Pressure washing is the cheapest way to make a home look years younger — blasting off dirt, mold, and algae from siding, concrete, and decks. A typical job costs $200 to $600 in 2026, or about $0.10 to $0.80 per square foot, depending on the surface and how dirty it is.
What you’re paying for
Most pros price by surface and size, with a service minimum (often $150–$250) for small jobs. A whole-house wash sits at the higher end; a driveway or single deck is cheaper. Heavy mold, oil stains, or two-story access all add time.
Pressure vs. soft wash
Hard surfaces like concrete take full pressure washing. Delicate ones — roofs, some siding — need soft washing, which uses low pressure and cleaning solution to lift grime without damage. Soft washing costs a little more but prevents expensive mistakes.
DIY vs. pro
A rented washer ($40–$100/day) handles a driveway fine. But roofs, two-story siding, and ladder work are where a pro’s gear and experience are worth the fee — and where DIY damage gets expensive.
How to save on pressure washing
- Bundle surfaces (house + driveway + deck) into one visit to beat the minimum.
- Tackle small flat surfaces yourself with a rental.
- Schedule once a year before grime builds into a tougher (pricier) job.
- Choose soft washing for roofs and delicate siding to avoid damage repairs.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| House exterior (1–2 story) | $250 – $600 | – |
| Driveway / sidewalk | $100 – $300 | – |
| Deck or patio | $100 – $350 | – |
| Roof (soft wash) | $250 – $700 | – |
| Fence | $100 – $300 | – |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway / walkway | $100 – $300 | – |
| Deck / patio | $100 – $350 | – |
| House siding | $250 – $600 | – |
| Roof (soft wash) | $250 – $700 | Low pressure to avoid damage |
What affects the price
- Surface & size Priced per square foot or per job; a big two-story home or long driveway costs more than a small patio.
- How dirty it is Heavy mold, algae, oil stains, or years of buildup take more time and stronger treatment.
- Pressure vs. soft wash Delicate surfaces like roofs and some siding need low-pressure soft washing with cleaners, which costs a bit more.
- Access & height Multi-story work, steep roofs, and hard-to-reach areas add time and equipment.
- Travel & minimums Many pros have a minimum service charge ($150–$250), so tiny jobs cost more per square foot.
Pressure washing cost by state
Where you live can change the price as much as the options you pick. Labor is a big part of the bill, and construction workers are paid more in some states than others. A typical pressure washing job costs about $230 to $700 in Hawaii (17% above the U.S. average). In Arkansas, it costs about $170 to $510 (15% below the U.S. average).
See the typical cost in all 50 states and D.C.
| State | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $170 – $520 |
| Alaska | $230 – $690 |
| Arizona | $190 – $570 |
| Arkansas | $170 – $510 |
| California | $220 – $670 |
| Colorado | $200 – $600 |
| Connecticut | $210 – $640 |
| Delaware | $200 – $590 |
| District of Columbia | $220 – $650 |
| Florida | $180 – $550 |
| Georgia | $180 – $550 |
| Hawaii | $230 – $700 |
| Idaho | $190 – $560 |
| Illinois | $230 – $690 |
| Indiana | $200 – $610 |
| Iowa | $190 – $580 |
| Kansas | $190 – $570 |
| Kentucky | $190 – $560 |
| Louisiana | $180 – $540 |
| Maine | $200 – $590 |
| Maryland | $200 – $600 |
| Massachusetts | $230 – $690 |
| Michigan | $200 – $600 |
| Minnesota | $220 – $650 |
| Mississippi | $170 – $520 |
| Missouri | $200 – $610 |
| Montana | $200 – $590 |
| Nebraska | $190 – $560 |
| Nevada | $210 – $620 |
| New Hampshire | $200 – $590 |
| New Jersey | $230 – $680 |
| New Mexico | $180 – $550 |
| New York | $220 – $660 |
| North Carolina | $180 – $540 |
| North Dakota | $200 – $610 |
| Ohio | $200 – $600 |
| Oklahoma | $180 – $550 |
| Oregon | $220 – $660 |
| Pennsylvania | $200 – $610 |
| Rhode Island | $210 – $620 |
| South Carolina | $180 – $550 |
| South Dakota | $180 – $540 |
| Tennessee | $180 – $550 |
| Texas | $180 – $550 |
| Utah | $190 – $560 |
| Vermont | $190 – $580 |
| Virginia | $190 – $570 |
| Washington | $230 – $700 |
| West Virginia | $190 – $570 |
| Wisconsin | $210 – $620 |
| Wyoming | $200 – $590 |
These are numbers to plan with, not quotes. Each one is this guide's U.S. range, adjusted for what construction workers earn in that state. See every state cost guide or how we estimate.
Common questions
- How much does it cost to pressure wash a house?
- Washing a house exterior runs $250–$600 depending on size and stories, or about $0.10–$0.50 per square foot. Heavy mold or a two-story home pushes toward the high end.
- How much to pressure wash a driveway?
- A driveway or sidewalk typically costs $100–$300, based on size and how stained it is. Oil spots and deep grime take longer and cost more.
- What's the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?
- Pressure washing uses high-pressure water for hard surfaces like concrete. Soft washing uses low pressure plus cleaning solution for delicate surfaces — roofs, some siding — to avoid damage. Soft washing usually costs a little more.
- Is professional pressure washing worth it versus DIY?
- Renting a washer runs $40–$100 a day, but pros bring the right pressure, cleaners, and experience to avoid damaging siding or injuring themselves on ladders. For roofs and two-story homes, hiring out is the safer call.
- How often should I pressure wash my house?
- About once a year for siding, and as needed for driveways and decks. Shaded, humid areas that grow mold and algae may need it more often.
How we estimate: These are typical U.S. prices for materials and for hiring a pro to install them. We checked them against the 2026 sources listed below (see how we get our numbers). Your price depends on where you live, the size of the job and the materials you pick. Get two or three written bids before you choose a contractor.
Sources
We checked the prices on this page against 2026 numbers from these sources: