What are house cleaning prices in Switzerland in 2026?
Looking for
house cleaning prices in Switzerland? In fact, the average hourly rate in 2026 is between
CHF 38 and 50/hour for a fully insured professional service.
Let’s be honest: indeed, it’s more expensive than undeclared work. However, there are good reasons for that, and we’ll explain them here. In addition, we compare direct employment versus going through an agency, regional variations, and the real risks of undeclared work.
Hourly rates by region in 2026
House cleaning prices in Switzerland vary depending on where you live. Naturally, Geneva and Lausanne are more expensive: the cost of living is higher, so wages are too.
Regional rate comparison
| Region |
Agency rate (all-inclusive) |
Direct employment declared (total cost) |
Undeclared (illegal) |
| Geneva |
42-50 CHF/h |
35-42 CHF/h (charges included) |
25-32 CHF/h (risky) |
| Lausanne/Vaud |
42-48 CHF/h |
33-39 CHF/h (charges included) |
23-30 CHF/h (risky) |
| Fribourg |
40-46 CHF/h |
30-36 CHF/h (charges included) |
22-28 CHF/h (risky) |
| Valais |
38-44 CHF/h |
29-33 CHF/h (charges included) |
20-26 CHF/h (risky) |
| Neuchâtel |
40-46 CHF/h |
30-36 CHF/h (charges included) |
22-28 CHF/h (risky) |
Warning: The « undeclared » rates look attractive on paper. However, read the section on undeclared work below. In fact, we’ve seen situations go very wrong.
Direct employment vs agency: the real math
You have two options: hire someone directly or go through an agency like
MénageSimple. Both have their advantages. However, many people underestimate what direct employment actually involves.
Direct employment: what it really means
Of course, hiring a house cleaner directly can work. However, you need to know what you’re getting into.
The advantages:
- Sometimes lower gross hourly rate
- Direct relationship
- More flexibility in arrangements
What people often forget:
- AVS/AI/APG declarations you need to file yourself with the compensation office. Every quarter.
- Mandatory accident insurance (LAA) you need to take out
- An employment contract you need to draft properly
- Finding a replacement when they’re sick or on holiday
- Your liability if something breaks or they get injured
- About 2-4 hours of paperwork per month
- Work permits to verify and renew if applicable
- Managing partial unemployment if relevant
In short, we’re not saying it’s impossible. Similarly, most people discover these obligations after the fact.
Social charges: the calculation that changes everything
According to the
Federal Social Insurance Office (AVS), here’s what you must pay on top of the gross salary:
| Social charge |
Employer rate |
On a salary of 30 CHF/h |
| AVS/AI/APG |
5.3% |
+1.59 CHF/h |
| Unemployment insurance (AC) |
1.1% |
+0.33 CHF/h |
| Family allowances (AF) |
Varies by canton |
+0.30-0.90 CHF/h |
| Accident insurance (LAA) |
~0.5-1.5% |
+0.15-0.45 CHF/h |
| LPP (if >8h/week) |
~7% minimum |
Variable |
| Minimum total |
~8-15% |
+2.40-4.50 CHF/h |
Bottom line: A gross salary of CHF 30/hour actually costs you CHF 32.50 to 34.50/hour. Not counting your time.
Going through an agency: what the rate includes
At
MénageSimple, the CHF 38-50/hour rate covers everything:
- The salary of the person who comes to your home
- All social charges (AVS, LAA, AC, etc.)
- Professional liability insurance
- Cleaning products
- A replacement if they can’t come
- Customer support if something isn’t right
No paperwork, no surprises. Furthermore, our professionals go through a
selection process with reference checks. Indeed, we don’t accept everyone.
Undeclared work: let’s talk about it honestly
Undeclared work is
illegal in Switzerland. According to
Swiss labour law, all paid work must be declared.
Of course, we know many people do it anyway. Naturally, we understand the temptation: it’s cheaper. But after 10 years in this business, we’ve seen what can happen.
What you risk as an employer
- Fines of CHF 1,000 to 30,000
- Retroactive payment of contributions going back 5 years
- Full civil liability in case of accident
Above all, the last point is the most serious. If your house cleaner falls down the stairs at your home and breaks their back, you pay. Specifically, medical costs, rehabilitation, and potentially a lifelong pension. In other words, we’re talking hundreds of thousands of francs.
What it means for the person working
- No coverage in case of accident
- No pension contributions
- No unemployment benefits
- No protection in case of dispute
At MénageSimple,
we fight against undeclared work. Not out of moralism. Rather, we see the damage it causes firsthand.
What’s included in a home cleaning
House cleaning prices in Switzerland also depend on what you’re asking for.
Standard cleaning
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Dusting
- Kitchen: countertops, sink, appliances
- Full bathroom cleaning
- Changing bed sheets
- Taking out rubbish
Optional extras
Frequency and budget
The
frequency of visits directly impacts your monthly bill.
For an 80m² apartment
| Frequency |
Duration per visit |
Monthly cost (43 CHF/h) |
| Weekly |
2-3 hours |
345-515 CHF |
| Twice a month |
3-4 hours |
260-345 CHF |
| Monthly |
4-5 hours |
170-215 CHF |
| One-off |
Variable |
On request |
Regular cleaning often works out cheaper than one-off sessions. As a result, when we come every week, the home stays clean and each visit takes less time.
Why work with MénageSimple?
In fact, we’ve been doing home cleaning in Suisse Romande since 2015. Consequently, we know the business.
Frequently asked questions about house cleaning prices
How much does a house cleaner cost for 3 hours a week in Switzerland?
With an agency like MénageSimple, expect CHF 135-195 per week depending on the region. That’s CHF 540-780 per month. Everything’s included: charges, insurance, products.
What is the minimum hourly wage for a house cleaner in Switzerland?
Switzerland doesn’t have a federal minimum wage, but some cantons have set one. Geneva: CHF 24.32/h in 2026. Vaud: CHF 21.82/h. Mandatory social charges are added on top.
Can I deduct house cleaning costs from my taxes?
In some cantons, yes, partially. However, this only applies But only if the service is declared. Check with your cantonal tax administration for the exact conditions.
What’s the price difference between Geneva and Lausanne?
Specifically, Geneva is about 10-15% more expensive. The cost of living is higher, and so are wages. Expect CHF 42-50/h in Geneva versus CHF 42-48/h in Lausanne.
Is it really risky to pay cash in hand?
Absolutely. In fact, fines can reach CHF 30,000. But the real danger is if the person gets injured at your home. Without insurance, you’re personally liable for all medical costs and potentially a lifelong disability pension. We’ve seen cases where it ruined people.
What exactly does MénageSimple’s « all-inclusive » rate cover?
In summary, everything: the professional’s salary, all social charges, professional liability insurance, cleaning products, replacement in case of absence, and customer support. You pay one amount, period.
Get your free quote
House cleaning prices in Switzerland depend on your region, frequency, and desired services. Above all, what matters is choosing a declared service to protect yourself.
At
MénageSimple, we serve all of Suisse Romande: Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg, Valais, Neuchâtel. Book in 60 seconds.
Book your house cleaner now →
