Childcare Cost Calculator
Compare costs of daycare, nanny, nanny share, au pair, and family care options with annual and monthly breakdowns.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Childcare is often the largest baby expense. National average for infant daycare is $1,300/month, but ranges from $800 (low-cost areas) to $2,500+ (NYC, SF). Nannies cost more but offer flexibility. Nanny shares split costs between families. Not financial advice.
The Formula
Daycare: $900-$2,000/mo base, +20% for infants
Nanny: $2,400-$4,800/mo (+ taxes, ~10%)
Nanny share: ~65% of solo nanny cost
Au pair: ~$1,800/mo (stipend + room/board)
Nanny: $2,400-$4,800/mo (+ taxes, ~10%)
Nanny share: ~65% of solo nanny cost
Au pair: ~$1,800/mo (stipend + room/board)
Variables
- Infant surcharge — 20% more than toddler rates (lower ratios required)
- FSA — Flexible Spending Account -- $5,000 pre-tax per year for childcare
Example
1 infant in medium-cost city, full-time daycare: ~$1,560/month ($18,720/year).
Tips
- Many daycare waitlists are 6-12 months -- apply during pregnancy
- Ask about sibling discounts (typically 10-20% off second child)
- Dependent Care FSA saves ~$1,250/year in taxes on the first $5,000
- Nanny shares are increasingly popular in urban areas
- Check your state for childcare tax credits beyond the federal credit