Car Detailing Cost (2026) | Complete Price Guide by Service

Average Car Detailing Costs in 2026

Car detailing prices vary based on service level, vehicle size, condition, and location. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:

**Quick Reference:**

Basic Wash & Vacuum: $30-$75
Standard Detail: $100-$200
Full Detail: $200-$400
Premium/Show Detail: $400-$800+
Ceramic Coating: $500-$2,500

These prices represent national averages for sedan-sized vehicles in good condition. Your actual cost may vary based on factors discussed throughout this guide.

Exterior Detailing Costs

Exterior detailing focuses on everything outside your vehicle - paint, wheels, tires, glass, and trim.

Service	What's Included	Price Range
Basic Exterior Wash	Hand wash, dry, windows, tire dressing	$30-$60
Standard Exterior Detail	Wash, clay bar, wax, wheels, tires, trim	$75-$150
Full Exterior Detail	Above + light polish, sealant, full decontamination	$150-$250
Paint Correction + Detail	Full exterior + multi-stage paint correction	$400-$1,000

Common Exterior Add-Ons

Engine bay cleaning: $50-$100
Headlight restoration: $50-$150
Chrome polish: $25-$75
Trim restoration: $50-$100
Tar and sap removal: $25-$50

Interior Detailing Costs

Interior detailing addresses everything inside your vehicle - seats, carpets, dashboard, door panels, and all surfaces.

Service	What's Included	Price Range
Basic Interior Clean	Vacuum, wipe down surfaces, glass	$40-$75
Standard Interior Detail	Deep vacuum, steam clean, condition leather/vinyl, glass	$100-$175
Full Interior Detail	Above + shampoo carpets/seats, detail vents, full extraction	$175-$300
Deep Clean/Restoration	Heavy stain removal, odor elimination, full reconditioning	$300-$500

Common Interior Add-Ons

Odor removal/ozone treatment: $50-$150
Pet hair removal: $50-$100
Leather conditioning: $50-$100
Fabric protection: $50-$100
Steam sanitization: $50-$100

Full Detail Package Costs

Full details combine interior and exterior services, often at a package discount.

Package Level	What's Included	Price Range
Basic Full Detail	Standard exterior wash + basic interior clean	$100-$175
Standard Full Detail	Full exterior detail + full interior detail	$200-$350
Premium Full Detail	Paint correction, premium products, deep interior	$400-$600
Show/Concours Detail	Multi-stage correction, show-quality finish, every detail perfect	$800-$1,500+

Specialty Service Costs

Beyond standard detailing, specialty services address specific needs.

Service	Description	Price Range
Ceramic Coating	Semi-permanent paint protection	$500-$2,500
Paint Protection Film (PPF)	Physical film protection	$500-$7,000
Paint Correction	Swirl/scratch removal	$300-$1,500
Window Tinting	Privacy and UV protection	$150-$800
Headlight Restoration	Restore clarity to yellowed headlights	$75-$200
Odor Elimination	Professional odor removal	$100-$300

Price by Vehicle Size

Vehicle size significantly impacts detailing costs due to surface area and labor time.

Vehicle Type	Price Multiplier	Example Full Detail Cost
Compact Car	Base price	$150-$250
Sedan	1.0x - 1.1x	$175-$300
Crossover/Small SUV	1.1x - 1.2x	$200-$350
Large SUV	1.2x - 1.4x	$250-$425
Truck (Standard Cab)	1.1x - 1.25x	$200-$375
Truck (Crew Cab)	1.25x - 1.4x	$250-$425
Minivan	1.3x - 1.5x	$275-$450
Full-Size Van	1.5x - 2.0x	$350-$600

Regional Price Variations

Geographic location significantly affects detailing prices due to cost of living, competition, and market factors.

**High-Cost Markets (20-40% above average):**

San Francisco Bay Area
New York City metropolitan area
Los Angeles
Seattle
Boston
Miami

**Average-Cost Markets:**

Most mid-sized cities
Suburban areas of major metros
Southeast and Midwest metropolitan areas

**Lower-Cost Markets (10-20% below average):**

Rural areas
Smaller cities
Regions with lower cost of living

**Example: Full Detail Price by Region:**

San Francisco: $275-$450
Average US City: $200-$350
Smaller City/Rural: $150-$275

Factors That Affect Your Price

Beyond basic pricing, several factors influence your final cost:

**Vehicle Condition:**

Well-maintained vehicles cost less to detail
Heavy soiling adds 20-50% to interior cleaning
Neglected paint may require correction before protection

**Service Level:**

Basic packages use standard products
Premium packages use higher-quality products
Show-level details involve extra time and attention

**Detailer Experience:**

New detailers often charge less
Established professionals command premium rates
Certified ceramic coating installers charge more

**Location Type:**

Mobile detailing may include travel fees
Premium shop facilities charge more
Home-based operations may offer lower prices

**Frequency:**

Regular customers often receive discounts
Maintenance packages reduce per-visit cost
First-time promotions may be available

Is Professional Detailing Worth the Cost?

Professional detailing provides value beyond a clean car:

**Benefits That Justify the Cost:**

**Time Savings**: Professional detailers spend 4-8 hours on a full detail. Is your time worth the savings?
**Superior Results**: Professionals have equipment, products, and skills most DIYers lack
**Paint Preservation**: Proper techniques prevent damage that improper washing causes
**Resale Value**: Well-maintained vehicles sell for more
**Health Benefits**: Deep interior cleaning removes allergens and bacteria

**When Professional Detailing Makes Sense:**

Before selling a vehicle (ROI often 2-3x the cost)
After purchasing a used vehicle
Seasonal maintenance (spring/fall)
Before special events
When paint correction or ceramic coating is needed

**When DIY Might Make Sense:**

Regular maintenance washes
You enjoy the process
Budget is very limited
You have proper equipment and knowledge

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a basic car detail cost?

A basic car detail (exterior wash and interior vacuum/wipe) costs $50-$100. A standard detail with more thorough cleaning costs $100-$200. Full details with premium services range from $200-$400.

Why is professional detailing so expensive?

Professional detailing involves hours of labor, professional-grade products, specialized equipment, and expertise. A full detail can take 4-8 hours. When you factor in time, supplies, and skill, pricing reflects the value delivered.

Is it cheaper to detail your own car?

DIY detailing can save money if you already have supplies and value your time lower than professional rates. However, professional results often exceed what most DIYers achieve, especially for paint correction and ceramic coating.

How often should I get my car detailed?

Most vehicles benefit from professional detailing every 4-6 months for maintenance. High-use vehicles or those parked outdoors may need more frequent service. Regular washing between details helps maintain the results.

Does car size affect detailing price?

Yes, significantly. Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks, vans) typically cost 20-40% more than sedans due to increased surface area, more interior space, and additional labor time.

How Much Does Car Detailing Cost in 2026?

Key Takeaways