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How Much Does Car Detailing Cost? (2026 Guide)

Basic detailing costs $75–$150. A full interior + exterior detail runs $150–$350. Paint correction and ceramic coating packages cost $400–$2,000+.

Updated Mar 2026Auto$150–$350
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Car Detailing Cost Breakdown

PackageTypical CostTimeWhat's Included
Basic wash & vacuum$60–$1201–2 hrsExterior wash, interior vacuum, windows
Exterior detail$100–$2002–3 hrsHand wash, clay bar, wax, tire shine
Interior detail$100–$2002–3 hrsShampoo seats, carpet, dashboard, deodorize
Full detail$150–$3504–6 hrsEverything above combined
Paint correction$350–$8008–16 hrsRemoves swirls, scratches, oxidation
Ceramic coating$600–$1,5001–2 days2–5 year protection, hydrophobic finish
Paint protection film (PPF)$1,500–$5,0002–5 daysPhysical scratch protection, hood/full car
How Costs Compare
12%
21%
53%
Basic wash & vacuum 3%
Exterior detail 3%
Interior detail 3%
Full detail 5%
Paint correction 12%
Ceramic coating 21%
Paint protection film (PP 53%

Pro Tips for Car Detailing

Detail before selling — it's worth every dollar — A $200 full detail on a $15,000 car can add $500–$1,500 to perceived value. Always detail before listing a car for sale.
Ceramic coating is worth it for new cars — A $600–$1,000 ceramic coating protects paint for 2–5 years, repels water and dirt, and makes washing 3× easier. Apply within the first year on a new car.
Mobile detailers are just as good — Many top detailers work mobile and have better equipment than fixed shops. Check reviews and look at their work on Instagram before booking.
Interior only for daily drivers — If your car lives outdoors and gets regular washes, interior-only detailing ($100–$200) every 6 months is the best maintenance value.

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Mobile vs Shop Detailing

FactorMobileShop
PriceSimilar to shopBase price
ConvenienceComes to youFixed location
Water sourceSelf-contained (waterless or tank)Full water pressure
QualityVaries — research carefullyGenerally consistent
Best forMaintenance detailsDeep cleans, paint work

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a full car detail cost?▼
A full interior + exterior detail costs $150–$350 for most cars. Large SUVs and trucks run $200–$450. Vehicles in poor condition (pet hair, heavy stains) cost more due to extra labor time.
How long does car detailing take?▼
A basic detail takes 1–2 hours. A full detail takes 4–6 hours. Paint correction takes a full day (8–16 hours). Plan to leave your car with the detailer for a full day for anything beyond a basic service.
Is car detailing worth it?▼
Yes for several reasons: protects resale value, removes bacteria and allergens from the interior, and a proper exterior detail with wax protects paint from UV and oxidation. Detailing every 6–12 months is cost-effective preventive care.
What's the difference between a car wash and detailing?▼
An automatic car wash takes 5 minutes and costs $8–$20. A detail takes 4–6 hours and costs $150–$350. Detailing is deep cleaning — shampoo, clay bar, wax, and restoration. Car washes maintain; detailing restores.
Related Calculators
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📊 Data Sources & Methodology
Cost data from DetailXPerts, Yelp surveys, and mobile detailer pricing across 50 states. Package comparisons from national detailing franchises. Updated March 2026. Learn more about our methodology.