How much does car detailing cost on average?

In Southeast Texas, a professional exterior detail typically runs $80–$150, an interior deep clean $100–$200, and a full interior + exterior detail $150–$300 depending on vehicle size and condition. Paint enhancement starts around $300 and ceramic coatings range from $500–$1,500+ depending on the warranty tier.

Why is professional detailing more expensive than an automated car wash?

A $10 tunnel wash takes 3 minutes, recirculates dirty water and uses spinning brushes that install swirl marks into your clear coat. A professional detail takes 2–6 hours of hand labor, uses pH-balanced chemistry, microfiber media and decontamination steps that actually preserve and improve your paint long-term.

Does the price change based on vehicle size?

Yes. A compact sedan takes less product and less time than a 3-row SUV or lifted truck. At Moreno Detailing SETX, our Full Showroom Detail is $150 for cars, $175 for small SUVs and $200 for trucks and large SUVs.

Is ceramic coating worth the cost?

For Gulf Coast owners, yes. A quality ceramic coating ($500–$1,500) lasts 2–5+ years, repels bug splatter, tree sap, salt air and bird droppings, and dramatically cuts the time you spend washing. Over the life of the coating it usually costs less per month than monthly wax services.

Do you charge extra for pet hair, sand or heavy interior soiling?

Vehicles in extreme condition (heavy pet hair, sand from the beach, spilled drinks or mold) may require an upcharge of $25–$75 depending on labor time. We always quote the additional cost up front before starting — no surprise charges.

How can I get an exact quote for my vehicle?

Call or text (409) 656-0515 with your year, make, model and a quick description of the condition, or book directly through our online scheduler. Quotes are free and there's no obligation.

Pricing Guide

How much does car detailing cost in Southeast Texas?

If you've searched "how much does car detailing cost" you've probably seen prices anywhere from $30 to $3,000. Here's the honest, no-fluff breakdown from a working mobile detailer in Beaumont — what each service actually includes, what affects the price, and where the real value sits.

The short answer

In the Golden Triangle (Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, Nederland, Mid County, Vidor, Lumberton, Silsbee) professional mobile detailing typically costs:

• Exterior detail: $100 – $150
• Interior deep clean: $100 – $200
• Full interior + exterior detail: $150 – $300
• Paint enhancement (1-step polish): $300 – $600
• Ceramic coating: $500 – $1,500+

Pricing by vehicle size

Bigger vehicles mean more product, more time and more labor. Here's how Moreno Detailing SETX prices the most common packages across vehicle categories.

Vehicle	Exterior	Interior	Full Detail	Ceramic Coating
Sedan / Compact Car	$100	$100	$150	$500+
Small SUV / Crossover	$110	$115	$175	$700+
Truck / Large SUV	$125	$130	$200	$900+

Pricing by vehicle condition

The condition your vehicle shows up in matters as much as its size. A garage-kept sedan and a beach-trip SUV take very different amounts of labor to bring back.

Light

Garaged daily driver, washed regularly, no major stains.

Base package price applies.

Moderate

Daily driver with light pet hair, sand, water spots or bug splatter from Gulf Coast commuting.

Add $25–$50 for additional labor and decontamination.

Heavy

Work truck, beach vehicle, family hauler with heavy pet hair, food stains, mold or oxidized paint.

Add $50–$100. Paint enhancement may be recommended.

Detailing vs. automated car wash: real cost over a year

A $15 tunnel wash twice a month adds up to $360/year — and slowly grinds swirl marks into your clear coat. Two professional details a year ($300–$400) plus light maintenance washes between them typically lands in the same budget, but leaves your paint, leather and resale value in dramatically better shape.

• Tunnel wash: fast, cheap, abrasive brushes, recirculated water, no interior care.
• DIY driveway wash: low cost but risky if you skip the two-bucket method; introduces wash-induced swirls.
• Professional mobile detail: safe wash chemistry, decontamination, interior steam, sealants — protects the asset.
• Ceramic coating + maintenance: highest up-front cost, lowest annual cost over 2–5 years.

What affects the final price

• Vehicle size and number of seats / rows
• Pet hair, sand, mold, food stains or smoke odor
• Paint condition — oxidation, swirls, water spots, overspray
• Add-ons: headlight restoration, engine bay, leather conditioning, ceramic upgrade
• Travel: most of the Golden Triangle is included; longer drives may add a small fee

Get an exact quote

Every vehicle is different. The fastest way to lock in a real number is to call or text (409) 656-0515 or book online and we'll confirm pricing before we arrive.

Book Now See full service packages

FAQ