DIY Apartment Cleaning: What It Costs to Equip Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

A basic apartment cleaning kit runs $140–$310 upfront. Here's how that compares to professional apartment cleaning costs, and when each option actually makes more sense.

Starting Costs

A scaled-down apartment cleaning kit (see our full equipment guide) runs $140–$310 upfront, plus roughly $10–$20 a month in ongoing supplies for an average 1-2 bedroom unit.

Professional Apartment Cleaning Cost

For comparison, professional apartment cleaning runs $89–$271 per visit depending on unit size — a studio on the low end, a 4+ bedroom unit on the high end, with a 2-bedroom (the most common size) averaging $147–$184.

The Real Comparison

When DIY Makes the Most Sense for an Apartment

• You're in the unit long-term and clean regularly yourself
• The space is small enough that cleaning doesn't take much time
• You're budget-conscious and have the time to spare

When Professional Cleaning Is Worth It

• Move-out cleaning — a professional move-out clean is often cheaper than losing part of a security deposit over something missed, and takes the stress off an already busy move
• You're short on time during a busy season (new job, moving in, etc.)
• You want it done once, done right — especially before a home inspection or new tenant walkthrough

A Practical Middle Ground

Many renters DIY routine upkeep between visits and bring in a professional specifically for move-in/move-out cleaning, when the stakes (a security deposit) are highest and the detail level matters most.

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