Guide
Pressure washing cost
Most U.S. house washes land between $200 and $500 in 2026. Driveways are cheaper. Roofs and neglected two-story siding cost more. The method matters as much as the square footage: siding and shingles are usually a soft wash, not a high-pressure blast.
Check a number you were quoted against a planning range.
Check a pressure washing quoteTypical U.S. prices
Planning bands for a maintenance wash, before heavy stains or a regional labor adjustment. These are not bids.
| Surface | Per square foot | Typical job |
|---|---|---|
| House siding (soft wash) | $0.15–$0.35 | $200–$500 (1 story) |
| Driveway (concrete) | $0.15–$0.30 | $100–$250 (2-car) |
| Deck | $0.35–$0.80 | $150–$400 |
| Roof (soft wash) | $0.25–$0.50 | $400–$800 |
Small jobs still often hit a professional minimum around $150. Gutter troughs are a different job — see gutter cleaning cost.
What changes the price
- Two-story siding: about +30%. Three stories or more: about +50%.
- Algae, mildew, or moss: about +30% for dwell time and a second pass.
- Oil, rust, or years of buildup: about +45%. Some stains never fully leave.
- House living area is not siding area. Windows and the roof are subtracted.
- Windows, plants, gutter troughs, and deck sealing after a wash are usually extra.
Cost by region
National range used here is a typical 1-story house, about 1,600 sq ft of siding, light dirt: $240–$560.
| Region | Typical range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $290–$670 | Higher labor rates and a lot of older housing stock. |
| Mid-Atlantic | $265–$615 | A modest premium, especially near D.C., Baltimore, and Philly suburbs. |
| Southeast | $240–$560 | Near the national average; humidity shows up more in crawl spaces and vents. |
| Florida | $265–$615 | Heat, storms, and pests show up in dryer vents and gutters. |
| Midwest | $250–$590 | A small premium over the national average. |
| Texas | $260–$605 | A small premium; large single-story homes are common. |
| Mountain West | $250–$590 | Access, snow season, and travel between towns can nudge prices up. |
| Pacific Northwest | $275–$645 | Wet climate and moss raise demand for gutters and crawl-space work. |
| California | $300–$700 | Highest typical labor rates on this list. |
| Southwest | $240–$560 | Near the national average; dust and monsoon debris affect gutters. |
| Great Plains | $230–$530 | Usually the lowest labor rates of the regions listed. |
| National average | $240–$560 | Baseline used before a regional labor adjustment. |
DIY vs pro
A 1-story driveway or a small patio can be a reasonable DIY job if you understand PSI and keep the wand moving. Vinyl siding, painted wood, and especially roofs belong with someone who will soft-wash, not blast. A rental unit at 3,000 PSI is easy to aim at the wrong surface. See DIY vs hiring a pro.
Fair-quote rules
- The quote should name the surfaces. “The house” is not a scope.
- Ask whether siding is a soft wash. High PSI on vinyl or shingles is a red flag.
- A $99 whole-house number is usually missing walls, stories, or the method.
- Plants, windows, and electrical outlets should be protected. If that is not written down, ask. See red flags and questions to ask a contractor.
FAQ
How much does pressure washing a house cost in 2026?
Most 1-story houses land around $200–$500. A typical 2-story is often $300–$700. Per square foot of siding, $0.15–$0.35 is a common planning band for a maintenance wash.
What is a fair driveway price?
A 2-car concrete driveway is often $100–$250, or about $0.15–$0.30 per square foot. Oil stains can push it higher. Small jobs still hit a trip minimum around $150.
Should a roof be pressure washed?
No. Asphalt shingles should be a soft wash. High pressure strips granules and can void a warranty. Roof work is usually $0.25–$0.50 per square foot, often $400–$800 on a typical roof.
Is a $99 house wash a good deal?
Usually not. That number is often a bait price for one wall, or high-PSI work that can damage siding. Ask what surfaces, what method, and whether plants and windows are protected. See the red-flags guide.
Check a number you were quoted against a planning range.
Check a pressure washing quote