How Much Does an Au Pair Cost? 2026 Complete Breakdown

Q: How much does an au pair cost per year?

An au pair costs approximately $19,000–$23,000 per year total, including agency fees ($7,000–$10,000), weekly stipend ($215.75/week minimum = $11,219/year), education allowance ($500), and the au pair's share of household food costs. This is a flat rate regardless of how many children you have, making it the best value for multi-child families.

Q: Is an au pair cheaper than daycare?

For one child, an au pair (~$22,000/year) is more expensive than daycare in most cities except the priciest metros (NYC, SF, Boston, DC). For two or more children, an au pair is almost always cheaper than paying two daycare tuitions, since the au pair cost stays the same regardless of how many children are in the household.

Au pair program fees, stipend, and total annual cost — the most affordable in-home childcare option for families with multiple children

Au Pair Cost Breakdown (2026)

Unlike nannies and daycare, au pair costs are relatively fixed across the country. The weekly stipend is set by the U.S. State Department, and agency fees fall within a predictable range.

Expense	Annual Cost	Notes
Agency/program fee	$7,000–$10,000	Paid to sponsor agency (Cultural Care, AuPairCare, etc.)
Weekly stipend	$11,219	$215.75/week × 52 weeks (federal minimum)
Education allowance	$500	Required contribution toward college courses
Room & board	$2,000–$4,000	Private room + share of household food
Employer taxes	$800–$1,200	FICA on stipend amount
Total	$19,000–$23,000	Same cost whether you have 1 child or 4

Au Pair vs. Other Care Types

Where the au pair fits in the cost spectrum depends on how many children you have:

Care Type	1 Child	2 Children	3 Children
Daycare	$14,500	$29,000	$43,500
Au Pair	$22,000	$22,000	$22,000
Nanny Share	$16,500	$33,000	N/A
Nanny	$29,000	$32,000	$35,000

Key insight: An au pair is the cheapest option for families with 2+ children. For one child, daycare is typically cheaper in most cities. See our Nanny vs. Au Pair guide for a detailed comparison.

Au Pair Program Requirements

Private bedroom: Non-negotiable — the au pair must have their own room
Max 45 hours/week: No more than 10 hours per day
Time off: 1.5 days off/week, one full weekend/month, 2 weeks paid vacation/year
Duration: 12 months initial, extendable to 24 months
Age range: Au pairs are 18–26 years old
Insurance: Included in agency fee (medical/accident coverage)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an au pair cost per year?

$19,000–$23,000/year total including agency fees, stipend, education allowance, and room & board. This is a flat rate regardless of how many children you have.

Is an au pair cheaper than daycare?

For one child, usually not. For two or more children, an au pair is almost always cheaper since the cost stays flat while daycare tuition doubles per child.

Do I need a spare bedroom for an au pair?

Yes. A private bedroom is a firm requirement under U.S. State Department regulations. The room cannot be shared with children or other family members.

Explore Au Pair Programs

🌍

Compare au pair agencies Browse J-1 visa sponsor organizations and apply

→

Some links may be affiliate links. Learn more

Compare Au Pair Costs in Your Area

See how au pair costs compare to daycare, nanny, and nanny share for your specific zip code.

Calculate Your Costs