How Much Does Mobile Detailing Cost? Latest Price Guide

Mobile detailing typically costs $140 to $250 per visit, based on advertised U.S. prices in 2026. Across detailing packages, exterior-only service commonly runs $125 to $265, interior detailing $150 to $250, and a full interior and exterior detail $175 to $350. Vehicle size, condition, and add-ons such as paint correction raise the total.

Typical U.S. advertised prices as of 2026. Actual quotes vary by region, vehicle, and what each provider includes.

Exterior service focuses on washing, decontamination, and paint protection, while interior service covers vacuuming, shampooing, and surface conditioning. Full details combine both. Package names are not standardized, so comparing the list of included steps matters more than comparing package labels.

Mobile Detailing Pricing by Vehicle Size

Vehicle size changes detailing cost because larger vehicles need more product, more time, and more labor. For a full detail, sedans and coupes typically run $165 to $325, SUVs and crossovers $199 to $370, and trucks and large SUVs $200 to $400.

The same pattern applies to interior-only and exterior-only service: each size class moves the price up a step because larger cabins and body panels take longer to clean, dry, and protect.

Compact and Mid-Size Sedans

Sedans and coupes are the least expensive vehicles to detail, with full-detail packages typically priced at $165 to $325. Their smaller footprint reduces wash time, interior vacuuming, and product use. Easier access to door panels, seats, and the trunk also lets the detailer move faster between steps such as washing, claying, and protecting the paint.

SUVs, Trucks, and Larger Vehicles

SUVs and crossovers typically cost $199 to $370 for a full detail, while trucks and large SUVs typically run $200 to $400, since third-row seating, larger cargo areas, additional glass, and taller body panels all extend the time needed inside and out. Recreational vehicles and boats fall outside these ranges because their length varies so widely; detailers usually price them per foot, which is why RV detailing is quoted on a different basis from standard cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Mobile Detailing Service Packages and What’s Included

Mobile detailing services generally fall into four tiers: exterior-only, interior-only, full detail, and premium packages that add correction or protection work. Each tier is priced by the work it includes, not just by appointment length.

Matching the package to the vehicle’s condition keeps cost aligned with real needs. A vehicle that only needs a refresh rarely benefits from a premium package, while a neglected vehicle often requires a full auto detailing package that restores both the cabin and the paint before it looks complete.

Basic Exterior Detailing

Exterior detailing typically costs $125 to $265 and focuses on cleaning and short-term protection. The service usually includes a hand wash, clay treatment to remove bonded contamination, wax or sealant, and wheel and tire cleaning. This tier fits vehicles that need a refresh rather than restoration.

Full Interior Detailing

Interior detailing typically costs $150 to $250 and restores the cabin through vacuuming, carpet and upholstery shampooing, leather conditioning, and dashboard and panel cleaning. Cabin work matters most when a vehicle has stains, pet hair, or lingering odors.

Extraction and drying time often make interior service longer than an exterior-only visit.

Complete Full Detail

A full detail typically costs $175 to $350 and combines interior and exterior service in one visit. The work usually includes decontamination, deep cleaning, and protection on both the paint and the cabin. Owners often choose this tier before selling a vehicle, after a long road trip, or at the change of seasons.

Premium Packages

Premium packages add advanced work such as one-step paint polishing, engine bay cleaning, and longer-lasting paint protection. Because the added steps vary widely between providers, premium packages are usually quoted by scope rather than from a fixed national range. They suit vehicles that need light restoration rather than routine maintenance.

Premium Add-On Services and Specialty Treatments

Add-on services range from about $40 for pet hair removal to $2,500 or more for paint protection film, and they can change the final invoice more than the base package. Each add-on addresses a specific problem that standard detailing does not fully solve.

Typical U.S. advertised prices as of 2026.

Paint Correction Services

Paint correction  typically costs $350 to $700 and removes swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation through machine polishing. A one-step polish sits near the lower end of that range, while multi-stage correction on heavily damaged paint can exceed it. Dark-colored vehicles often show the clearest improvement because swirls are easier to see on black and deep-colored paint.

Ceramic Coating Application

Ceramic coating typically costs $600 to $1,400 and adds a hydrophobic, chemical-resistant layer that makes paint easier to wash. Advertised durability ranges from about 1 year to 7 years or more, depending on the product and number of layers. Coating usually follows paint correction because it locks in whatever finish sits underneath, so any swirls left in the paint remain visible beneath the coating.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) Installation

Paint protection film typically costs $1,000 to $1,600 for partial front coverage and $1,850 to $2,500 for full front coverage, with full-body film reaching $5,000 or more. PPF offers the most direct form of impact protection because the film absorbs rock chips before they reach the paint. On larger vehicles, the PPF cost for a truck usually lands toward the upper end of each range, since pickups need more film to cover their taller front ends and longer hoods.

Pet Hair Removal and Odor Treatment

Pet hair removal typically adds $39 to $60, and odor removal typically adds $50 to $100. Both require extra labor or specialized equipment, such as rubber pet hair tools or ozone treatment. These add-ons matter most for families, pet owners, and vehicles being prepared for sale.

Headlight Restoration and Engine Bay Cleaning

Headlight restoration typically costs $70 to $113 and removes oxidation and yellowing so the lenses look clear again. Engine bay cleaning typically costs $50 to $80 and improves the appearance of under-hood components. Both services improve resale presentation because clear headlights and a clean engine bay signal a well-maintained vehicle.

Additional Specialty Services

Clay bar treatment and leather conditioning are often included in full details but can also be added individually. Clay treatment removes bonded contamination before wax or sealant, while leather conditioning helps protect seats from drying and cracking in summer heat. Pricing for these smaller services varies by provider and is usually quoted with the package.

Key Factors That Affect Mobile Detailing Costs

Mobile detailing prices depend on four main factors: vehicle size, vehicle condition, location, and service type. Size and package set the baseline, while condition and travel distance explain why the same vehicle can receive different quotes from different providers.

Vehicle Condition and Contamination Level

Heavily soiled vehicles cost more because they need more labor, more product, and more time. Stains, pet hair, odor, mud, and caked-on contamination push the work beyond routine maintenance. Condition is also the most common reason an estimate changes after an in-person inspection: a garage-kept car and a neglected daily driver can look similar from a distance but require very different effort.

Geographic Location and Regional Pricing

Detailing prices vary by region, local demand, and travel distance. National price ranges offer a useful starting point, but local rates on the Northshore and in Greater New Orleans may sit above or below them. Some mobile providers also adjust pricing based on drive time from their base location.

Mobile vs. Shop-Based Detailing Costs

Mobile detailing pricing differs from shop pricing mainly because the provider brings water, power, and equipment to the vehicle. Some providers add a travel fee or charge slightly higher rates for mobile service, while others price both options the same.

Shop service offers a controlled environment, which matters for work such as ceramic coating that benefits from shelter from heat, rain, and dust. Mobile service saves travel and waiting time. Comparing both options from the same provider is the clearest way to see the difference.

How Long Does Mobile Detailing Take?

Mobile detailing usually takes a few hours, depending on the package, vehicle size, and condition. Exterior-only and interior-only services often fit within a short appointment, while a full detail on a large or heavily soiled vehicle can take most of a day.

Paint correction and ceramic coating add the most time because they involve machine polishing, surface preparation, and curing. Multi-stage correction can extend an appointment into a full day or longer. Confirming the estimated time window when booking helps owners plan around work and school schedules.

Mobile Detailing Equipment and Professional Standards

Professional mobile detailers use self-contained equipment, including water tanks, power sources, and professional-grade tools. This setup allows full service in driveways, office lots, and apartment parking areas without relying on the customer’s utilities.

A well-equipped mobile setup typically includes stored water, pressure washing capability, extraction tools for carpets and upholstery, machine polishers, and separate chemicals for interior and exterior surfaces. When comparing providers, asking what equipment comes with the vehicle and whether access to a water spigot or outlet is needed helps avoid surprises on service day.

Benefits and Value of Professional Mobile Detailing

Professional mobile detailing saves time, delivers results that are difficult to match with consumer products, and helps preserve vehicle condition. The value extends beyond appearance: regular detailing slows interior wear and protects paint from environmental damage.

Convenience and Time Savings

Mobile detailing removes travel time, waiting rooms, and drop-off logistics. The detailer works at the customer’s home, office, or another agreed location, so the owner can keep working while the vehicle is cleaned. For busy owners, the time saved is often the main reason to choose mobile service.

Vehicle Value Preservation and Resale Impact

Regular detailing preserves paint, slows interior wear, and keeps a vehicle closer to its original condition. These benefits show up at trade-in or sale, when buyers notice clear headlights, clean upholstery, and glossy paint before they review mechanical history. A well-kept vehicle signals consistent maintenance, which supports a stronger negotiating position.

How Often Should You Detail Your Vehicle?

Many vehicles benefit from a professional detail every 3 to 6 months, with maintenance washes in between. The ideal schedule depends on how often the vehicle is driven, where it is parked, and how much exposure it faces.

Louisiana vehicles often need more frequent care than vehicles in milder climates. Summer heat, high humidity, and seasonal lovebug swarms leave residue that can etch paint if left too long, while humidity encourages mildew and odors inside the cabin. Consistent maintenance also keeps each visit faster and less expensive because the vehicle never reaches the heavy-soiling stage.

Subscription and Maintenance Plans

Maintenance plans provide recurring detailing on a set schedule, often weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Many plans focus on coated vehicles, where a gentle, regular wash keeps the coating performing well. Pricing and inclusions vary widely by provider, so comparing the per-visit cost against standalone service shows whether a plan offers real savings.

DIY vs. Professional Mobile Detailing: Cost Comparison

DIY detailing costs less per visit but requires an upfront investment in supplies and several hours of personal time, while professional detailing costs more per visit and delivers stronger results in less of the owner’s time. The right choice depends on budget, available time, and vehicle condition.

Professional detailers use commercial-grade extractors, polishers, and products that are difficult to replicate at home. That gap matters most on stained interiors, oxidized paint, and vehicles that need correction rather than routine washing.

Tipping Etiquette for Mobile Detailing Services

Tipping 15% to 20% of the service cost is a commonly suggested range for mobile detailing. A tip is not required, but it is common when the detailer handles heavy contamination, works in difficult conditions, or goes beyond the quoted service.

On a $250 full detail, a 15% to 20% tip equals roughly $38 to $50. Owners often tip toward the higher end after jobs involving heavy pet hair, deep interior stains, or long hours working outdoors in Louisiana summer heat.

Mobile Detailing in Louisiana: What Local Owners Should Know

Louisiana’s heat, humidity, and UV exposure make regular detailing and paint protection more important than in milder climates. Bug residue, water spots, and interior mildew develop faster in humid conditions, which affects both how often vehicles need service and which add-ons provide the most value.

Paint sealants and ceramic coatings help vehicles resist UV fading and bug etching between visits. Interior odor treatment and thorough drying after shampooing help prevent mildew in humid months. Owners comparing local providers should confirm service area coverage, whether mobile and in-shop options are both available, and what each package includes.

Kleentech Detailing: Serving Louisiana Since 2016

For owners on the Northshore, Kleentech Detailing has provided mobile detailing from its Mandeville base at 445 Asbury Drive since 2016. The mobile unit travels to homes and workplaces across Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Abita Springs, Folsom, Lacombe, Hammond, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, and owners who prefer a shop appointment can bring the vehicle to the Mandeville studio instead.

Kleentech's mobile service is built around four packages, each adding a deeper level of cleaning and protection:



• Express Package: A detailed wash and seal, vacuum, air purge, interior wipe-down, windows, and door jambs.
• Kleen Package: Builds on the Express with engine detailing, clay bar treatment, a 6-month ceramic-based paint sealant, interior shampoo, and leather conditioning.
• Xtreme Package: Adds bug and acid removal, a one-step paint polish for minor swirls, and 6 months of paint and glass protection.
• Maintain Express: A monthly maintenance service for vehicles that already have a ceramic coating.

The package structure follows the same logic outlined earlier in this guide: the Express suits a quick refresh, the Kleen and Xtreme packages handle deeper interior and exterior restoration, and Maintain Express keeps coated vehicles performing between full details. In Louisiana's heat and humidity, the 6-month sealant and protection included in the Kleen and Xtreme packages add a layer of defense against UV fading, water spots, and bug residue.

To make regular mobile care easier to maintain, Kleentech offers a points-based loyalty program that rewards repeat visits and referrals, along with financing through Snap Finance for approvals from $300 to $5,000.

Your Next Step

Not sure which package level your vehicle needs? Run through this quick self-check:

• Interior shows only light dust and no stains → an exterior or express-level service is usually enough.
• Seats or carpets show stains, pet hair, or odors → an interior or full detail fits better.
• Paint shows swirl marks or feels rough after washing → consider a package that includes clay treatment and polishing.
• The vehicle has not been professionally detailed in more than 6 months → a full detail resets its condition before regular maintenance begins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Detailing Costs

About the Author

Kleentech Detailing Team

The Kleentech Detailing team has provided auto detailing and paint protection services in Mandeville, Louisiana, since 2016. The team performs mobile and in-shop detailing, paint correction, ceramic coating, paint protection film, window tint, RV detailing, boat ceramic coating, and vinyl wrapping across the Northshore and Greater New Orleans. The team writes about vehicle care with a focus on how Louisiana heat, humidity, and UV exposure affect vehicle finishes.

Last updated: October 2026