Au Pair Cost Calculator
Au pairs are often the cheapest full-time care for two or more children, but the agency fee and living costs add up. Enter your figures to see the real yearly cost and how it compares with daycare and a nanny.
Your numbers
US J-1 minimum is $195.75
Cultural Care's 2026 fee is $11,245; get a quote
Food, phone, car insurance, utilities
Result
Total au pair cost per year
$27,924
| Cost per month | $2,327 |
|---|---|
| Cost per week | $537 |
| Effective hourly cost at 45 hours | $11.93 |
| Saving vs daycare per year | $3,276 |
| Saving vs nanny per year | $28,476 |
US au pairs can work up to 10 hours a day and 45 hours a week, and need a private bedroom.
Agency fees vary by agency; the default is an estimate, so enter your own quote.
Is going back to work worth it? Run the full comparisonWhat an au pair costs
The weekly stipend (minimum $195.75 under the J-1 program), a yearly agency fee, a $500 education allowance, plus a private room, food and often car and phone costs.
Au pair vs nanny vs daycare
Daycare is charged per child, while an au pair costs the same for one child or three. With two or more young children, an au pair often works out cheapest, if you have the room.
Limits to plan around
Au pairs can work up to 45 hours a week and 10 hours a day, and have limits on caring for babies under three months. A year-long placement means finding someone new each year or two.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an au pair cost per year?
About $21,400 a year for the program fee and minimum stipend alone (Cultural Care, 2026). With the education allowance, food, phone and car costs, most families spend $25,000–$30,000.
Is an au pair cheaper than daycare?
For one child, often not by much. For two or more children, usually yes, because daycare is charged per child and an au pair costs the same.
Is an au pair cheaper than a nanny?
Usually, by a lot. A full-time nanny often costs $50,000 or more a year including taxes.
Next steps
Sources
Results are estimates for planning. Rates change each tax year, so check the official source before you rely on them.