The cost of childcare is always up for debate — whether friends are weighing it up over coffee or politicians are campaigning on it on television, everyone has an opinion.
The introduction of the Child Care Subsidy put the topic firmly in the spotlight, and if you have young children or are planning a family, you are probably curious about your options and what they cost.
One of the most common questions is whether an au pair is cheaper than childcare. The honest answer: it depends on your family — but once you tally up the real costs, an au pair usually comes out ahead.
Start by establishing your needs
What is right for one family is not necessarily right for another, and the best choice depends on your circumstances — which can change over time. Before comparing costs, get clear on what you need:
- How many hours of childcare do you need each day and week?
- Do you need care in your own home?
- Do you need flexibility, for example for shift work?
- Do you need a regular babysitter?
- What is your budget?
- Do your children have any special needs?
A clear picture of your needs will help you make informed choices and put the costs in perspective.
Comparing the costs
Some parents are lucky enough to have an affordable daycare centre close to home or work. Others can pay up to $100 per child per day. The average daily cost of childcare is currently estimated at around $112 before subsidies — and that rises with each additional child from the same family.
Pocket money for an au pair starts from around $200 per week. Other costs to factor in can include a family police check, a completion bonus, and vehicle costs if your au pair will drive your car. Importantly, an au pair is a single household cost — it does not multiply with each child.
Au pairs are also often happy to go the extra mile with babysitting, and because they live in your home they offer greater flexibility and a more cost-effective solution (and no taxi fares!).
That flexibility pays off elsewhere too: with an au pair there are no late-pickup fees at daycare, because the children are cared for at home. Erratic hours or an unexpected delay at the office need not cost you extra.
The bottom line
Once all the costs are tallied up, hosting an au pair is generally cheaper than childcare. But it is not only about money — the right choice depends on far more than finances, so it is worth exploring every option to see which suits your family best.