“How much is a detail?” is the first question almost everyone asks, and the honest answer is that it depends on the vehicle and what it needs. That isn’t a dodge. A two-door coupe that gets washed every week and a three-row SUV that hauls kids and a dog to practice are completely different jobs.
Here’s what detailing typically costs across the U.S. in 2026, what moves a price up or down, and how to get a quote you can count on.
Typical car detailing prices
These are national ranges reported by industry pricing guides. Local prices vary, and every vehicle is quoted on its own condition.
| Service | Typical U.S. range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior detail | $50 – $350 | Hand wash, decontamination, wheels and tires, protection |
| Interior detail | $150 – $350 | Vacuum, shampoo or extraction, leather, plastics, glass |
| Full detail | $150 – $500+ | Interior and exterior together |
| Paint correction | $300 – $1,200+ | Machine polishing to remove swirls and scratches |
| Ceramic coating | $700 – $2,000+ | Long-term paint protection, usually after correction |
What changes the price
- Vehicle size. A large truck or three-row SUV has far more surface inside and out than a compact sedan. Expect larger vehicles to land toward the top of any range.
- Condition. Heavy pet hair, sand, spilled drinks, mold or smoke odor all add hours. So does paint that hasn’t been washed in months.
- How deep you go. A maintenance wash keeps a clean car clean. A full reset with stain extraction, clay bar and sealant is a different level of work.
- Add-ons. Headlight restoration, odor treatment, engine bay cleaning and pet hair removal are often priced separately.
The best way to get an exact number is to text a few photos of your vehicle to 704-635-9331. We’ll reply with a free quote, usually the same day.
Interior vs. exterior vs. full detail
If your paint looks fine but the cabin has crumbs, stains or a smell, an interior detail is the place to start. If the inside is in good shape but the paint is dull and gritty, an exterior detail makes more sense. Most people who haven’t had a professional detail in a year or more get the best value from a full detail, because doing both at once costs less than booking them separately.
Not sure what a full detail actually includes? We broke it down step by step in what’s included in a full car detail.
How to save money on detailing
- Stay on a schedule. A car that’s detailed regularly takes less time each visit. Our seasonal detailing schedule for Waxhaw shows what most local drivers need.
- Book a maintenance detail between full details instead of letting things build up.
- Protect the paint. A sealant or coating makes every future wash faster.
- Be upfront about condition. Accurate photos mean no surprises on the day.
Is mobile detailing more expensive?
Usually not by much. Mobile detailers skip the cost of a building, which balances out the drive. What you gain is time: no dropping the car off, no waiting room and no ride home. We compared the two in mobile detailing vs. a car wash.
Common questions
How much does a full car detail cost?
A full interior and exterior detail typically runs about $150 to $500 in the U.S., depending on vehicle size and condition. Large SUVs, trucks and heavily soiled interiors sit at the top of that range.
Does mobile detailing cost more?
Not usually by much. Mobile detailers often price close to shop rates because they skip the overhead of a building, though some charge a small travel fee for longer drives.
Why do detailers give quotes instead of fixed prices?
Two cars of the same model can need very different amounts of work. Pet hair, stains, swirl marks and how long since the last detail all change the time a job takes, so a quote based on photos or an inspection is more accurate.
More in this guide
Get your free quote
Text photos of your vehicle and we’ll send a quote, usually the same day.
