Wondering what a house cleaner really costs in Montreal this year? Most homes pay between $30 and $65 an hour, or a flat $110 to $175 per visit for a small apartment. Here is the honest breakdown, and how to hire someone reliable without paying agency markups.
Key facts
- Hourly rates in Montreal run roughly $30 to $65 per hour in 2026, depending on whether you hire an independent cleaner or an insured company.
- Independent cleaners sit at the lower end (about $25 to $40 per hour), professional insured firms around $50 per hour, and premium franchises $55 to $75 per hour.
- Flat-rate visits are common: a 1-bedroom apartment runs about $110 to $175 per visit, a studio starts near $125, and a 3½ apartment near $150.
- Recurring clients pay less. Weekly service can drop to around $110 per visit, bi-weekly around $130.
- Larger 3½ to 5½ apartments typically land between $180 and $350 per visit.
- Quebec sales taxes (5% GST and 9.975% QST) are added on top of the quoted price when you use a registered company.
Hourly versus flat rate
Montreal cleaners quote two ways. Hourly is simple and flexible, and it works well for one-off jobs or when you are not sure how long a place will take. Flat rate is popular for recurring cleans because you know the exact price before anyone shows up.
As a rough guide, an average two-bedroom apartment takes a solo cleaner about three hours for a standard maintenance clean. At $40 an hour that is roughly $120 before tax. A deep clean, move-out clean, or a home that has not been cleaned in a while can take twice as long.
What changes the price
A few things push the number up or down:
- Size and layout. More rooms, more bathrooms, and more floor area all add time.
- Condition. A regular tidy-up is cheaper per visit than a first-time deep clean.
- Frequency. Weekly and bi-weekly clients almost always pay a lower per-visit rate than one-time bookings.
- Extras. Inside the oven, inside the fridge, interior windows, and laundry are usually add-ons.
- Insurance and supplies. Insured companies that bring their own eco-friendly products cost more than an independent who uses yours.
- Neighbourhood. Rates can shift a little across Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil.
How to hire a reliable cleaner in Montreal
Price matters, but reliability matters more. A cheap cleaner who cancels or does a rushed job costs you more in the long run. Here is a simple way to hire well:
- Be clear about the job. List the rooms, the frequency, and any add-ons up front so quotes are comparable.
- Ask how they price. Get the hourly rate or the flat per-visit price, and confirm whether tax and supplies are included.
- Check for insurance if you are hiring a company, and ask about a backup if your regular cleaner is sick.
- Start with a trial clean before you commit to a weekly slot.
- Agree the basics in writing: the price, what is included, and how to reschedule.
A free way to connect directly
Agencies and lead-selling platforms add a markup or charge cleaners a commission, and that cost lands on you. CQD New Gen takes a different route. It connects households and cleaners directly, and right now it is completely free on both sides. There is no commission, no subscription, and no fee to post a job.
If you need a cleaner, you post what you need and cleaners in your area reach out. If you clean for a living, you can list yourself and keep 100 percent of what you earn, no lead fees. Posting a job is always free.
FAQ
How much does a house cleaner cost per hour in Montreal in 2026?
Most cleaners charge between $30 and $65 an hour. Independents are cheaper, around $25 to $40, while insured professional companies are usually near $50 and premium franchises can reach $75.
Is it cheaper to pay hourly or a flat rate?
For a one-time job, hourly is often simplest. For regular cleaning, a flat per-visit rate is usually better value because recurring clients get lower prices, sometimes around $110 a visit for weekly service.
Do I have to pay tax on cleaning services?
If you hire a registered company in Quebec, expect 5% GST and 9.975% QST added to the quote. Some independent cleaners operate below the registration threshold and may not charge tax.
How do I find a cleaner without paying agency fees?
Hire directly instead of through a lead-selling middleman. On CQD New Gen you can post a cleaning job for free and connect with local cleaners at no cost, with no commission taken from either side.
Can I earn money cleaning homes in Montreal?
Yes. Demand for reliable cleaners is strong across Montreal. You can list yourself for free on CQD New Gen, set your own rates, and keep everything you earn.