How much does car detailing cost? A guide to pricing factors

If your car’s paint is dull, its headlights are cloudy, the interior smells musty, or there are stains on the seats and carpets that won't come out with regular cleaning, then it needs a full detail.

But how much does car detailing cost, and what does it include?

Keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown of the costs, including key factors that influence them, and tips on selecting the right car detailing service.

What is car detailing?

Car detailing is a deep and thorough cleaning of your car’s interior and exterior. Think of it as a makeover. The goal is to make it look and feel as new as possible, remove built-up grime, protect surfaces, extend the car’s lifespan, and increase resale value.

Now, car detailing is not the same as a regular car wash. A car wash is quick. It sprays off the dirt on the outside and maybe vacuums the floor, but car detailing goes way deeper.

What’s included in a car detail?

A full detail comprises two parts: interior and exterior.

Interior car detailing

Interior detailing covers everything inside your car, including the seats, carpets, dashboard, door panels, and all the small spaces in between. It starts with a deep vacuuming of the floors, seats, edges, and trunk. Detailers then use brushes and tools to clean tight spots, such as cup holders and air vents, while the floor mats are removed and power-washed.

Fabric seats are shampooed or steam-cleaned to lift stains and odors, while leather seats are cleaned and conditioned to stay soft and crack-free. Hard surfaces, such as the dashboard, center console, and door trims, are wiped down and treated with protectants. The interior glass, including mirrors, windows, and the windshield, is also cleaned to remove smudges and film that can blur your view.

By the end, your car smells fresher, looks cleaner, and feels more pleasant to drive.

Exterior car detailing

Exterior detailing focuses on restoring and protecting all aspects of your car’s exterior. It starts with a thorough hand wash to remove dirt, bugs, and road grime, followed by a clay bar treatment to lift stuck-on debris from the paint.

Next, the paint is polished to remove scratches, dull spots, and swirl marks, then sealed with wax or a paint protectant for added shine and durability. Detailers also clean exterior features, such as door handles, trim, mirrors, and badges, to ensure a uniform finish. Windows, headlights, and mirrors are polished for clarity. Wheels and tires are degreased, scrubbed, and dressed for a dark, glossy look.

The result is a cleaner, shinier car that’s protected from the elements.

Factors that affect the cost of car detailing

Car detailing prices differ based on the type of car. The final cost depends on the factors below.

• Vehicle size and type: Smaller cars, such as sedans and coupes, are generally quicker and easier to detail, which results in lower costs. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks, require more time, cleaning products, and effort to cover every corner. As a result, detailers often add an extra fee, especially if you choose a mid-range or premium package.
• The condition and cleanliness of the car: Light dirt is easy and faster to clean, but deep stains, pet hair, sticky spills, or heavy grime buildup require more time and effort, which increases the price.
• The level of detail or service package chosen: The more detailed the service, the higher the cost. You're paying for the amount of work and coverage included.
• Location and local market rates: Detailers charge more in cities or areas with a higher cost of living to cover overhead and demand. If you’re in a smaller town or rural area, prices may be slightly lower. Meanwhile, mobile detailers sometimes charge a premium for convenience, while detailers in competitive areas might run discounts or offer package deals.
• Additional costs for premium materials or services: Special requests, such as ceramic coatings, high-end waxes, odor removal, or engine bay cleaning, incur extra fees. If you're choosing a detailer who uses premium products or advanced techniques, that quality is also reflected in the price.

How much does it cost to detail a car?

The average cost of a car detail ranges from $100 to $900 or more. Most detailers offer packages at different price points: basic, mid-range, and premium.

• Basic package: Priced between $100 and $150, this package includes a hand wash and dry of the exterior, vacuuming of the seats, floor, and trunk, a wipe-down of the dashboard and interior panels, and a simple window clean.
• Mid-range detail: In addition to everything in the basic package, this option includes interior shampooing for the carpets and seats, spot cleaning of minor stains, a fresh scent to enhance the interior's ambiance, wax treatment to protect and shine the paint, wheel cleaning, and headlight restoration. The cost ranges from $200 to $250. 
• Premium package: This is a complete top-to-bottom makeover for your car, with prices ranging from $300 to $900 or more. It includes paint correction to fix swirl marks and light scratches, buffing and hand polishing, and basic ceramic coating. Inside, detailers will steam clean the carpets, floor mats, and upholstery, treat or remove large stains, and apply protective coatings to surfaces like leather or vinyl.

If you drive a larger SUV, truck, or van, expect to pay an additional $50 to $100 on top of the package price due to the increased time and materials required.

Common add-ons and their prices

If you want to take it a step further, you can add any of these services to your car detailing package or purchase them individually without the initial detailing.

• Paint correction: $200 to $1,000, depending on the extent of the work required and the vehicle's size.
• Ceramic coating: From $500 to $2,000, it adds a strong, invisible layer over your car’s paint that protects it from water spots, UV rays, bird droppings, dirt, and minor scratches.
• Headlight restoration: Costs between $50 and $150.
• Engine cleaning: Costs between $100 and $400, depending on the level of dirtiness and the extent of detail required.

DIY vs. professional car detailing

DIY detailing is suitable for light upkeep. It can save you money and give you the freedom to clean your car on your schedule. However, it requires a significant amount of effort and time, and can cause damage if you lack the necessary experience. 

On the other hand, professional detailing costs more, but it gives you a deeper, longer-lasting clean using high-end tools, techniques, and protective products. It’s worth it if you want to restore your car’s original look, prepare it for sale, or protect its condition over time.

Quick tips for choosing the right car detailing service

Selecting the right car detailing service takes more than just picking the cheapest option. Here are some quick tips to help.

• Compare detailers and their packages: Look closely at what each service includes. Don’t just focus on the price. Check whether they offer extras, such as waxing, shampooing, or stain removal, as part of the package.
• Check reviews and certifications: Read customer reviews to see if others have been satisfied with their results. Choose detailers with certifications or training that demonstrate their expertise in handling the specific materials and finishes of your car.
• Ask questions: Before booking, find out exactly what’s included in the price, how long the service takes, and the products used by the detailer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Clarify the pricing structure: Some detailers list a “starting from” price, which means the car detail cost may increase depending on the vehicle's size or condition. Always clarify whether the quoted prices are fixed or just a base estimate.

Choosing the right car detailing option for you

Spending money on car detailing might seem like an extra cost, but it can save you money and headaches in the long run. Additionally, if you ever decide to sell your car, a well-maintained interior and a shiny exterior can significantly boost its resale value, making it easier to sell more quickly. 

That said, consider your car needs, the amount you're willing to spend, and your long-term car care goals. If your budget is tight or you only use your car occasionally, you can professionally detail 1 to 2 times a year, while handling regular cleaning yourself.