United States Childcare Cost Calculator
Calculate whether it's worth going back to work with United States's childcare costs and taxes
US childcare cost calculators: nanny, au pair, FSA
- Nanny Cost Calculator
Calculate the full cost of hiring a nanny: hourly wage, overtime, employer payroll taxes and extras. See weekly, monthly and yearly cost compared with daycare.
- Nanny Tax Calculator
Work out nanny taxes: employer Social Security, Medicare, FUTA and state unemployment, plus what to withhold from your nanny's pay.
- Dependent Care FSA Calculator
See how much a dependent care FSA saves in tax compared with the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and the best way to combine them for your childcare costs.
- Au Pair Cost Calculator
Calculate the real yearly cost of a US au pair: weekly stipend, agency fees, education allowance, room and board. Compare with a nanny and daycare.
Average Childcare Costs
$1,200 - $2,000 per month
Full-time infant/toddler care in United States
Average Parent Salary
$55,000 - $65,000
Typical income for returning parents
Childcare Context in United States
In the US, childcare costs are among the highest in the world, often exceeding college tuition. The average family spends $10,000-$15,000 annually per child on daycare.
Available Benefits & Support:
- ✓Child care tax credit available
- ✓Dependent Care FSA up to $7,500/year (from 2026)
- ✓Some employers offer childcare subsidies
- ✓State-specific childcare assistance programs
Calculate Your Exact Numbers
Stop guessing. See exactly how much you'll take home after childcare, taxes, and commute costs in United States. Compare multiple work scenarios side-by-side.
Common Questions for United States Parents
Is it worth going back to work in United States?
The answer depends on your specific situation. With average childcare costs of $1,200 - $2,000 per month, many parents find that a significant portion of one salary goes directly to daycare. Our calculator helps you see your exact numbers including taxes, commute costs, and housing expenses.
What expenses should I include beyond childcare?
Don't forget to factor in commute costs (gas, parking, transit), work wardrobe, convenience costs (more takeout, cleaning services), and the tax implications of a second income. These hidden costs can reduce your effective hourly rate significantly.
How can I reduce childcare costs?
In United States, options include: utilizing available subsidies and benefits, sharing a nanny with another family, flexible work schedules to reduce childcare hours, or considering part-time work until children reach school age.