Au pair cost in 2026
Au pair costs $20,000 to $28,000 per year in 2026, and most people pay about $22,000.
What moves the price
- The agency program fee is the biggest single cost.
- The weekly stipend must be at least $195.75, and many families pay $225 to $250.
- The family must give $500 toward the au pair's school costs.
- Food, phone, travel and car insurance can add more.
- Where the family lives changes extras such as transit and groceries.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The range is per year, host family total. The yearly total usually covers the agency fee, the minimum stipend and the $500 school allowance. Room and board, travel home, car insurance changes, gifts and any higher stipend are extra.
Agency costs per year as printed by sources
| Agency | Program fee | Yearly total |
|---|---|---|
| Au Pair in America | $10,700 | $22,379 |
| Cultural Care Au Pair | $11,245 | $22,924 |
| Go Au Pair | $10,895 plus $350 set up | $21,924 |
| Au Pair USA (InterExchange) | $10,390 plus $400 processing | not stated |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: ThePricer.
Ways to pay less
- Compare the program fees of several agencies, since they range from about $9,995 to $11,245.
- Stay near the $195.75 minimum stipend if the family is on a tight budget.
- Ask about a tax credit or a dependent care account for child care costs.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Au pair costs $20,000 to $28,000 per year in 2026, and most people pay about $22,000. Most people pay about $22,000 per year. The low end is $20,000 and the high end is $28,000.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The agency program fee is the biggest single cost; The weekly stipend must be at least $195.75, and many families pay $225 to $250; The family must give $500 toward the au pair's school costs.
How can I pay less?
Compare the program fees of several agencies, since they range from about $9,995 to $11,245. Stay near the $195.75 minimum stipend if the family is on a tight budget. Ask about a tax credit or a dependent care account for child care costs.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: ThePricer, Babylist, Care.com. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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