Car Detailing Cost: Mobile vs Shop Prices (Full Breakdown)
5-min read · Prices based on nationwide detailing industry averages
$100–$200
Basic detail
$150–$350
Full interior + exterior
$300–$700
Paint correction
$500–$1,500
Ceramic coating
⚡ Quick Answer
A basic car detail costs $100 to $200. A full interior and exterior detail runs $150 to $350 for a standard sedan — more for SUVs and trucks. Mobile detailers charge $25–$50 more than shops for the same service but come to you. Paint correction adds $300–$700. Ceramic coating runs $500–$1,500. The national average for a full detail across all vehicle types is around $160 to $225.
You want your car detailed but you're not sure if the $89 "full detail" at the car wash is the same thing as the $350 mobile detailer charging in your neighborhood. It isn't — and understanding why is what separates a smart buy from buyer's remorse.
This guide breaks down exactly what each detailing tier includes, what mobile vs shop actually means for your wallet and time, and every add-on price so you know what's worth it before you book.
🧮 Car Detailing Cost Estimator
Car Detailing Packages: What Each Tier Actually Includes
The phrase "full detail" means different things at different price points. Here's what you're actually getting at each tier:
Tier 1
Basic Detail
$100–$200
- Exterior hand wash
- Interior vacuum
- Window cleaning
- Tire dressing
- Dashboard wipe-down
Tier 2 — Most Popular
Full Interior + Exterior
$150–$350
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Clay bar paint decontamination
- Paint sealant or wax
- Carpet & upholstery shampoo
- Leather cleaning + conditioning
- Door jambs, vents, cup holders
Tier 3
Paint Correction Detail
$300–$700
- Everything in Full Detail, plus:
- Multi-step machine polish
- Swirl mark + scratch removal
- Paint protection film prep
- Headlight restoration
- Engine bay cleaning (optional)
Tier 4
Ceramic Coating Package
$500–$1,500
- Everything in Paint Correction, plus:
- Professional ceramic coating application
- 6-month to 5-year protection warranty
- Hydrophobic surface treatment
- UV + chemical resistance
⚠️ The $89 "full detail" trap. Some car washes advertise a "full detail" for under $100. What you're getting is a basic wash with a quick interior vacuum — not deep cleaning, clay bar, or any paint protection. True detailing starts at $150 and typically takes 2–6 hours of labor.
Car Detailing Cost by Vehicle Size
Every extra square foot of surface area means more product, more time, and more money. Size is the single most consistent price driver after service tier.
| Vehicle Size | Basic Detail | Full Detail | Paint Correction | Size Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact / Sedan | $100–$150 | $150–$275 | $300–$500 | Base price |
| Midsize Sedan | $120–$175 | $175–$325 | $350–$600 | +$20–$50 |
| SUV / Crossover | $150–$200 | $200–$375 | $400–$650 | +$50–$100 |
| Full-Size Truck / Large SUV | $175–$250 | $250–$450 | $450–$750 | +$80–$150 |
| Minivan / Full-Size Van | $200–$300 | $275–$500 | $500–$850 | +$100–$200 |
Mobile vs Shop Detailing: The Real Cost Comparison
Mobile detailers charge $25–$50 more than shops for the same service level. But that premium math only tells half the story.
📱 Mobile Detailing
- ✓ Comes to your home or office
- ✓ Zero time wasted — you keep working
- ✓ One technician, start to finish
- ✓ Fresh products mixed on-site
- ✗ +$25–$50 convenience premium
- ✗ Weather-dependent for some services
- ✗ Limited equipment vs fixed shop
🏪 Detailing Shop
- ✓ Controlled lighting for paint correction
- ✓ Lift access for undercarriage work
- ✓ Industrial steam + extraction equipment
- ✓ Better for severe restoration cases
- ✗ You drive there and wait 3–6 hours
- ✗ Multiple techs touch your car
- ✗ Business hours only
💡 The time math on mobile detailing. If a mobile detail costs $50 more than a shop, but saves you 4 hours of driving and waiting — and your time is worth $30+/hour — you're actually coming out ahead by $70. Mobile is the smarter financial choice for most working adults.
Popular Add-Ons and Their Prices
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet shampoo / hot water extraction | $75–$150 | Yes — for stains, pet owners, spills |
| Leather cleaning + conditioning | $50–$100 | Yes — extends leather lifespan significantly |
| Odor elimination (ozone treatment) | $75–$150 | Yes — only real fix for smoke or pet odor |
| Headlight restoration | $50–$100 | Yes — dramatically improves night visibility |
| Engine bay cleaning | $50–$150 | Situational — before sale or show |
| Clay bar treatment (exterior) | $50–$100 | Yes — removes bonded contaminants paint wash can't |
| Paint sealant / wax upgrade | $50–$150 | Yes — 3–6 month protection vs basic wax |
| Fabric / upholstery protection | $50–$100 | Situational — good for families with kids |
| Paint correction (machine polish) | $200–$500 | Yes — before ceramic coating or before sale |
How Often Should You Detail Your Car?
There's no single answer — it depends on how you use the vehicle and what you're trying to protect.
- Basic wash: Every 2–4 weeks keeps surface contaminants from bonding to paint
- Interior clean: Every 3–6 months for most drivers; every 1–2 months for families with kids or pets
- Full detail: Every 4–6 months is the standard recommendation for maintaining resale value
- Paint correction: Once every 1–3 years, or before applying ceramic coating
- Ceramic coating: Once, then maintain with regular washes — coating lasts 1–5 years depending on quality
4 Ways to Pay Less for Car Detailing
- Book multi-session packages. Many detailers offer 4 details for the price of 3. If you plan on regular service, ask upfront — you can save 15–25% per visit.
- Go during slow season. Late summer and midwinter are typically the slowest periods for detailers. Many offer discounts or better availability.
- Do your own basic maintenance between details. A $20 interior wipe-down kit and quick vacuum every few weeks means your paid detail won't need to start from scratch — faster jobs cost less.
- Try a newer detailer for basic services. New detailers often charge below market rates to build reviews. For a basic wash or interior clean — not paint correction — this is a reasonable calculated risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does car detailing cost?
A basic car detail costs $100 to $200. A full interior and exterior detail runs $150 to $350 for a standard sedan. Paint correction packages cost $300–$700. Ceramic coating starts at $500 and can reach $1,500 for multi-layer professional application. The national average for a full detail is around $160–$225.
How much does mobile car detailing cost?
Mobile detailers charge $25 to $50 more than fixed shops for the same service level. A full mobile detail for a sedan typically runs $200–$350. The premium covers travel, equipment transport, and the convenience of service at your location — you don't need to drive anywhere or wait.
How long does a car detail take?
A basic detail takes 1–2 hours. A full interior and exterior detail takes 3–6 hours depending on vehicle size and condition. Paint correction can take 6–12+ hours. Heavily soiled interiors — pet hair, severe staining, smoke damage — add significant time and cost to any package.
Is car detailing worth it?
Yes, for most vehicle owners. Regular detailing removes paint-damaging contaminants before they etch permanently, preserves interior materials, and maintains resale value. A professionally detailed car can command hundreds to thousands more at resale compared to a neglected one of the same age and mileage.
What is included in a full car detail?
A true full detail includes: exterior hand wash, clay bar decontamination, paint sealant or wax, wheel and tire cleaning, glass and mirror cleaning, interior vacuum, carpet shampoo with extraction, upholstery cleaning, leather conditioning, dashboard and vent cleaning, and door jamb wipe-down. Services labeled "full detail" for under $100 typically skip most of these steps.
How often should you get your car detailed?
Most detailers recommend a full detail every 4–6 months for regular-use vehicles. Families with kids or pets may want interior cleaning every 1–2 months. Basic exterior washes every 2–4 weeks help prevent contaminant buildup between full services.
How much does ceramic coating cost?
Professional ceramic coating costs $500 to $1,500 depending on vehicle size and coating quality. Budget ceramic coatings with 6-month protection start around $300–$500. Premium multi-layer coatings with 2–5 year warranties run $800–$1,500. Most packages include paint correction prep, which is necessary for the coating to bond properly.