How much does it cost to host an au pair?

The total cost of hosting an au pair can be broken down into two parts. The first part consists of the required fees that are paid to our agency and money that goes directly to your au pair. The second part consists of additional costs that come from hosting—such as room and board and additional insurance.

You may be surprised to learn that the total cost—which averages out to a minimum starting cost of $1,760 per month—is competitive when compared to hiring a nanny or using daycare. Sometimes, it’s less expensive!

If you’re a family living in Massachusetts, there are additional costs and other requirements that will apply. Please click here for details.

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Costs, part 1

Agency & au pair fees

For easy comparison, money paid directly to Cultural Care and your au pair average out to a minimum starting cost of $1,760 per month. Please note that payments are not made on a monthly basis, and host families and au pairs may agree to a higher stipend amount. Scroll down to learn more about the payment schedule.

Minimum monthly cost:

$1,760 

Minimum annual cost:

$21,104 

Here’s how it all breaks down. 

Paid to Cultural Care Au Pair:

+$75 

Registration Fee
Payment of our registration fee gives you access to our online database of available au pairs and allows you to begin matching. (Due at time of registration.)

+$450 

Processing Fee
Our processing fee will secure your au pair match. (Due upon final selection of your au pair.)

+$10,595 

Program fee
Our program fee covers the services and support Cultural Care Au Pair provides and other costs related to the program, including your au pairs’ international airfare1. (Due 30 days prior to au pair’s arrival.)

Paid to your au pair:

$195.75/week  

Minimum au pair stipend payments
You will pay your au pair a minimum stipend amount of $195.75 per week for a total of 51 weeks (including 2 weeks of paid vacation). $195.75 x 51 weeks = $9,983.25/year. (Please note that host families and au pairs may agree to a higher stipend amount.)

Minimum annual total:

$21,104  


Explore our Extended Payment Plan (EPP)

If you’d prefer to pay the program fee in installments, we offer an Extended Payment Plan. To be eligible, host families must host au pair for a minimum of 44 weeks. Payment through our Extended Payment Plan is accepted by eCheck only. Click the arrow for more details.

Installment 1:

$3,195

+ $200 enrollment fee
Due 30 days before your au pair’s arrival

Installment 2:

$2,600

+ $50 administrative fee
Due 2 months after your au pair’s arrival

Installment 3:

$2,400

+ $50 administrative fee
Due 4 months after your au pair’s arrival

Installment 4: 

$2,400

+ $50 administrative fee
Due 6 months after your au pair’s arrival

Costs, part 2:

Additional costs 

It’s important to remember that the au pair program requires consideration for the au pair’s experience as well as the family’s needs. When considering your family budget for the program, it’s also important to consider the additional cost of utilities and food, as well as the costs of including your au pair in family outings and experiences. Below are some incidental costs to keep in mind.

Education Requirement

You’ll contribute up to $5002 towards your au pair’s education requirement of 6 college credits during their term.

Room and board

You’ll provide a private bedroom and regular meals for your au pair. Families often provide access to a car, cell phone, and include their au pair in family vacations.

Insurance

If your au pair will drive, you’ll need to cover additional auto insurance, and in some states you may need workers’ compensation coverage.

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1The U.S. Department of State has determined that au pairs are required to receive from their host families at least $195.75 per week. Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required stipend minimum; however, this cannot be in exchange for the au pair exceeding the regulatory limits on working hours (10 hours per day; 45 hours per week) or performing duties beyond childcare-related tasks. The State Department formula is based on the federal minimum wage and applicable room and board credits. Any change in the federal minimum wage or the applicable credits will result in an increase in this minimum stipend amount. Please note, should a family extend beyond the first year, they would be responsible for the stipend for each week of the extension term. 

2This contribution towards an au pair’s education requirement is determined by the U.S. Department of State, and families agree to comply with any increase that is issued.