How Much Does Mobile Car Detailing Cost in San Diego?
Wondering how much car detailing costs when it comes to your location? Mobile car detailing prices in San Diego range from $99 to $599, depending on the service level and your vehicle size.
While mobile detailing costs slightly more than traditional shop services, the convenience, time savings, and personalized attention make it an excellent value for busy San Diego residents.
Fresh Layer Mobile Detailing brings professional auto care directly to your driveway, office, or any convenient location throughout San Diego County.
Our mobile detailing cost structure reflects the premium convenience of having expert technicians come to you, along with the specialized equipment and eco-friendly products needed to deliver shop-quality results anywhere.
Mobile Detailing Cost Quick Answer
Average mobile car detailing cost in San Diego: $99-599
Basic mobile wash: $99-149
Mobile interior detail: $249-289
Complete mobile detail: $349-389
Premium mobile packages: $499-599
Complete Detail Starting at $349
This package includes eco-friendly hand wash, clay decontamination, interior steam cleaning and more.
Mobile vs Shop Pricing: Is Mobile Detailing Worth the Cost?
When asking "how much does car detailing cost," it's important to understand the difference between mobile and traditional shop pricing. Mobile car detailing typically costs 15-25% more than shop-based services, but provides significantly more value when you factor in convenience, time savings, and personalized service.
Why Mobile Costs More (And Why It's Worth It)
Mobile detailing prices include several additional costs that traditional shops don't have:
Travel time and fuel costs to reach your location
Portable equipment that's more expensive than stationary shop equipment
Setup and breakdown time at each location
Convenience premium for coming to your preferred location
Insurance and licensing for mobile operations
Mobile Service Pricing Breakdown
Understanding mobile car detailing cost requires looking at what's included in each service level. Our mobile detailing prices reflect the comprehensive service you receive at your location.
Starts at $99
-
Eco-Friendly and Extremely Gentle Hand Wash.
Decontamination of Paint with Clay Bar.
Crystal Clear Windows/Protected with Spray Wax.
Rims, Wheel Wells, Exhaust Clean / Protected with Spray Wax, Tires Dressed, Door Jams.
Hand Application of Carnauba Wax or Paint Sealant to Paintwork.
-
Sedan $99
SUV/hatchback $129
Truck/ 7seater/minivan $149
Duration: 2 hrs
Starts at $299
-
Eco-Friendly and Extremely Gentle Hand Wash.
Decontamination of Paint with Clay Bar.
Crystal Clear Windows/Protected with Spray Wax.
Rims, Wheel Wells, Exhaust Clean / Protected with Spray Wax, Tires Dressed, Door Jams.
One Stage Polish apply to eliminate Swirls, Holograms, Waterspot, Saps, Minor oxidation and overspray.
Hand Application of Carnauba Wax or Paint Sealant to Paintwork.
-
Sedan $299
SUV/hatchback $349
Truck/ 7seater/minivan $389
Starts at $249
-
Full detail of interior including seats, doors, plastics, leathers, glass, steering wheel, dashboard, headliner, carpets, etc
Carpets thoroughly vacuumed
Compressed air to blow out dust
Steam clean of all seats & interior
Leather and cloth seats detailed
Floor mats are cleaned, carpet mats steamed and extracted.
Air vents detailed, brushed, steamed to sanitize air duct system
Headliner spot treated for marks
High quality UV protectant applied for protection & longevity of materials
All glass detailed inside
ADD-ON SERVICES
Pet Hair/Sand/Kid use removal $45-$75
All Fabric Sealed $45
Pet Hair, Sand, Kid Use, Excessive Dirt, Stains will require extra labor
-
Sedan $249
SUV/hatchback $269
Truck/ 7seater/minivan $289
Starts at $349
-
Eco-Friendly and Extremely Gentle Hand Wash
Decontamination of Paint With Clay
Crystal Clear Windows and Protect with Spray Wax
Rims, Wheel Wells Clean Protected with Spray Wax, Tires Dress, Door Jams
Hand Application of Carnauba Wax to Paintwork
Exterior dressing of plastics
Thorough Car Steam Cleaning of all Interior
Shampoo carpets, seats and floor mats
All Fabric Sealed
Application of Premium Odor Removal
ADD-ON SERVICES
Pet Hair/Sand/Kid use removal $45-$75
Pet Hair, Sand, Kid Use, Excessive Dirt, Stains will require extra labor
-
Sedan $349
SUV/hatchback $369
Truck/ 7seater/minivan $389
Starts at $149
-
Eco-Friendly & Extremely Gentle Hand Wash
Clean all door jambs
Clean all windows inside and out
Clean wheels and tires
Light Vacuum seats, carpets, and floor mats
Wipe down interior
Apply tire dressing
Apply paint protectant (2-4 months protection)
ADD-ON SERVICES
Pet Hair/Sand/Kid use removal $45-$75
Pet Hair, Sand, Kid Use, Excessive Dirt, Stains will require extra labor
-
Sedan $149
SUV/hatchback $169
Truck/ 7seater/minivan $189
Starts at $499
-
Complete Mobile Detailing Package
Engine Bay Steam Cleaning and Plastics Dressed/Protected (top only)
Single Stage Polish to Eliminate Light Swirls, Holograms, fill Fine Scratches, and enhance Paintwork color
Paint Sealant applied to Paintwork 6 Month Protection
-
Sedan $499
SUV/hatchback $559
Truck/ 7seater/minivan $599
Starts at $169
-
Eco-Friendly & Extremely Gentle Hand Wash
Crystal Clear Windows & Protect with Spray Wax
Ceramic Paint Sealant apply
Rims, Wheel Wells, Protected with Spray Wax, Tires Dressed
Full Interior Vacuum
Thorough Car Detailing Steam Cleaning of Interior (Steam Clean of Dashboard, Console, Vents, Seats)
Thorough Car Detailing Vacuum
Application of Premium Odor Removal
-
Sedan $169
SUV/hatchback $189
Truck/ 7seater/minivan $219
Starts at $99
-
Eco-Friendly & Extremely Gentle Hand Wash with Ph shampoo
Decontamination coating with a ceramic coating safe chemicals.
Drying with air to reduce markings and swirl marks
Crystal Clear Windows/Protected with Spray Wax
Tires Dressed, Rims, Wheel Wells, Exhaust, Door Jams Cleaned / Protected with Spray Wax
Top coat with Sio2 ceramic sealant.
-
Sedan $99
SUV/hatchback $129
Truck/ 7seater/minivan $149
BI-WEEKLY HAND WASH
Starts at $99
-
Eco-Friendly & Extremely Gentle Hand Wash with Ph shampoo
Rims, Wheel Wells, Exhaust Steam Clean, Tires Dressed
Clear Windows
Clean Door Jambs,
Vacuum and wipe down all plastic/leather surfaces.
Bi-weekly maintenance is only available to customers who have received a Complete Detail or Express detail package or higher in the last two weeks. Or month.
-
Sedan $99
SUV/hatchback $119
Truck/ 7seater/minivan $129
Additional Services & Add-Ons
Engine detail with complete or exterior package - $69 / just engine detail - $125
Headlight restoration - $99 (with coating)
Chrome polish - $55-$155
Ceramic coat rims - $150
Ceramic coat windows - $170
Pet hair/sand removal - $49-$149 (depending on condition)
Heavy Stain removal - $10-15 (per spot)
Vomit/incident treatment - $149
| Factor | Mobile Detailing | Traditional Shop | Mobile Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Service Cost | $349 (Complete Detail) | $299 (Complete Detail) | Shop wins: $50 less |
| Your Time Investment | 0 hours (work from home) | 3-4 hours (drive + wait) | Mobile wins: 4 hours saved |
| Transportation Cost | $0 | $15-25 (gas + wear) | Mobile wins: $20 saved |
| Opportunity Cost | $0 | $100+ (lost productivity) | Mobile wins: $100+ saved |
| Total Real Cost | $349 | $435+ (time + transport + opportunity) | Mobile wins: $85+ savings |
Time Savings Calculator
How much is your time worth?
If you value your time at $25/hour (San Diego median wage), the 4 hours saved with mobile detailing equals $100 in time value. This makes mobile detailing cost-effective even with the convenience premium.
Break-even calculation: Mobile detailing becomes cost-effective when your hourly value exceeds $12.50 - well below most San Diego professionals' earning potential.
What Our Customers Say About Our Car Detailing
Cost Factors for Mobile Car Detailing
Several factors influence how much mobile car detailing costs in San Diego. Understanding these helps explain the pricing structure and value you receive.
Travel Time & Distance
Mobile detailing cost includes travel considerations:
Service radius: We serve all of San Diego County at standard rates
Travel time: Built into service duration, not charged separately
Fuel costs: Included in base pricing for our standard service areas
Equipment transport: Professional mobile setup included in every service
Equipment Transportation
Mobile detailing requires specialized, portable equipment that affects cost:
Water tanks: Self-contained water systems for any location
Power generators: Independent power supply for all equipment
Portable pressure washers: Professional-grade mobile cleaning systems
Climate-controlled storage: Product quality maintained during transport
Setup & Breakdown Time
Each mobile appointment includes setup and breakdown time:
Equipment setup: 15-20 minutes to prepare workspace
Site assessment: Evaluating optimal working conditions
Protection setup: Ground covers and area protection
Complete cleanup: Leaving your space spotless
Convenience Premium Value
The mobile convenience premium pays for:
Personalized attention: One technician focused solely on your vehicle
Flexible scheduling: Early morning, evening, and weekend availability
Location flexibility: Home, office, or any convenient spot
No waiting: Service completed while you handle other tasks
How Much Does Car Detailing Cost: Mobile vs Traditional Comparison
Price Comparison Analysis
| Service Level | Mobile Cost | Shop Cost | Difference | Value Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Wash | $99-149 | $75-120 | +$25-30 | Worth it for convenience |
| Interior Detail | $249-289 | $200-250 | +$40-50 | Saves 3+ hours time |
| Complete Detail | $349-389 | $280-330 | +$60-70 | Premium worth $100+ time value |
| Paint Correction | $299-389 | $250-350 | +$50 | Personalized attention value |
The $25-70 convenience premium pays for itself through time savings, personalized attention, and premium service quality delivered at your location.
Quality Comparison
Mobile detailing often provides superior quality because:
Individual attention: One vehicle at a time vs. assembly line approach
Fresh products: Products mixed fresh for each vehicle
No rush factor: Technicians aren't pressured to move to next customer
Direct oversight: You can observe and communicate throughout service
Total Cost of Ownership
Annual Cost Comparison (4 details per year)
Mobile detailing total cost: $1,396 (4 × $349)
Traditional shop total cost: $1,740 ($1,196 service + $544 time/transport)
Annual savings with mobile: $344
Plus: 16 hours of your time saved annually
Service Area Pricing in San Diego
Fresh Layer's mobile car detailing cost remains consistent throughout San Diego County. We don't charge extra for most locations, making our pricing transparent and predictable.
Standard Service Areas (No Extra Charge)
Central San Diego: Downtown, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Normal Heights
Coastal Communities: La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach
North County: Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Poway
East County: El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Alpine
South Bay: Chula Vista, National City, Bonita, Imperial Beach
Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Detailing Cost
-
Mobile car detailing costs 15-25% more than shop services, but provides better value when you factor in time savings, convenience, and personalized attention. For example, our $349 complete detail saves you $100+ in time value compared to a $299 shop service that requires 4 hours of your time.
-
Traditional shop detailing has hidden costs like transportation ($15-25), opportunity cost ($100+ in lost time), and inconvenience factor. Mobile detailing eliminates these hidden costs, making the total real cost often lower than shop services.
-
Mobile detailing cost varies by vehicle size: Sedans start at $99, SUVs at $129-189, and trucks/large vehicles at $149-219. The pricing reflects the additional time, materials, and effort required for larger vehicles.
-
Mobile detailing prices include convenience, time savings, personalized attention, and professional equipment brought to your location. The 15-25% premium typically saves you $100+ in time value and eliminates transportation hassles.
-
Regular mobile detailing customers save money through package deals. Monthly service costs $99-129 with our loyalty discount, making ongoing maintenance affordable while keeping your vehicle in perfect condition.
Why Fresh Layer's Mobile Detailing Cost Provides Superior Value
Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
Our mobile car detailing cost includes everything - no surprise charges, no hidden fees, no extra costs for travel or setup. What you see in our pricing is exactly what you pay.
Premium Service at Competitive Rates
While mobile detailing costs slightly more than shop services, our premium includes:
Professional-grade equipment brought to your location
Eco-friendly products designed for San Diego's climate
Experienced technicians focused solely on your vehicle
Flexible scheduling around your convenience
100% satisfaction guarantee
Real Value Analysis
When considering how much car detailing costs, factor in the total value:
Time savings: Worth $100+ for most professionals
Convenience factor: No travel, waiting, or scheduling around shop hours
Quality results: Individual attention produces superior outcomes
Stress reduction: Service comes to you, no logistics to manage
Mobile Detailing Value Calculator
Your True Cost Comparison:
Mobile Detail: $349 (Complete Detail)
Shop Detail Total Cost: $299 (service) + $20 (gas) + $100 (4 hours at $25/hour) = $419
Get Your Mobile Detailing Quote Today
Ready to experience the convenience and value of mobile car detailing? Our transparent pricing and superior service make Fresh Layer the smart choice for busy San Diego residents who value their time and want professional results.
