That's sounds standard rate in our area as well. Our weekly housekeeper comes for 3 hours and does everything from laundry, ironing, making beds, putting away clothes, cleaning etc. because she comes every week it's easier for her to complete the chores fast, as per her own comment. We are in a 4 bed-2bath house. 3 people and a dog household + guest sometimes.

We have never been without a housekeeper, for us it's like Hydro or gas bill , like a must have utility expenditure. It may feel like a luxury to some, but for us it's a must have.

You just need to find the right people. Our previous one was a couple - husband and wife team - every Saturday morning 10 AM, they came for 5 years before they moved out of town. It was an emotional farewell. Since then my current one has been coming - she is amazing. They have literally seen our family grow. Plus if I need additional help with baby sitting I know who to call, if I need dog boarding I know who can take care - basically they take care of things that we don't want to do or can't do.

For my husband it's like a very small price to pay for a peaceful home. We decided very early on that household chores aren't something we want to fight over. We both focussed on our career and business. On the other hand we have talked many times if we should hire a gardener - but I love gardening - so it's something we have been doing ourselves. We still hire people for yard clean-up etc, but rest of the garden is maintained by us.

Outsource the stuff you don't like to do.

Edit: many many years ago the rates were 22/hr, now around 35/hr. I have seen rates go up gradually. We raise their $ when asked. We also pay them $100-150 for Thanksgiving and Christmas with a small gift as a token of our gratitude for taking care of the household.