How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost Per Foot?
If you’re paying someone to clean your gutters, expect to spend $1.10 to $1.35 per linear foot nationally. For a 2,000-square-foot home with roughly 150–200 linear feet of gutter, that works out to $165–$270 per cleaning. But that’s just the starting point — where you live, how high your gutters are, and how bad the clog is all move the needle.
What Drives the Price
The $1.10–$1.35 per foot covers a few things:
- Labor (basic, first-floor gutters): $0.35–$0.42 per foot. This is the guy on the ladder.
- Equipment allowance: $0.21–$0.32 per foot. Covers ladders, safety gear, vacuums.
- Debris disposal: $0.54–$0.62 per foot. That’s the biggest chunk — hauling away leaves, muck, and dead squirrels costs money.
- Job supplies: $0–$0. You’re paying for labor and disposal, not products.
A two-story house or a steep roof adds risk and time. That’s why many companies bump the rate or charge a flat fee that’s higher than the per-foot math suggests.
City-by-City Reality
Per-foot pricing varies a lot by metro. Here’s the real spread from 20 cities:
| City | Price Range (per linear foot) |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $1.31–$1.61 |
| San Jose, CA | $1.26–$1.56 |
| San Francisco, CA | $1.26–$1.56 |
| Seattle, WA | $1.23–$1.53 |
| Chicago, IL | $1.22–$1.50 |
| Boston, MA | $1.22–$1.50 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1.20–$1.47 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1.16–$1.44 |
| San Diego, CA | $1.16–$1.44 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $1.16–$1.44 |
| Columbus, OH | $1.09–$1.35 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $1.08–$1.34 |
| Denver, CO | $1.08–$1.34 |
| Atlanta, GA | $1.06–$1.31 |
| Houston, TX | $1.05–$1.29 |
| Dallas, TX | $1.05–$1.29 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $1.04–$1.29 |
| Miami, FL | $1.04–$1.29 |
| San Antonio, TX | $1.04–$1.28 |
| Austin, TX | $1.04–$1.28 |
Notice the spread: New York tops out at $1.61 per foot, while Austin runs $1.04–$1.28. The difference on a 200-foot house? About $66. That’s real money.
What Homeowners Actually Report
Head to Reddit and you’ll find real numbers that match these ranges — but also some eye-openers.
A homeowner in Morris County, New Jersey saw their cleaning price jump from $100 to $160. Most commenters called that fair for a two-story colonial. One person said they’d been quoted $400 for a similar house. Another in Richmond, Virginia paid just $100 because only the downspout tops were clogged — a quick job that didn’t require full cleaning. A Portland homeowner paid under $200 for a two-story house and garage.
But here’s the kicker: one Redditor in Perth, Australia paid $500 for a single-story house that hadn’t been cleaned in eight years. That’s an extreme case, but it shows how neglect jacks up the price. Gutters full of compacted debris take longer and require more disposal.
The biggest complaint? Companies that tack on surprise fees — credit card surcharges, “truck fees,” or minimum charges that make a small job expensive. One Portland homeowner said their long-time provider raised rates 60% in a single year and then added a credit card fee. That stings.
How to Get a Fair Price
- Get three quotes. Don’t rely on a single number. Ask for per-foot pricing or a flat fee for your specific house.
- Ask about disposal. If they’re hauling away debris, that’s part of the cost. Some companies include it; others charge extra.
- Check for insurance. A guy with a ladder and a truck might be cheap, but if he falls off your roof, you could be on the hook. Licensed and insured companies cost more for a reason.
- Consider timing. Spring and fall are peak seasons. If you can schedule in late winter or mid-summer, you might get a discount.
- Look for local small businesses. A neighborhood kid with a legit business might charge $60–$80 for a simple job, as one Richmond homeowner found. But get proof of insurance and a written estimate.
Is Gutter Cleaning a Good Idea?
Yes. Clogged gutters cause water damage to your foundation, siding, and landscaping. They also create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and can lead to ice dams in cold climates. Spending $150–$300 twice a year is cheap compared to a $5,000 foundation repair. If you’re comfortable on a ladder, you can DIY for the cost of a scoop and a bucket. But for two-story houses or steep roofs, hiring a pro is the smart move.
FAQ
How much does gutter cleaning cost per square foot?
Per square foot of roof area, it’s roughly $0.11–$0.14, but most pros charge per linear foot of gutter, not roof square footage. Stick with linear foot pricing — it’s more accurate.
What’s the hourly rate for gutter cleaning?
Most companies charge $70–$120 per hour for labor, but they quote by the job, not the hour. A two-person crew can clean 150–200 linear feet in about an hour.
Does gutter cleaning include downspouts?
It should. A thorough cleaning includes flushing downspouts and checking for clogs. Ask upfront — some budget services skip this.
How often should I clean my gutters?
Twice a year — spring and fall — is standard. If you have lots of trees, you might need quarterly cleanings.
Can I negotiate?
Sometimes. If you bundle gutter cleaning with pressure washing or window cleaning, you can often get a discount. Cash payments may also knock off the credit card fee.
These price ranges are based on national and metro averages from real cost data. Your actual quote will depend on your house’s height, gutter condition, and local competition. Always get a written estimate before work starts.