How much does house cleaning cost in Hong Kong?
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Key takeaways
- Most house cleaning jobs in Hong Kong land between HK$260–HK$2,200 — known locally as part-time domestic helper (hourly maid).
- In Hong Kong, foreign domestic helpers may legally work only for their sponsoring employer — hiring one part-time is an Immigration Ordinance offence for both the helper and the household. If you directly employ an hourly cleaner, the law requires you to carry employees' compensation insurance.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
House Cleaning prices by job size in Hong Kong
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-hour session Standard hourly clean, small flat | HK$260 | HK$330 | HK$430 |
| 4-hour session Larger flat or heavier weekly clean | HK$340 | HK$430 | HK$560 |
| One-off deep clean Whole-flat spring clean, often a small team | HK$800 | HK$1,300 | HK$2,200 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour | HK$85 | HK$105 | HK$140 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Hong Kong typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a house cleaning pro in Hong Kong
- Hire local part-time helpers directly or via platforms (Toby, HelperChoice) or agencies — never another employer's foreign domestic helper
- If you employ an hourly cleaner directly, take out employees' compensation insurance — required by law for any employee, even part-time
- Expect 3-4 hour minimum sessions; regular weekly slots are cheaper per hour than one-offs
- Agree scope in writing: standard sessions cover cleaning, not deep-clean tasks like inside-oven or mould removal
- Confirm who provides supplies — most HK hourly helpers use the household's products and equipment
- Arrange building access with your estate's management office for recurring visits
Red flags
- The cleaner is a foreign domestic helper sponsored by another family — illegal for both sides
- No employees' compensation insurance when hiring directly
- Agency demands large non-refundable prepayment before a trial session
- One price quoted, different price demanded on arrival
- Offers to clean exterior high-rise windows by leaning out — a serious safety violation
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to HKD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Toby (hellotoby.com) part-time helper rates; HelperChoice and kwiksure HK hourly-helper price comparisons.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a standard clean and a deep clean?
A standard clean covers surfaces you touch weekly: vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathrooms, kitchen wipe-down and bins. A deep clean adds the build-up work — inside the oven and fridge, skirting boards, under furniture, limescale removal, grout scrubbing and window sills. Deep cleans typically cost 50-100% more and take roughly twice as long. Book a deep clean first if the home hasn't been professionally cleaned in 6+ months, then maintain with standard cleans.
How long does a standard house clean take?
A 1-2 bedroom apartment usually takes 2-3 hours for one cleaner; a 3-bedroom home takes 3-4 hours. Deep cleans run 4-8 hours or use a two-person team. First visits always take longer than maintenance visits because the cleaner is working through accumulated grime and learning the layout.
Should I hire an independent cleaner or a cleaning company?
Independents are usually 20-40% cheaper and you get the same person every time, but you carry more risk: no cover if they're sick, and often no insurance. Companies cost more but handle vetting, insurance, replacements and payment admin. If you choose an independent, ask directly about liability insurance and references — many excellent independents carry both.
Do cleaners bring their own supplies and equipment?
It varies and you must confirm before booking. Most companies bring everything; many independent and platform-booked cleaners expect you to provide products, a vacuum and a mop — especially in Asia and the Middle East. If the cleaner brings supplies, tell them about any surface restrictions (stone worktops, hardwood) and preferences like fragrance-free or eco products.
What do hourly cleaners charge in Hong Kong?
Regular weekly arrangements run about HK$85-$110 per hour; one-off bookings typically HK$100-$140. With 3-hour minimums, a standard session costs roughly HK$260-$430. Platform-booked helpers publish rates upfront, which makes comparison easier than the agency route.
Can I hire my neighbour's domestic helper on her day off?
No. A foreign domestic helper's visa ties her to one sponsoring employer, and part-time work for anyone else is illegal — the helper risks removal and the hiring household risks prosecution. Hire local part-timers or go through an agency employing its own staff.
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