The house cleaning rate in Switzerland varies considerably from one canton to another in Western Switzerland. Between Geneva and Valais, price differences reflect the cost of living, local demand and the applicable collective agreements. This guide breaks down the rates by canton to help you make sense of the market in 2026.
Rate table by canton in Western Switzerland
Here is an overview of the hourly rates in 2026, depending on the hiring method:
| Canton |
MénageSimple rate (all-inclusive) |
Direct employment (gross + charges) |
Undeclared (illegal) |
| Geneva |
CHF 42 to 50/h |
CHF 35 to 42/h |
CHF 25 to 32/h |
| Vaud (Lausanne) |
CHF 42 to 48/h |
CHF 33 to 39/h |
CHF 23 to 30/h |
| Fribourg |
CHF 42 to 46/h |
CHF 30 to 36/h |
CHF 22 to 28/h |
| Valais (Sion) |
CHF 42 to 44/h |
CHF 29 to 33/h |
CHF 20 to 26/h |
| Neuchâtel |
CHF 42 to 46/h |
CHF 30 to 36/h |
CHF 22 to 28/h |
All MénageSimple rates include: the cleaner’s salary, social charges (AVS, LAA, AC), professional cleaning products, equipment, AXA liability insurance and replacement in case of absence. No hidden fees.
Note: the “undeclared” rates are shown for informational purposes. Undeclared work is illegal in Switzerland and carries fines from CHF 1,000 to 30,000. Read our article on registered house cleaners to understand the risks.
Why rates vary from canton to canton
Several factors explain these price differences between cantons.
Cost of living
Geneva has the highest cost of living in Western Switzerland, followed by Vaud. Rent, food and transport are more expensive there, which feeds through into wages and therefore cleaning rates. In Valais and Fribourg, the cost of living is lower, which allows for more competitive rates.
Supply and demand
In Geneva, the demand for house cleaners is very high (high population density, many expats). This strong demand pushes prices upward. Conversely, in less urbanised cantons, supply and demand are better balanced.
Collective labour agreements
The CCT for the cleaning sector sets minimum wages that vary by region. Geneva also imposes a cantonal minimum wage (CHF 24.32/hour in 2026), which creates a higher floor than in other cantons.
Cantonal social charges
Family allowance contributions and certain LAA premiums vary by canton. These differences are reflected in the total cost for the employer or agency.
Detailed rates by major city
| Frequency |
Hourly rate |
Example (3h, 80m²) |
Monthly cost |
| Weekly |
From CHF 42/h |
CHF 126/session |
~CHF 504 |
| Bi-monthly (2x/month) |
From CHF 44/h |
CHF 132/session |
~CHF 264 |
| One-off |
From CHF 46/h |
CHF 138/session |
On demand |
Agency vs direct employment: what impact on price?
The table above shows a gap between direct employment and agency rates. Here is what explains this difference:
What is included in the agency rate
- Recruitment and reference checks
- Social declarations (AVS, LAA, LPP)
- Liability insurance
- Guaranteed replacement in case of absence
- Customer service and dispute management
- Single, simplified billing
What you manage with direct employment
- Finding the right person (classifieds, word of mouth)
- Checking references yourself
- Handling AVS and LAA declarations
- Preparing payslips
- Finding a replacement when she is sick or on holiday
- Managing any conflicts
In summary, direct employment is cheaper on paper, but the time and energy spent on administration has a real cost. For many clients, the simplicity of an agency easily justifies the price difference.
For a full comparison of hiring methods, read our guide to house cleaning prices in Switzerland.
What is included in MénageSimple rates
At MénageSimple, the displayed rate is all-inclusive. There are no hidden fees. Here is what is included:
- House cleaner’s salary (compliant with CCT Nettoyage)
- Full social charges (AVS, AI, APG, AC, LAA)
- Professional liability insurance
- Guaranteed replacement within 48 hours in case of absence
- Online booking and management platform
- Responsive customer service
To learn more about the wages paid to our house cleaners, see our article on house cleaner salaries in Switzerland.
FAQ about house cleaning rates in Switzerland
What is the average rate for a house cleaner in Western Switzerland?
In 2026, the average agency rate starts from CHF 42 per hour, depending on the canton and frequency. For registered direct employment, expect CHF 42 to 50/hour including charges.
Why are rates higher in Geneva?
Geneva has the highest cost of living in Western Switzerland, a cantonal minimum wage and strong demand. These three factors combined explain rates that are 10 to 15% higher than the rest of Western Switzerland.
Do rates decrease with higher frequency?
Yes. At MénageSimple, weekly cleaning is proportionally cheaper than bi-monthly or one-off cleaning. Regularity allows us to optimise travel and scheduling.
Are there additional fees at MénageSimple?
No. The displayed rate is all-inclusive. No registration fees, no admin fees, no surcharges for social contributions.
How do I get a personalised quote?
Visit menagesimple.com, enter your address and property size. You will receive an instant, no-obligation quote.
