A clean car feels better to drive. It also sells faster and holds value longer. But how much does car detailing actually cost?
How Much Does Car Detailing Cost?
Car detailing usually costs $75 to $300 for standard packages.
- Basic detailing: $75–$150
- Full detailing (interior + exterior): $150–$300
- Premium or luxury detailing: $300–$800+
- Ceramic coating or paint correction: $500–$2,000+
The final price depends on your vehicle size, condition, location, and the services included.
Now let’s break it down clearly.
What Is Car Detailing?
Car detailing is a deep cleaning and restoration process. It goes far beyond a basic car wash.
A car wash removes surface dirt.
Detailing cleans, restores, and protects your car inside and out.
It usually includes:
- Hand washing and drying
- Waxing or polishing
- Interior vacuuming
- Shampooing carpets and seats
- Dashboard and trim cleaning
- Tire and wheel treatment
Some packages also include paint correction or ceramic coating.
Average Car Detailing Cost by Service Type
1. Basic Exterior Detailing ($75–$150)
This package focuses on the outside.
What you get:
- Hand wash
- Wheel cleaning
- Tire shine
- Spray wax
Best for: Regular maintenance.
2. Interior Detailing ($80–$200)
This service deep cleans the cabin.
Included services:
- Vacuuming
- Carpet shampoo
- Leather cleaning
- Dashboard conditioning
- Window cleaning
Best for: Removing stains, odors, and built-up dust.
3. Full Car Detailing ($150–$300)
This is the most popular option.
It combines both interior and exterior services.
Great choice if:
- You plan to sell your car
- Your car hasn’t been cleaned deeply in months
- You want a full refresh
4. Premium Detailing & Add-Ons ($300–$2,000+)
This includes advanced services like:
- Paint correction ($300–$800)
- Ceramic coating ($500–$2,000+)
- Engine bay cleaning ($50–$150)
- Headlight restoration ($75–$150)
These services protect your car long-term.
What Affects Car Detailing Cost?
Several factors influence the final price.
Vehicle Size
Larger vehicles cost more.
- Sedan: Lower cost
- SUV or truck: Higher cost
- Vans: Highest cost
More surface area means more time and products.
Vehicle Condition
If your car has:
- Pet hair
- Heavy stains
- Smoke odor
- Deep scratches
Expect higher pricing.
Detailers charge more for extra labor.
Location
Detailing in major cities usually costs more.
Mobile detailing services may also charge extra for travel.
Service Level
Basic wash and wax costs less.
Paint correction and ceramic coating cost more because they require skill and time.
Pros and Cons of Car Detailing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improves resale value | Can be expensive |
| Restores paint shine | Takes time (2–6 hours) |
| Removes odors and stains | Needs regular upkeep |
| Protects paint and interior | Premium services cost more |
| Makes driving more enjoyable | Not a one-time fix |
Is Car Detailing Worth the Cost?
In most cases, yes.
If you plan to sell your car, detailing can increase resale value by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Even if you keep your car, detailing:
- Protects paint from damage
- Prevents interior wear
- Keeps the car looking newer longer
Think of it as maintenance, not just cleaning.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Selling a Used Sedan
John paid $220 for full detailing before listing his 5-year-old sedan.
The car looked almost new.
He sold it for $1,200 more than similar local listings.
Detailing paid for itself.
Example 2: Family SUV with Stains
A family SUV with food stains and pet hair cost $280 to detail.
After professional interior shampoo and odor removal, the cabin felt fresh again.
Replacing stained carpets would have cost far more.
Example 3: Ceramic Coating Investment
Lisa paid $1,200 for ceramic coating on her new SUV.
Three years later, the paint still looks glossy.
Washing is easier and faster.
For her, the long-term protection was worth it.
How Often Should You Detail Your Car?
- Basic detailing: Every 3–6 months
- Interior deep clean: Every 4–6 months
- Waxing: Every 3 months
- Ceramic coating: Every 2–5 years
If you park outside or drive daily, detail more often.
FAQs – People Also Ask
How much does it cost to detail a car inside only?
Interior-only detailing usually costs $80 to $200, depending on the vehicle size and condition.
Why is car detailing so expensive?
Detailing takes time, skill, and professional products. A full detail can take 3–6 hours. Advanced services like paint correction require special tools and training.
Is mobile car detailing more expensive?
Yes, sometimes. Mobile detailers may charge $20–$50 more for travel convenience.
How long does a full car detail take?
Most full detailing services take 2 to 6 hours. Heavily soiled vehicles can take longer.
Does detailing remove scratches?
Light scratches can be removed with polishing or paint correction. Deep scratches may require repainting.
Final Verdict: What Should You Expect to Pay?
For most drivers, expect to pay $150 to $300 for a full car detail.
Basic packages cost less. Premium services cost more.
The right option depends on:
- Your budget
- Your car’s condition
- Your long-term plans
If you want your car to look better, last longer, and hold value, professional detailing is often worth the investment.
Choose a trusted detailer.
Ask what’s included.
And think of detailing as protection—not just cleaning.