Maid & Housekeeping Cost in India 2026 — Price Guide
Looking for a professional? Find verified maid / housekeeping experts in Hyderabad or browse salon at home in Hyderabad.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Part-time maids cost ₹3,000–₹8,000/month per task slot; full-time live-in help runs ₹15,000–₹30,000/month.
- ✓Agency-placed maids cost 15–30% more but include verification and replacement guarantees.
- ✓Metro cities like Mumbai and Bangalore pay 30–50% above smaller cities.
- ✓Always verify identity documents and agree duties, timings and leave policy in writing.
Maid Service Rates in 2026
Part-time maid (one task, ~1 hour/day) — ₹3,000–₹5,000/month in most cities; ₹4,000–₹8,000 in Mumbai and Bangalore. Each additional task (cooking, utensils, sweeping/mopping, laundry) adds a similar slot charge. Full-time day maid (8–10 hours) — ₹12,000–₹20,000/month. Live-in maid — ₹15,000–₹30,000/month plus food and accommodation. Deep cleaning visits are separate — see our deep cleaning cost guide.
City-Wise Differences
Mumbai and Bangalore sit at the top of the range, driven by demand and living costs. Delhi NCR and Hyderabad are mid-range; Chennai, Pune and Kolkata are slightly cheaper. Smaller cities run 20–30% below metro rates. Gated communities often have informal rate cards set by resident associations — useful benchmarks, though agency rates are higher than direct hiring.
Direct Hiring vs Agency
Direct hiring (through references or local networks) is cheapest but leaves verification, replacement and absenteeism to you. Agencies charge a placement fee (half to one month's salary) or a monthly markup of 15–30%, and in return provide police-verified staff, replacements within days, and coverage during leave. For elderly care or homes with young children, agency verification is worth the premium. Find verified housekeeping services in Bangalore or your city on FindService.in.
What to Agree Before Hiring
Put in writing: exact tasks, daily timings, weekly off, festival leave, salary date, annual increment (typically 8–10%), and notice period. Clarify what is excluded — windows, balconies and heavy cleaning are common dispute points. For cooking maids, agree the menu scope and grocery handling. A one-week paid trial before committing saves both sides from bad fits.
Verification and Safety
Always collect Aadhaar and address proof copies, a photo, and two references — and actually call the references. Police verification costs ₹200–₹500 at your local station or online in most states; do it for full-time and live-in help without exception. Agencies should provide verification documents; ask for copies. Install a basic camera in common areas if you have live-in help — disclosed, not hidden. For specialised support, consider trained elderly care attendants or verified nannies rather than general maids.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a part-time maid cost per month? ₹3,000–₹5,000 per task slot in most cities; ₹4,000–₹8,000 in Mumbai and Bangalore.
What does a full-time live-in maid cost? ₹15,000–₹30,000 per month plus food and accommodation, depending on city and duties.
Is it better to hire through an agency? For verification, replacements and leave coverage, yes — expect a 15–30% premium over direct hiring.
How do I verify a maid's background? Collect Aadhaar and address proof, call references, and do police verification (₹200–₹500) for full-time or live-in staff.
What is a fair annual increment? 8–10% is standard; festival bonuses (typically one month's salary at Diwali) are customary in many cities.
How many leaves are normal? One weekly off plus 2–4 festival days per year is the common arrangement; agree this upfront.
Can I get a maid for just cooking? Yes — cooking-only maids charge ₹3,000–₹7,000/month for one meal daily, more for two meals or special diets.
What if the maid quits without notice? With an agency, a replacement is their problem. With direct hiring, keep a backup contact and hold a small notice-period deposit if mutually agreed.
Are app-based maid services reliable? They are convenient for one-off cleaning, but for daily help, consistency varies — check ratings and replacement policies.
Should I pay salary in cash or bank transfer? Bank transfer creates a record that protects both sides and helps the worker build financial history.
Looking for reliable household help? Find verified maid and housekeeping services near you on FindService.in!
Find Service Providers