How We Calculate Service Pricing
Our data-driven approach to local market pricing
Data Sources
Hourly and annual wage data for landscaping, cleaning, painting, and related occupations by state and metropolitan area.
Regional price parities and consumer expenditure data used to build our cost of living indices for all 50 states and 250+ cities.
State Labor Department Wage Reports
State-specific minimum wage data, occupational wage surveys, and labor market information from individual state agencies.
MERIC Cost of Living Data Series
Missouri Economic Research and Information Center publishes quarterly cost of living indices that we use for state-level price adjustments.
Calculation Methodology
Base Rate
We start with the national average rate for each service type. These base rates are compiled from industry surveys, BLS wage data, and market research across all 50 states. Each service category (lawn mowing, pressure washing, window cleaning, house cleaning, painting, car detailing) has its own base rate structure.
Cost of Living Adjustment
The base rate is multiplied by the state or city cost of living index. A COL index of 1.0 represents the national average. For example, California has a COL of 1.42 (42% above average), while Mississippi has 0.83 (17% below average). This ensures prices reflect what the local market actually bears.
Demand Factor
We apply seasonal and local demand adjustments. Growing season length, climate zone, population density, and homeownership rates all influence demand for services. A state with 12 months of growing season (Florida) will have different demand patterns than one with 4 months (Alaska).
Market Position
Results are presented across three market tiers - value, standard, and premium - so business owners can position their pricing based on their experience level, equipment quality, and target customer segment. The spread between tiers is calibrated to each service type.
Update Frequency
Our pricing data is refreshed quarterly. The cost of living indices are updated annually based on the latest Census Bureau releases and MERIC data series.
BLS wage data is typically published with a 6-12 month lag. We use the most recent available data and apply seasonal adjustment factors to reflect current market conditions.
Last data refresh: January 2026
Limitations
Pricing estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on several factors that our calculators cannot fully account for:
- -Experience level - A 10-year veteran can justifiably charge more than someone starting out
- -Equipment quality - Commercial-grade equipment produces better results and commands higher rates
- -Job complexity - Difficult terrain, special requirements, or unusual conditions affect pricing
- -Local competition - The number of service providers in your specific area influences market rates
- -Business overhead - Insurance, licensing, transportation, and marketing costs vary by business
Use our calculators as a starting point for your pricing research, then adjust based on your specific circumstances and local market knowledge.