How much does house sitting cost in the US?

From keeping your pets comfortable to ensuring your house stays secure, hiring a house sitter can be a smart and stress-free solution. But how much does a house sitter cost? Prices can vary widely depending on location, the level of responsibility, and the sitter’s experience. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the factors influencing house sitting rates and offer expert tips on finding a reliable sitter that fits your needs and budget. 

How much does a house sitter cost in the US?

House sitter cost rates range from $13 to $45 per night, but for high-end services; prices can go up to $77 per day. Additionally, house sitters may charge extra for services like pet care, gardening, or pool maintenance. To find the right house-sitting service within your budget, it’s recommended to research and compare quotes. 

What does house sitting include in the US?

A dedicated house sitter ensures plants stay healthy while the homeowner is away. (Source: Shutterstock)

House sitting price list

House sitting is highly customizable, depending on your needs, budget, and preferences. These tables can give you an idea of how much to pay a house sitter per day (or per service).

Pet-only prices

House & pet care prices

A reliable house sitter makes sure pets stay happy and active while owners are away. (Source: Shutterstock)

Estimate prices according to location

Area	Average cost per day
New York	$38
Los Angeles	$48
Chicago	$37
Houston	$37
Philadelphia	$66
Phoenix	$30
Jacksonville	$44
Colombus	$35
Charlotte	$39

What things affect the cost of house sitters?

Various factors determine how much house sitters charge. Here's an overview, including additional services to request:

Stay length

Some homeowners only need house sitters for a few hours, while others require them for months. A three-month stay is considered long-term house sitting and generally has a lower daily rate. 

Number of pets

How many pets do you have? What species and breeds are they? Do they need special medical care or supervision? How often are the walks, and how much playtime is necessary? These factors significantly affect the overall cost of house sitting. 

For instance, dogs generally require more work than cats (who tend to be more independent). Furry dog breeds need regular grooming than less hairy ones. Another is if you need their cages or litter boxes cleaned regularly.

Experienced house sitters can look after dogs (of any size), cats, rabbits, hamsters, and birds. A professional house sitter can accompany your furry friend at home while continuing their routine: feeding, exercising, playing, and petting.

House size

The size of your house and garden will also affect the house-sitting service cost. How often do you want it cleaned? Large properties require much upkeep, especially if you have unique plants. These will add to the price of house sitting.

Cleaning services

Most house sitters can declutter your home and offer extra benefits, such as washing duvets, pillows, curtains, and carpets; spring cleaning; oven or appliance cleaning; and dry cleaning drop off and collection.

Travel expenses

Some house sitters charge reasonable travel costs during the house-sitting assignment, and it can reach a maximum of $80.

How do I know if I can trust my house sitter?

Here are some pointers for finding a reliable house sitter:

• Meet them in advance. This gives them a chance to introduce themselves and answer your questions. Treat this as an interview.
• Know their background. Ask for client testimonials or reviews to learn more about their previous work. You can also talk about their experience in other areas, such as cleaning and gardening.
• Ask about their experience in handling animals. You can also ask them how they handle specific pet emergencies. This will help you evaluate the capability of your house sitter as a pet care provider.
• Introduce the house sitter to your pets. This is especially important if they’re social animals (such as dogs and cats) so you can observe how they interact.
• Run through the necessities and special requirements. This includes the frequency of walks and plays, feeding and sleeping regimens, and your pet’s usual routine.
• Discuss about home security. Let your house sitter know how they can keep your keys securely to help you gain peace of mind.
• Request regular updates. Ask if they can regularly update you about your home and pet, including pictures.
• Draw a contract. It should contain the service’s rate, duration, and other pertinent details.
• Talk about contingency plans. This includes delays in return and unforeseen circumstances.

Book a house sitter on Airtasker

House sitters cost around $40 to $200, depending on house size, pet type, and assignment duration. For an accurate quotation, talk to a Tasker and provide your house-sitting requirements.

Save time and protect your house and pets while you're away. Post a task now and connect with a reliable house-sitting service provider shortly! It’s a fuss-free, convenient, and cost-effective choice.