Car detailing costs $50 to $900 in 2026
Car detailing costs $50 to $900 in 2026. A full interior and exterior detail is around $300 on Nextdoor, and InvoiceFly says most people pay $150 to $300. A basic exterior wash is $50 to $100 on HomeGuide. The size of your vehicle, the kind of detail, and how dirty the car is move the price. Add-ons like paint correction and ceramic coating cost more.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Nextdoor | Nextdoor lists a full car detail at around $300, an interior detail at $150 to $225, and paint correction at $250 to $750 or more. |
| InvoiceFly | InvoiceFly lists a full interior and exterior detail at $150 to $300, an interior only detail at $80 to $160, and ceramic coating at $600 to $2,000. |
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists a basic exterior wash at $50 to $100, a basic interior detail at $150 to $200, and a luxury full service detail at $500 to $900 or more. |
Car detailing cost by service
| Service | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Basic exterior wash | $50 to $100 | HomeGuide |
| Interior only detail | $80 to $160 | InvoiceFly |
| Basic interior detail | $150 to $200 | HomeGuide |
| Full interior and exterior | $150 to $300 | InvoiceFly |
| Full car detail | Around $300 | Nextdoor |
| Deluxe full service with steam and clay bar | $300 to $500 | HomeGuide |
| Paint correction | $250 to $750 or more | Nextdoor |
| Ceramic coating | $600 to $2,000 | InvoiceFly |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Detail package | A wash costs the least and a luxury package costs the most. HomeGuide lists $50 to $100 for a basic wash and $500 to $900 for luxury. |
| Vehicle size | Bigger vehicles take more time. Nextdoor lists $150 or more for a small car and $250 or more for a large SUV. |
| How dirty it is | Pet hair and smoke smells take extra work. InvoiceFly lists pet hair removal at $25 to $100 and odor or smoke treatment at $40 to $150. |
| Add-ons | Clay bar, headlight work, and engine cleaning are priced on top. Nextdoor lists clay bar at $50 to $100 or more and engine cleaning at $50 to $150. |
| Where you live | Prices change by area. Nextdoor lists a Florida average of $151 and a New York average of $300. |
What the price includes
A detail usually covers a hand wash, wheels and windows, and a deep clean of the inside, such as vacuuming, wiping the dash and vents, and cleaning carpets. Wax, steam cleaning, clay bar, paint correction, ceramic coating, and engine cleaning are often extra. Ask what is in each package before you book. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Car detailing is sold by shops and by mobile detailers who come to you. Most charge a flat price for a package, and the price depends on your vehicle size. Add-ons such as pet hair removal, clay bar, or engine cleaning are billed as extra lines. Nextdoor lists a mobile car wash at $20 to $50 for basic work. Some detailers ask you to book ahead, and some take payment when the job is done. Ask for the total price before the work starts.
When you need this
You need a detail when a car looks worn, smells bad, or is about to be sold. A detail goes deeper than a car wash. It cleans seats, carpets, vents, and paint. It can also help a car keep its value. Many people book one once or twice a year, or after a trip, a spill, or a pet.
How to judge your quote
- Ask exactly what is in the package, inside and out.
- Ask if the price changes for your vehicle size.
- Ask what costs extra, such as pet hair or wax.
- Ask if the shop will fix a missed spot for free.
- Compare the total with the range above: $50 to $900 per detail for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Book a basic package when the car is only a little dirty. HomeGuide lists a basic exterior wash at $50 to $100.
- Skip add-ons you do not need. Clay bar, engine cleaning, and headlight work are priced one by one, so pick only what helps.
- Ask about a lower price for repeat visits. Some shops give regular customers a better rate, so ask when you book.
- Clean out trash and pet hair before you arrive. Less work for the detailer may mean a lower bill.
- Compare quotes from two or three shops for the same package, and ask if the price depends on your vehicle size.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Nextdoor, InvoiceFly and HomeGuide. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to detail a car?
A full interior and exterior detail costs $150 to $300, says InvoiceFly. Nextdoor lists around $300. Basic packages start at $50 to $100 on HomeGuide.
How much does an interior detail cost?
InvoiceFly lists $80 to $160 for an interior only detail. HomeGuide lists $150 to $200 for a basic interior and $200 to $350 for an advanced one.
How much does paint correction cost?
Nextdoor lists $250 to $750 or more. InvoiceFly lists $500 to $1,200. The price depends on how much damage is in the paint.
How much does ceramic coating cost?
InvoiceFly lists $600 to $2,000. It is priced on top of a regular detail.
Do SUVs cost more to detail?
Yes. HomeGuide lists $50 to $175 for a small car and $225 to $400 for a large truck or two row SUV. Nextdoor lists $150 or more for a small car and $250 or more for a large one.