If you are weighing up childcare options in Australia, the first question is almost always the same: what does an au pair actually cost? The honest answer is that hosting an au pair is one of the most affordable forms of one-on-one, in-home childcare in Australia — but the headline pocket money is only part of the picture. Here is a clear 2026 breakdown so you can budget with confidence.
The short answer
In 2026, most Australian host families spend roughly $400–$550 per week in total to host an au pair. That includes weekly pocket money of around $300–$350 plus the cost of food, a private room and everyday extras. Crucially, this is a flat household cost — it does not increase when you have a second or third child, which is what makes an au pair such good value for larger families.
What you actually pay for an au pair
Weekly pocket money
Pocket money is the cash component you pay your au pair each week. As a guideline in Australia, families typically pay around $295 for up to 30 hours and $330–$350 for up to 35 hours per week. Because an au pair stay is a cultural exchange that includes free accommodation and meals, pocket money sits below a standard hourly wage, but it should always be fair and agreed in writing before arrival.
Room and board
As a host family you provide your au pair with a private room and meals. The room is usually a spare bedroom you already have, so the real added cost is food — budget roughly $80–$120 per week in extra groceries, depending on your household.
Everyday extras
Smaller costs add up: a share of utilities and internet, occasional use of the family car and fuel for childcare-related driving, a local SIM, and the odd activity or outing you include them in. Most families allow $30–$80 per week for these extras.
| Typical weekly cost of hosting an au pair (Australia, 2026) | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Pocket money (approx. 30–35 hrs) | $300–$350 |
| Food / extra groceries | $80–$120 |
| Utilities, car, SIM, extras | $30–$80 |
| Total per week | $410–$550 |
These are guideline figures to help you budget. Your actual cost depends on hours, location and what you choose to include.
Au pair vs nanny vs daycare: a real cost comparison
The cheapest option on paper is not always the best fit. Here is how the three main choices compare in 2026.
| Option | Typical cost | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Au pair | ~$410–$550 / week, all children | Flexible, live-in, one flat cost regardless of the number of children; cultural exchange included. |
| Nanny | $30–$35 / hour (≈ $900–$1,050 for 30 hrs) | Professional, flexible and in-home, but the most expensive option; you may also have tax and superannuation obligations. |
| Long day care | $120–$205 / day per child before subsidy | Charged per child and tied to fixed days and hours. The Child Care Subsidy can cover up to 90%, and from January 2026 the 3-Day Guarantee gives eligible families at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight. |
For a single child who only needs care on set days, subsidised daycare can be very competitive. But the moment you need flexibility, longer hours, or care for more than one child, an au pair usually becomes the most economical option — and the only one that gives you genuinely personalised, one-on-one care in your own home.
What makes the cost go up or down
Several factors move the weekly figure within the ranges above:
- Hours: more childcare hours mean higher pocket money.
- Experience and qualifications: au pairs with strong childcare experience, a driver's licence or first-aid training may negotiate a little more.
- Location: rates can be higher in regional or remote areas where au pairs are harder to find, and in high-cost cities.
- Number and age of children: very young children or larger families sometimes attract slightly higher pocket money — but still far below the per-child cost of daycare.
Why an au pair is often the best value for bigger families
This is the point families most often miss. Daycare and most other paid care are charged per child. An au pair is a single household arrangement: the same pocket money covers one child or three. For a family with two or more children needing flexible care, an au pair frequently costs a fraction of the alternatives while keeping siblings together at home.
How Premier Au Pair keeps the cost down
Premier Au Pair was the first au pair platform built specifically for Australia, launched in 2022, and has been the number one and by far the biggest platform on the market ever since. Registration is free and there are no traditional agency fees, so you keep more of your budget for the care itself.
If you would like the reassurance of a full agency service — candidate search, shortlisting, interview support and ongoing help — our Diamond Membership gives you the best of both worlds: complete support at an affordable price, without the traditional agency cost. You can see exactly what is included on our pricing page.
Is an au pair right for your family?
If you value flexible, in-home care, want to keep costs predictable, and like the idea of welcoming a new culture into your home, an au pair is hard to beat on value. Create your free family profile to browse au pair candidates available across Australia and New Zealand today.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an au pair cost per week in Australia in 2026?
Most Australian host families spend roughly $400 to $550 per week in total. That covers weekly pocket money of about $300 to $350 plus food, a private room and everyday extras such as utilities and occasional car use.
Is an au pair cheaper than daycare?
It depends on your situation. Subsidised long day care can be very competitive for a single child on set days. But because daycare is charged per child while an au pair is one flat household cost, an au pair is usually cheaper for families with two or more children, or for anyone needing flexible or longer hours.
Is an au pair cheaper than a nanny?
Yes. Nannies in Australia typically charge $30 to $35 per hour, which works out to roughly $900 to $1,050 per week for 30 hours, plus possible tax and superannuation obligations. An au pair's all-in cost of about $410 to $550 per week is significantly lower for similar in-home, flexible care.
Do I pay pocket money on top of room and board?
Yes. As a host family you provide a private room and meals, and you also pay weekly pocket money in cash. The room is usually a spare bedroom you already have, so the main added cost beyond pocket money is food.
Does the cost change if I have more than one child?
Hosting an au pair is a single household arrangement, so the same weekly pocket money covers one child or several. Families with very young children or larger families sometimes agree slightly higher pocket money, but it remains far below the per-child cost of daycare.
Are there agency fees to host an au pair with Premier Au Pair?
Registration with Premier Au Pair is free and there are no traditional agency fees. Families who want a full agency service can choose Diamond Membership, which provides candidate search, shortlisting, interviews and ongoing support at an affordable price. See the pricing page for details.
How many hours can an au pair work for that pocket money?
Au pairs in Australia typically provide around 25 to 35 hours of childcare per week. Guideline pocket money is about $295 for up to 30 hours and $330 to $350 for up to 35 hours. Agree the exact hours and pocket money in your contract before your au pair arrives.