„"How much does that cost?" is the first question people ask when they think about hiring a housekeeper.
The answer is not a single number. The price depends on the size of the space, the type of cleaning, the city and how often the person comes. The same house can cost €30 or €120 — depending on whether it is regular maintenance or general cleaning.
In this text, we provide a realistic overview of prices on the Montenegrin market, explain what exactly affects the price and how to agree terms that are fair for both parties.
What determines the cost of cleaning
Before we get to the specific numbers, it's important to understand what the price actually consists of. This helps you assess whether the offer you received is reasonable.
Area and number of rooms
The most obvious factor. More space means more time — and time is what you're actually paying for. But it's not just about square footage: an 80 m² apartment with three small rooms and two bathrooms lasts longer than an apartment of the same square footage with one large space.
Cleaning type
Regular maintenance and general cleaning are two completely different jobs. Regular cleaning maintains the found condition. General cleaning goes into the closets, behind the furniture, into the joints and onto the windows — and takes three to five times longer.
Frequency of arrivals
An apartment that is cleaned every week requires less work upon arrival than an apartment that is cleaned once a month. That's why maids often offer a lower price upon arrival for regular, contracted arrangements.
Who provides the funds?
If the cleaner brings her own funds and equipment, the price is usually a bit higher — because she includes the cost of detergents and depreciation of the equipment. If you provide everything, the price is lower.
Condition of the premises
An apartment where one person lives and an apartment with three small children and a dog are not the same deal, regardless of the square footage. The same applies to spaces that have not been cleaned for a long time.
City and location
On the coast, prices are usually slightly higher during the season due to increased demand. In Podgorica and the interior, they are more stable throughout the year. Location affects travel costs as well — coming to a suburban area often carries a small surcharge.
Cleaning price list by type of facility
The following figures are indicative — based on common practice on the Montenegrin market. You always agree the final price directly with the person you hire, based on the specific space.
🏢 Regular cleaning of the apartment
| Apartment type | Approximate price upon arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | €15–25 | 1–2 hours |
| One-bedroom | €15–30 | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Two-bedroom | €20–35 | 2–3 hours |
| Three-bedroom | €30–50 | 3–4 hours |
| Four-bedroom and larger | €40–60 | 4+ hours |
🏡 Regular house cleaning
| House size | Approximate price upon arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 m² | €30–50 | 3–4 hours |
| 100–200 m² | €40–70 | 4–6 hours |
| Over 200 m² | €60–100 | 6+ hours or more |
✨ General cleaning
Deep cleaning that is done once or twice a year.
| Facility | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Apartment up to 60 m² | €50–90 |
| Apartment 60–100 m² | €70–120 |
| House up to 150 m² | €90–150 |
| House over 150 m² | €130–250 |
🏖️ Cleaning of tourist accommodation
Preparing the apartment between guests is a special type of work with its own price list. We write about it in detail in the text How much does a housekeeper earn in Montenegro.
| Facility | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | €15–25 |
| One-bedroom apartment | €20–35 |
| Two-bedroom apartment | €30–50 |
| Villa | €60–150 |
🔨 Cleaning after renovation
This is the most demanding type of cleaning and the price is almost always negotiated individually. Construction dust is not removed by a standard procedure — it requires a special approach, multiple passes and often specialized equipment.
Expect the price. two to three times higher from the general cleaning of the same area.
By the hour or upon arrival — which is better
There are two common billing models and each has its place.
Payment upon arrival (fixed)
Agree on a price for a specific scope of work, regardless of how long it takes. Usually with regular cleaning where you know exactly what is being done.
Advantage: you know exactly how much you pay each time, it's easier to plan your budget.
Disadvantage: if the volume of work increases, it should be renegotiated.
Hourly billing
The usual range on the Montenegrin market is €6–12 per hour, depending on the city and type of work.
Advantage: fair for both parties when the scope of work varies — for example with general cleaning.
Disadvantage: you don't know the final figure in advance, so it's good to agree on an upper limit.
What do I recommend?
For regular weekly cleaning — fixed price upon arrival. It is predictable for you and motivating for the maid to work efficiently.
For general cleaning, cleaning after renovation or the first visit when the condition of the space is unknown — per hour, with an agreed upper limit.
How to negotiate a price without discomfort
Talking about money is uncomfortable for many people. Here's how to keep it clear and concise.
Say what you need before asking the price
Instead of "how much do you charge", say: "I have a two bedroom apartment of 65 square meters, two bathrooms, I need regular cleaning once a week." With that data, you get a specific figure, not a range.
Ask what is included in the price
Is dishwashing included? Ironing? A balcony? Windows? It is better to clarify at the beginning than to be disappointed after the first visit.
Agree on who brings the funds.
This directly affects the price and is often forgotten in the conversation.
Treat the first visit as a trial run
Do not immediately arrange a six-month arrangement. You see how the person works, and only then do you make a long-term deal.
Don't negotiate down aggressively
A price that is too low usually means either a rush or dissatisfaction — and this is reflected in the quality of the work. A fair price builds a relationship that lasts.
Agree on payment dynamics
After every arrival or once a month? Say it now, so there is no awkwardness later.
We write more about the selection of a person in the text How to find a reliable housekeeper in Podgorica.
Is an agency or a direct deal worth it?
Cleaning agencies offer an organized service, but their price includes a commission — usually 20–40% above what the same person would charge directly.
A direct agreement means a lower price for you and higher earnings for the cleaner. The only reason why people still choose an agency is the feeling of security — a verified person, a replacement if someone can't come.
A platform like spremacica.me solves that trade-off: you see a person's profile and reviews from previous clients, but you negotiate directly and without commission.
Browse available maids in your city on the page Cities.
Conclusion
The price of cleaning an apartment or house in Montenegro ranges from fifteen euros for a small apartment to over one hundred euros for general cleaning of a larger house.
The specific figure depends on the square footage, type of cleaning, frequency and who provides the funds. The most important thing is that the scope of work is clearly agreed in advance — then the price is fair for both parties and the cooperation lasts.
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