Nanny cost vs. daycare
Nanny cost vs. daycare
$1,500 – $4,300 average nanny cost per month
$540 – $1,500+ average daycare cost per month
Cost of a nanny vs. daycare
Cost is a major factor when choosing between a nanny and daycare. A nanny costs $1,500 to $4,300 per month, per family on average. In comparison, daycare costs $540 to $1,500 or more per month, per child. For families with multiple children, a nanny can care for siblings simultaneously for the same price or less than daycare.
| Care type | Average cost per month | Average cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| Nanny | $1,500 – $4,300 | $18,000 – $52,000 |
| Daycare* | $540 – $1,500+ | $6,480 – $18,000+ |
*Cost per child
Nanny
Nannies charge $1,500 to $4,300 per month on average, depending on the type. A nanny provides personalized, one-on-one care in the comfort of your home, offering flexibility in scheduling and routines tailored to your child’s needs. Nannies also reduce exposure to illnesses from group settings and may help with household tasks.
Daycare provides structured routines, socialization with peers, and reliability with set hours, but it offers less individualized attention and greater exposure to germs. Ultimately, the choice depends on your family’s budget, need for flexibility, and your child’s temperament.
| Nanny type | Average monthly cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Private nanny cost | $2,300 – $4,300 | A dedicated nanny caring for your child(ren) in your home, typically working full-time hours |
| Live-in nanny cost | $3,000 – $5,200 | A nanny who lives in your home and provides full-time, often flexible, childcare services |
| Nanny share cost | $1,500 – $2,600 | A nanny shared between two or more families, with costs split, providing care for all children |
Daycare
Daycare costs range from $540 to $1,500+ per month, depending on the type of care, location, and your child’s age. Infant care is generally the most expensive, particularly in major cities.
In-home daycare providers usually charge less than larger, center-based facilities or national chains. However, some daycare centers offer more flexible scheduling options, which can add convenience and may justify their higher monthly fees compared to in-home daycare options.
Nanny vs. daycare cost factors
The following factors play a part in the rates of nannies and daycare centers:
Child's age: Infant care is more expensive in daycares than enrolling toddlers, preschoolers, or older children.
Location: Childcare costs vary widely depending on where you live. Urban and high-cost-of-living areas have higher rates for both nannies and daycare centers.
Number of children: Daycares charge per child, making it more expensive for larger families. Nannies often charge a flat rate, so costs per child decrease with more siblings.
Experience and qualifications: More experienced or educated nannies and daycare teachers command higher wages. Specialized skills or certifications can also increase costs.
Additional fees: Daycares may charge enrollment, supply, or late pick-up fees. Nanny costs can include taxes, benefits, bonuses, and reimbursement for expenses like transportation.
Schedule and flexibility: Nannies offer more flexible, customized schedules, which may cost more for overtime or nonstandard hours. Daycare centers have fixed hours, and extra charges may apply for extended care.
Services included: Nannies may help with household tasks, which can justify higher costs. Daycares typically include meals, activities, and structured learning in their rates.
Hiring a nanny usually requires you to pay employment taxes and possibly offer benefits, while daycare costs may be eligible for tax credits. Check out our nanny tax guide for more details.
Pros and cons of a nanny versus daycare
Choosing between a nanny and daycare is a significant decision for families, as each option offers unique advantages and drawbacks. Nannies provide individualized care and flexibility within the home, while daycares offer structured routines and socialization with peers. The best choice depends on your family’s priorities and your child’s temperament.
| Care type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nanny |
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| Daycare |
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Alternatives
If you're not sure if hiring a nanny or using a daycare is right for you, consider some of these alternative options:
| Child care type | Average monthly cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| In-home daycare cost | $540 – $1,000 | Care is provided in a caregiver’s home. |
| Preschool cost | $400 – $1,300 | Early education for young children in a group setting |
| Private homeschool teacher cost | $3,900 – $7,600 | Individualized instruction at home for school-aged kits |
| Montessori school cost | $1,000 – $1,500 | Child-led learning in a Montessori environment |
| Au pair cost | $1,400 – $2,100 | Live-in caregiver from abroad, offers flexible care |
An au pair is a young person from another country who provides child care in exchange for living with a host family. Explore our au pair vs. nanny guide for more details.
Tips for choosing a nanny or daycare
While searching for a preschool or nanny near you, follow these steps:
Get recommendations from trusted friends and family members.
Read reviews on sites like TrustedCare and Google.
Visit the daycare to make sure it's clean, safe, and welcoming.
Interview prospective nannies to check their qualifications and personality.
Take your child with you for a visit or interview to see how they respond.
Ensure any curriculum they use is age-appropriate and includes plenty of outside play.
Choose reputable daycares with experienced teachers who stay long-term.
Questions to ask nannies
During an interview, ask the nanny these questions:
What is your experience with children, and what ages have you cared for?
Can you provide references from previous families or clients?
Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
What is your approach to discipline and handling behavioral issues?
How do you handle special needs, allergies, or medication requirements?
What are your expectations regarding duties beyond childcare (meal prep, light housework)?
How flexible is your schedule, and are you available for early mornings, evenings, or overtime?
Are you comfortable with nanny cameras or other household rules?
What are you looking for in holidays, sick days, and time off?
Questions to ask daycare directors
On your tour of a daycare center, ask these important questions:
What is the daily schedule or routine, and how do you support learning and development?
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
Are your staff certified in CPR and first aid?
Are meals and snacks provided, and can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Is your center licensed and regulated?
What are your health and safety policies, including illness protocols and immunization requirements?
What are your fees? Are there any additional costs (registration, supplies, late pickup)?
How do you communicate with parents about daily updates or a child’s progress?
What is your process for resolving conflicts or complaints?
How do you support socialization and peer interaction?
How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations?
What is your policy on pickups and drop-offs, and who is authorized to do so?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.