House sitting rates: What’s fair and how much should you pay?

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for setting house sitting rates. What seems reasonable for one homeowner or sitter might not work for another.

So, how much should you pay or charge, and what’s the going rate for house sitting with pets?

In this article, we’ll share the average house sitting rates charged by sitters around the US, along with the key factors that influence pay.

What does a house sitter do?

A house sitter is someone who temporarily resides in another person’s home while they’re away, to care for the property and ensure things run smoothly. They do things like bring in the mail or newspaper, adjust the lights or blinds to make the home look occupied, take out the trash, check for any signs of damage, leaks, and electrical problems, or even water indoor and outdoor plants on a schedule. 

The goal is to ensure the home remains safe, clean, and lived-in while the owner is away. They may be absent for work, vacation, or leave their home for extended periods, thereby helping prevent issues such as break-ins, damage, or neglected chores.

In some cases, house sitters are also expected to handle home security tasks, like locking up at night, setting alarms, or checking outdoor gates and windows. If there's a power outage or a burst pipe, the house sitter may need to quickly report the problem or contact emergency services.

Sometimes, house sitting overlaps with pet care. The sitter may be asked to feed the pets, refill water bowls, scoop litter boxes, clean cages, or give medication if needed. However, a house sitter and a professional pet sitter differ slightly in the level of attention required and experience needed. Basic house sitting allows more flexibility, while pet-related house sitting requires more presence and consistency. Dogs may require daily walks, while certain breeds need grooming. Additionally, some pets, such as puppies, senior animals, or those with health issues, may need extra care and supervision.

How much does house sitting cost?

The average house sitting rates fall between $50 and $60 per day, depending on the services required, how long you’ll be away, whether you need overnight care or just drop-in visits, and your location.

For instance, in high-cost cities like San Francisco, house sitting can be over $100 per day, while in Philadelphia, it’s closer to $60 per day.

Overnight vs. non-overnight visits

Overnight house sitting is ideal when pets require round-the-clock care or when the homeowner wants the house occupied for security reasons. The sitter typically arrives in the evening and stays through the night, sometimes spending most of the day at the home too. These bookings are priced higher, averaging $75 to $100 per night, to reflect the sitter’s availability and presence.

On the other hand, non-overnight visits are shorter, more flexible, come with fewer responsibilities, and are less expensive. They may involve morning and evening drop-ins and work well for independent pets and homes that don’t require constant monitoring. 

Booking platforms vs. private arrangements

You can hire a house sitter either through a platform or privately. Platforms like TrustedHousesitters or Rover help connect homeowners with sitters, often in exchange for free accommodation. For example, TrustedHousesitters operates on a membership model, so the sitter typically doesn't receive payment but stays in the home for free while caring for your pets and property.

This can be cost-effective for longer trips but may not work for homeowners who prefer to pay someone for professional, full-time attention.

Private sitters, whether local professionals or someone you know personally, typically charge daily or weekly rates and may be more flexible with their responsibilities. Additionally, hiring privately gives you more control over pricing and expectations, but may come with a higher cost, especially if specialized pet care or extended hours are involved.

What affects house sitting rates?

The pay rate for house sitting varies widely depending on the size of the home, its location, and the time of year. If pets are involved, the care required and the number of pets also play a role.

Pet care and special needs

Taking care of pets, especially dogs, adds more responsibility and time to the job, and that’s reflected in the price. The sitter may need to walk the dog, feed them on a schedule, play with them, and keep their living space clean. If the dog is furry or sheds a lot, regular brushing and vacuuming may also be necessary. 

Puppies, senior dogs, or pets with behavioral issues, like separation anxiety or aggression, require extra attention or even full-time supervision. Administering pets' medication, especially injections or timed treatments, also adds to the cost. Some sitters charge an additional fee for each medication session, especially if it requires precision or handling a resistant animal.

Number of pets and house size

Most sitters charge a base rate for one or two pets, but if you have three, four, or more, expect an additional fee for house sitting for each pet. Each animal adds more work, whether it’s feeding, cleaning, or providing attention and exercise.

The size of your home also plays a role. A larger property usually means more upkeep. If you want your house vacuumed, cleaned, or kept extra tidy during your time away, the sitter will factor that into their rate. Some sitters also offer light cleaning and basic maintenance as part of their job, but if you expect daily cleaning or pool maintenance, that’s considered an add-on service and may incur extra costs.

Location and cost of living

Urban areas with a high cost of living typically have higher house sitting rates compared to small towns or rural areas. For example, according to recent averages, house sitting in Philadelphia costs around $16.67 per hour or $65 per day, while in a more expensive city like San Francisco, the house sitting rate per day jumps to $115 or $29.71 per hour.

This difference is due to both demand and local cost of living. In cities, sitters often need to factor in transportation, parking, higher food and utility costs while staying at someone’s home. At the same time, there’s more competition for reliable, trustworthy house sitters, especially those who offer pet care, so the rates go up.

Likewise, if your home is located far from town, public transportation, or amenities, you may need to pay more to attract a sitter willing to travel or stay in a remote location.

Holiday and peak season surcharges

Many sitters charge higher rates during peak seasons, such as summer vacation months, long weekends, and major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. During these times, house sitters are in higher demand, and homeowners are often willing to pay a premium for someone dependable. Holiday and peak-season surcharges can range from an extra $10 to $50 per day, depending on the location, the sitter’s experience, and the specific holiday. 

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to travel during a popular time of year, it’s smart to book early and expect slightly higher rates.

Is house sitting worth the cost?

House sitting can absolutely be worth the cost—especially when you need someone to look after both your home and pets. Beyond feeding animals or walking the dog, a house sitter can water your plants, collect mail, take out the bins, and help keep your property looking lived-in while you're away. This kind of coverage adds peace of mind, knowing that your space is secure and well-maintained.

It’s particularly helpful if you have multiple pets, older animals, or pets with medical needs who are more comfortable staying in a familiar environment. Even healthy pets often do better at home, where routines remain the same and stress is minimized.

Still, house sitting isn’t always the most budget-friendly option. If your pets are low-maintenance or you’re only away for a short time, alternatives like kennels, home boarding, drop-in visits, or help from friends and family might make more financial sense.

How to set a fair house sitting rate

The first step in setting a fair house sitting rate is to have an honest conversation about expectations and ensure that both parties agree on the responsibilities involved. It also helps to prevent confusion later while ensuring both sides feel respected.

For homeowners, a good starting point is to research local rates for similar services. Then, carefully consider the tasks that need to be done, the time expected at the house, and whether the sitter will be caring for pets, plants, or handling other duties. If the house sitting falls over a holiday or runs for several weeks, it’s worth discussing whether a tip or bonus makes sense. You’ll likely need to pay more for added responsibilities or last-minute requests.

For sitters, be upfront about what you're comfortable doing and what your base rate covers. If the job involves extra work, such as administering medications, staying overnight, or caring for multiple pets, be transparent about how this affects your pricing. Then, factor in the client’s location. House sitting in a city with high living costs or limited parking often deserves higher pay than a quiet rural job with fewer demands.