Car detailing costs range from $50 for a basic wash to $2,500+ for a full paint correction and ceramic coating. The average full interior and exterior detail runs $150–$300 for a standard sedan in 2026.
Car Detail Price by Package Type
| Package | What’s Included | Typical Price (Sedan) | Typical Price (SUV/Truck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic wash & vacuum | Exterior wash, interior vacuum | $50–$100 | $75–$130 |
| Standard exterior detail | Hand wash, clay bar, wax or sealant | $100–$175 | $130–$225 |
| Standard interior detail | Shampoo, steam clean, wipe-down | $100–$175 | $130–$225 |
| Full detail (interior + exterior) | All of the above combined | $150–$300 | $200–$375 |
| Premium full detail | Full detail + paint enhancement, leather conditioning | $250–$500 | $300–$600 |
| Paint correction (single stage) | Machine polish to remove swirls/scratches | $300–$600 | $400–$750 |
| Paint correction (multi-stage) | Heavy cut + polish for severe oxidation | $600–$1,200 | $800–$1,500 |
| Ceramic coating (DIY grade) | 1–2 year protection | $200–$500 | $200–$500 |
| Ceramic coating (professional) | 3–10 year protection | $700–$2,500 | $900–$2,500 |
Prices by Vehicle Size
Vehicle size is one of the biggest factors in detailing cost:
| Vehicle Type | Size Upcharge (vs. sedan baseline) |
|---|---|
| Compact car / coupe | Base price or small discount |
| Sedan / hatchback | Baseline |
| Small SUV / crossover | +$25–$50 |
| Mid-size SUV | +$50–$75 |
| Large SUV / minivan | +$75–$125 |
| Full-size truck | +$75–$125 |
| Oversized SUV (Suburban, Expedition) | +$100–$150 |
Worked Example: Full Detail on a 2022 Toyota RAV4
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exterior hand wash + clay bar | $65 |
| Machine wax / paint sealant | $55 |
| Tire and trim dressing | $20 |
| Interior vacuum and shampoo | $70 |
| Leather conditioning (front seats) | $30 |
| Window cleaning (interior + exterior) | $25 |
| Total | $265 |
This is a realistic quote for a mid-size SUV at an independent detailer in a mid-cost-of-living metro (Atlanta, Dallas, Denver). Prices in New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco run 30–50% higher.
Mobile Detailing vs. Shop Detailing
| Factor | Mobile Detailer | Shop Detailer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Similar or slightly lower | Similar or slightly higher |
| Convenience | Comes to you (home/office) | Drop off and pick up |
| Water source | Brings own (typically) | Shop supply |
| Space quality | Variable (depends on location) | Controlled environment |
| Speed | Typically 2–4 hours on-site | May have car all day |
Mobile detailers have grown significantly and now offer nearly the same quality as shop detailing for similar prices. The main limitation is paint correction and ceramic coating — work that requires a climate-controlled environment for best results.
What Drives Price Variation
Geographic location: Detailers in California, New York, or Hawaii charge 30–60% more than equivalent services in the South or Midwest, reflecting higher labor costs and rent.
Vehicle condition: A car with heavy pet hair, muddy carpets, or significant paint oxidation will cost more — the detailer may quote a condition surcharge of $25–$100 for extra work.
Shop reputation: A high-end detailing shop with certified technicians charges more than a basic chain car wash. For daily drivers, a mid-tier detailer is usually the best value.
Frequency discount: Many detailers offer 10–20% discounts for regular customers who book quarterly or semi-annually.
When to Skip Detailing
- Vehicles with paint damage (deep scratches, dents) — detailing cleans and protects but won’t fix body damage
- Very high-mileage vehicles where the cost doesn’t align with the car’s value
- Lease returns with strict mileage and condition rules — check what the dealer actually requires; sometimes a basic clean is sufficient
For more car ownership costs, see the true cost of owning a car and cheapest cars to insure.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy