What services really cost in New York City
Straight, sourced answers to "how much does it cost" for the services New Yorkers book most, with 2026 price ranges by type and borough, and a note on how much of your money goes to platform fees.
Prices sourced July 2026 · NYC cost guides
In short
NYC service prices run above the national average: house cleaning $120 to $280 per visit, a handyman $60 to $110 per hour, a babysitter $23 to $40 per hour, a haircut $25 to $90. Each guide below breaks the numbers down with sources, and shows how a flat-fee model keeps more of your money with the provider.
House cleaning cost
Handyman cost
Babysitter cost
Senior care cost
Lawn mowing cost
Haircut cost
Private chef cost
Car rental cost
Uber ride cost
Delivery commission
Frequently asked questions
How much do home and personal services cost in NYC?
It varies by service: house cleaning $120 to $280 per visit, a handyman $60 to $110 per hour, a babysitter $23 to $40 per hour, and a haircut $25 to $90. Each linked guide gives the full 2026 breakdown with sources.
Why are NYC service prices higher than the national average?
New York carries higher wages, insurance, and travel time, so most services run roughly 15 to 35 percent above the national average, with Manhattan highest.
How does Bobby lower the cost?
Bobby is a pre-launch NYC app being built on a flat fee per booking ($1 for most services, $2 for food delivery) instead of a percentage commission, so providers keep 100% of their rate. You can join the launch list to be notified.