Calculate Your Au Pair Cost

Note: Au pair costs include agency fees ($8,000-$10,000), weekly stipend ($195-$235), education contribution ($500/yr), and room & board. Actual costs vary by agency, visa type, and specific program. Au pairs can provide up to 45 hours/week of care under Department of State regulations.

How Au Pair Costs Work

An au pair is a young person from another country who lives with your family and provides up to 45 hours of child care per week. The total cost to host an au pair includes several components:

  • Agency fees: $8,000–$10,000 (one-time, covering matching, visa processing, training, and support)
  • Weekly stipend: $195–$235/week (the au pair's personal spending money; minimum $195.75 in 2026)
  • Education contribution: $500/year required by the Department of State for college coursework
  • Room & board: A private bedroom plus meals (value depends on your cost of living)

Au pairs are often the most affordable option for families with two or more children, because one au pair can care for multiple children at no additional cost. Use our Nanny vs Daycare Calculator for a complete comparison.