleaning
Even those who enjoy cleaning sometimes hire help around the house, too. It’s a convenient way to maintain your home without doing everything yourself!
Plus, Maid2Match’s services are flexible. We don’t have lock-in contracts, so you can adjust the frequency or the type of clean if your needs change.
This allows you to scale back if cleaning starts to feel unnecessary — say, if no one will be home for a few weeks. Just let us know of any changes at least 2 working days before your next booking so we can plan accordingly.
What’s included in a standard house clean?
A standard, full house clean usually focuses on interior surfaces and routine maintenance.
Typical cleaning tasks include:
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Emptying bins and replacing liners
- Tidying up bedrooms, including making beds
- Dusting and wiping surfaces (like furniture and shelves)
- Full bathroom cleaning (toilets, sinks, mirrors, tubs, and showers)
- Detailed kitchen cleaning (benchtops, sinks, outside of appliances)
For deep cleaning, we recommend a flat rate service.
If you’d like us to focus on specific areas, an hourly rate works best. We’ll usually ask for a cleaning checklist, so our Field Staff can prioritise the tasks that matter most to you.
What can I expect from the first cleaning service?
We’ll send you a friendly reminder the day before your scheduled clean, so you know exactly when to expect us.
On the day of your booking, our Maid2Match Field Staff will arrive in uniform and bring all the supplies needed. If you’re home when they arrive, they’ll check in with you first. You’re welcome to walk them through your house and share any specific instructions.
If you booked a flat rate service, the cleaner will follow a standard cleaning checklist. If you chose an hourly service, they’ll refer to the requests or checklist you’ve provided.
You’re welcome to stay at home while they clean, but many of our clients choose to head out and enjoy the extra time. Either way, you can feel confident that our Field Staff are reliable and careful with your home!
Once the job is finished, our Field Staff will let you know what was done and confirm they’re heading out.
Afterwards, you can reach out to share your feedback or raise any concerns. We always look forward to hearing from our clients, as it helps us improve the quality of our work.
Should I prepare for extra charges?
Maid2Match offers transparent pricing, so we’ll always inform you about what you need to pay and what the fee covers.
You may see extra charges for add-on services, like:
- Oven cleaning
- Interior window cleaning
- Cleaning inside the fridge
- Running a load of laundry
- Organising kitchen cabinets
- Wiping down blinds or shutters
When booking a clean with any provider, don’t hesitate to ask questions. This helps you plan your budget and avoid surprise charges.
What is not included in a typical house clean?
A standard house clean usually focuses on interior surfaces.
The following are typically excluded:
- Garages
- Balconies
- Roof gutters
- External walls
- Lawns or gardens
- Window exteriors
Domestic cleaning services also do not cover specialised or hazardous tasks, such as:
- Meth decontamination
- Extensive mould removal
- Deep cleaning of carpets, rugs, or mattresses
- Specialist cleaning for air conditioners or washing machines
Some cleaning companies may offer these as add-ons or separate jobs, so it’s best to check with them directly.
