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. Many families find the total costs to be competitive when compared to daycare or nannies on an annual basis. We also offer discounts for both new and repeat families and a Peace of Mind Policy related to proposed changes to program regulations.
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 $1,775 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.
Estimated monthly cost:
$1,775
Estimated annual cost:
$21,299
Here’s how it all breaks down.
Paid to Cultural Care Au Pair:
$75
Registration fee
Due at time of registration to access our online database of available au pairs and begin matching.
+$450
Processing fee
Due upon final selection of your au pair to secure your match.
+$10,595
Program fee
Due 30 days prior to au pair’s arrival. This covers the services and support Cultural Care provides and other costs we incur related to the program, including the costs of au pairs’ international airfare1.
Paid to your au pair:
+$10,179
Minimum au pair stipend payments
This calculation is based on a weekly stipend of at least $195.752 paid to your au pair for 52 weeks, including 2 weeks of paid vacation.
Minimum estimated total: $21,2994
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 $5003 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.
Schedule a call with a Program Consultant.
1Au pairs pay a smaller program fee to the foreign company that screens them, but no portion of that fee is used to pay for the costs of their international airfare or domestic U.S. transportation. Au pairs may be charged additional fees in the event of special travel requests.
2The 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.
3This 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.
4On October 30, 2023, the U.S. State Department published new proposed regulations for the federal au pair program available here. If enacted, the regulations would affect the total cost of and obligations associated with hosting an au pair.