Au pair vs. nanny vs. daycare

When considering the difference between au pairs vs. nannies vs. daycare, it's important to consider cost. The estimated annual au pair program cost starts at $21,424, or about $1,785 per month. The total cost of hosting an au pair is calculated by adding the program fee paid to Cultural Care Au Pair ($11,245) and the minimum weekly stipend paid directly to the au pair ($195.75 per week, totaling $10,179 per year). (If you are a host family in Massachusetts, you must comply with MA state law regarding Domestic Workers. For details on the au pair cost in Massachusetts, please see the pricing page.)

As a host family, you should also factor in additional costs related to room and board, insurance (if applicable), contributions toward your au pair’s Education Requirement and any other “extras” that will help make your au pair’s time in the U.S. more enjoyable. Host families typically find the cost of hosting an au pair to be comparable or even less expensive than daycare or nannies, especially in metro areas.

When comparing au pairs vs. nannies vs. daycare, it’s also helpful to understand the unique qualifications required of au pairs. To be a Cultural Care au pair, a candidate must be between the ages of 18 and 26, pass a physical exam with their doctor, complete secondary school or the equivalent education, have at least 200 hours of childcare experience, be prepared to commit to at least 12 months abroad, complete a criminal background check, and have a valid driver’s license. Au pairs must also be willing to embrace the spirit of the au pair program, meaning they’re ready and excited to share their culture, learn about the U.S. and be part of a mutually beneficial relationship with an American family.

The time it takes to get an au pair varies from family to family. Most au pairs looking for a host family are still living in their home countries and will need at least six to eight weeks to get their visa, complete Cultural Care’s training program, and prepare to leave. But there are a smaller number of au pairs already in the U.S. who are looking for a new host family, and they can arrive to your home much faster. To make things easy, you can use the filters on the app and website to find au pairs who have the same arrival timeframe in mind. If you're wondering how does hosting an au pair work, the process typically involves registering with an agency, reviewing candidate profiles, and conducting interviews to ensure a good fit for your family's needs. Each step plays a role in determining how long it takes to welcome an au pair into your home.

In addition to the meeting the requirements and following the rules set forth by both the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Care Au Pair, you should be prepared to embrace the cultural exchange spirit of the au pair program. This means welcoming your pair as you would an extended family member and helping them adjust once they arrive. You may need to explain household rules and routines more than once as customs can vary between cultures. Asking how their day was, being thoughtful on holidays and their birthday, and including them in family meals will go a long way to help them feel welcome in your family. While the needs of your children are of the utmost importance, it is also important that au pairs receive the benefits of an exchange experience and your full support as their American family.