How Much Does an Au Pair Cost in Australia? (A Realistic Breakdown)
One of the first questions families ask when exploring an au pair is:
“How much does it actually cost?”
The answer is refreshingly straightforward, but it helps to see the full picture, including weekly expenses, what’s included, and how au pairs compare to other childcare options in Australia.
Below is a realistic, transparent breakdown to help you decide whether an au pair is the right fit for your family.
Weekly Pocket Money: What’s Typical?
In Australia, au pairs are usually here on a Working Holiday Visa and receive weekly pocket money, rather than a wage.
Typical range:
$250 – $400 per week
Depends on:
Number of hours
Children’s ages
Schedule complexity
Most placements sit around:
20–35 hours per week
Often split between mornings and afternoons
Occasional babysitting by agreement
Because accommodation and food are included, pocket money is designed to cover:
Personal spending
Travel
Social activities
Food & Accommodation: What to Budget For
Hosting an au pair does come with household costs, but for most families these are incremental rather than new.
Accommodation
A private bedroom is essential
Bathroom may be private or shared
This is usually an existing room in the home, so there’s no extra rent cost — just utilities.
Food
Au pairs generally eat what the family eats
Some families add:
An extra grocery shop
A small allowance for specific preferences
Rough estimate:
An additional $60–$150 per week in groceries.
Au Pair vs Daycare vs Nanny: Cost Comparison
Here’s a broad comparison to help put things into perspective:
Au Pair
Weekly pocket money: $250–$400
Food & utilities: ~$120
Flexible hours
Care in your own home
Relationship-based care
Daycare
$120–$180 per child, per day
Limited hours
Drop-off and pick-up logistics
Multiple carers
Nanny
$30–$45+ per hour
Professional childcare
Best for full-day care
Higher weekly cost
For many families, an au pair sits comfortably in the middle, offering flexibility, consistency, and affordability.
Agency Fees vs DIY: What’s the Difference?
Families usually choose between:
Full-service agency support
DIY matching with guidance
Full-Service Agency
Includes:
Au pair screening & interviews
Reference and document checks
Profile matching
Contracts & onboarding
Ongoing support during the placement
This is ideal if you want:
Peace of mind
Time saved
Support if anything needs adjusting
DIY Option
Typically includes:
Templates
Guides
Contracts
Interview questions
Checklists
This suits families who:
Are confident managing the process
Want to save on upfront fees
Still value structure and clarity
Both options can work beautifully, it’s about how hands-on you want to be.
The Real Value of an Au Pair
While cost is important, many families choose an au pair for reasons beyond the numbers:
Children are cared for in their own home
Flexible schedules (especially for shift workers)
Strong bonds and continuity
Cultural exchange and language exposure
A calmer daily rhythm
It’s not just childcare, it’s a lifestyle choice.
Is an Au Pair a Good Fit for Your Family?
An au pair may be right for you if:
You value flexibility over rigid hours
You have space in your home
You enjoy a collaborative, family-based arrangement
You’re open to communication and mutual respect
If you’re still weighing things up, that’s completely normal, most families take time to explore this option properly.
How Sol Au Pairs Can Help
At Sol Au Pairs, we support families whether they:
Our goal is to help families make informed, ethical, and realistic decisions, not push a one-size-fits-all solution.
👉 You can explore our Fees, Family Info, or reach out for a chat if you’d like to talk through your situation.