What does move-out cleaning cost in 2026? Complete price guide with prices per sqm
Move-out cleaning typically costs NOK 50-100 per square meter in 2026. A standard apartment usually ends up costing NOK 4,000-6,000 including VAT, and most agencies operate with a minimum price around NOK 5,000. The price depends on the size, how dirty the home is, and whether you add extra services like oven cleaning and exterior window cleaning.
How much does move-out cleaning cost per square meter?
The usual range is NOK 50-100/sqm. A newer, well-maintained home will be at the lower end, while an older home with a lot of grease in the kitchen, limescale in the bathroom, and worn floors will drive the price up. Remember that most agencies calculate a minimum price: even a small studio apartment of 25 sqm rarely costs less than NOK 4,000-5,000, because the job requires the same equipment and thoroughness regardless.
If you want to understand what drives the numbers, we have a dedicated price guide for move-out cleaning and a detailed checklist for move-out cleaning you can follow.
How much does move-out cleaning cost by home size?
The table below shows typical total prices including VAT in 2026. Prices vary with condition, location, and provider, so use them as a starting point and always ask for a fixed quote.
The prices here are approximate starting points for 2026, not a binding quote. What the assignment costs depends on size, condition, and accessibility. You will receive the final price in a concrete quote from us – and it is often higher than the lowest estimate. Ask for a quote for a price that actually applies to your home or premises.
| Home Size | Approximate Area | Typical Price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-room / studio | 20-35 sqm | NOK 4,000-5,500 |
| 2-room | 40-60 sqm | NOK 4,500-6,500 |
| 3-room | 60-85 sqm | NOK 6,000-8,500 |
| 4-room / townhouse | 85-120 sqm | NOK 8,000-12,000 |
| Detached house | 120-200+ sqm | NOK 11,000-18,000 |
In central areas of Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger, prices are often 10-20 percent higher than in rural areas. Two homes of the same area can also differ in price: a bathroom with a lot of limescale and an oven that hasn't been cleaned in years takes longer than a newly renovated room.
What is included in move-out cleaning – and what costs extra?
What is actually included depends on the service you order. This list is a typical starting point, not a definitive answer. Certain tasks – such as cleaning the oven, windows, balcony, or white goods – may be additions you need to order separately and are not automatically included in all assignments. What applies to your assignment will be stated in the quote and order confirmation. If you are unsure if something is included, ask us before the cleaning day.
A standard move-out cleaning covers the entire home from top to bottom: all rooms, kitchen, bathroom, floors, baseboards, door frames, outlets, switches, and interior windows. Cabinet doors are wiped externally, and visible surfaces are dusted.
These often come as extras, and this is where prices vary the most:
- Oven and stove interior – thorough degreasing takes time, often NOK 300-600.
- Exterior windows – NOK 50-150 per window, depending on number and height.
- Blinds and inside of window frames – often hourly rate or a fixed surcharge.
- Garage, storage room, or basement – rarely included in the basic price.
- Freezer and refrigerator interior – some include this, others do not.
- Travel surcharge – NOK 200-600 if the home is outside the agency's usual area.
Ask for the quote to specify exactly what is included. A quote that "looks cheap" can quickly become expensive if the oven, exterior windows, and blinds are billed as extras afterwards. If you need to clean the windows yourself, we have a guide to streak-free windows.
Why is a very cheap move-out cleaning a warning sign?
The generalized minimum wage for cleaners is NOK 236.54 per hour (2025/2026, revised annually in June). A full move-out cleaning typically takes 4-8 hours, often with two people. When you add employer contributions, equipment, transportation, insurance, and VAT, the real cost for a reputable business is rarely below NOK 4,000.
If you see an offer for NOK 1,500-2,500 for an entire apartment, a warning light should flash. In that case, the cleaner is either paid below the legal minimum wage, or the work is done undeclared. If you purchase cleaning from a business that is not approved and registered in the Renholdsregisteret (Cleaning Register) with the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, it is actually illegal – even for you as a customer.
Always check the provider in the public register before ordering. An approved business has HMS cards (health, safety, and environment cards) for employees and an agreement with an occupational health service. We have written more about how to ensure legal cleaning help and the Renholdsregisteret. And no – there is no tax deduction for private move-out cleaning in Norway in 2026, so you cannot "win back" the cheap price on your taxes.
Should I clean myself or hire an agency?
The short answer: if you do it yourself, you save money but spend a full workday or two. If you hire an agency, you pay NOK 4,000-12,000 to avoid the work and get a professional result that holds up at handover.
| Clean yourself | Hire agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | NOK 500-1,500 (equipment, chemicals) | NOK 4,000-18,000 |
| Time spent | 8-16 hours | You do nothing |
| Result | Depends on you | Guaranteed standard |
| Complaint | None | Many offer free re-cleaning |
Many agencies offer a neutral handover guarantee: if the real estate agent or new owner is not satisfied, they will return and clean again at no extra cost. This is a security you rarely have when cleaning yourself, and one of the reasons people choose an agency when selling a home.
Who pays for move-out cleaning when renting and selling?
When renting, the tenant is responsible for delivering the home tidy and clean upon moving out. Unless otherwise stated in the contract, you as the tenant must clean yourself or cover the cost of move-out cleaning. If you do a poor job, the landlord can deduct the cost from the deposit – and then it often becomes more expensive than if you had ordered a professional job from the start.
When selling a home, it is normally the seller who arranges for move-out cleaning before handover, so that the buyer receives a clean home. The details are agreed upon in the purchase contract, so read it carefully. A signed quote from an approved business is good documentation if there should be a disagreement about the standard.
How to get the right price
Ask for quotes from two to three approved providers. Provide the exact area, number of rooms, number of windows, and whether you need extra services like oven and exterior cleaning. This way, the agency can give you a fixed price instead of a loose estimate, and you avoid surprises on the invoice.
If you need help with the selection itself, we have a guide on how to choose a cleaning provider. If you are moving soon, we recommend booking move-out cleaning at least a week before handover – the best agencies are often fully booked in the summer months and around month-ends.
