Childcare Costs More Than You Think. See Exactly How Much.
Whether you’re budgeting for your first child or trying to make the math work for a growing family, figuring out what childcare actually costs — and what you’re really getting for it — can feel impossible. Daycare rates vary wildly by state. Nanny salaries don’t include what you’ll owe at tax time. And most parents have never heard of the Au Pair option until someone mentions it at a playdate.
This calculator breaks it all down side by side, using real state-level data, so you can stop guessing and start planning.
Childcare Cost Calculator by State
Enter your state and family size to compare the annual cost of daycare, a nanny, and an Au Pair through Go Au Pair.
Select your state and children
to see a live cost preview
ⓘ Massachusetts residents: MA state law requires Au Pairs be paid at least the state minimum wage for all hours worked, including overtime — resulting in an effective minimum stipend of ~$615.93/week. This calculator does not include Massachusetts. Contact Go Au Pair directly for MA-specific pricing.
Full breakdown: Annual childcare cost in for
Daycare: State-specific annual averages per child sourced from WorldPopulationReview.com and the Economic Policy Institute, with infant/toddler and preschool/school-age rates reported separately.
Nanny: State average gross annual salary adjusted to 45 hrs/week by adding 5 hrs/week of overtime at 1.5x the implied hourly rate, plus ~10% employer payroll taxes. A $2/hr surcharge is added per additional child beyond the first.
Au Pair: Reflects the Go Au Pair Standard Program at the U.S. Department of State minimum stipend of $195.75/week. This fee covers the entire Host Family regardless of the number of children. Families may offer a higher stipend. Program cost does not include airfare, which is now included in Go Au Pair's average pricing on our pricing page, nor any discounts a family may be eligible for. Massachusetts is not included — MA state law requires a higher effective minimum stipend (~$615.93/week); contact Go Au Pair directly for MA pricing.
Individual results may vary. All figures are annual averages and are intended for comparison purposes.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Decide
Daycare isn’t always the “safe” choice. It might feel like the default — but in most states, licensed daycare centers charge per child, per year. For families with two or more kids, costs can stack up fast. The numbers above reflect real state averages, not the discounted rate your neighbor mentioned once.
Nannies cost more than their salary. A nanny’s posted hourly rate is just the starting point. Employer payroll taxes, overtime, and the reality of 45 hours a week add roughly 10–25% on top of whatever you negotiate. The calculator accounts for all of it.
The Au Pair flat fee changes the math entirely. The Go Au Pair program is priced per family, not per child — which means a second or third child doesn’t double your childcare bill. It’s the one option that actually gets more cost-effective as your family grows. If you’re interested in what an Au Pair can or can’t do, please view our Au Pair Duties page.
