Our pricing

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.

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

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 $1,630 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:

$1,630 

Estimated annual cost:

$19,553.25 

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. 

+$300 

Processing fee 
Due upon final selection of your au pair to secure your match. 

+$9,195 

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. 

In order to keep the program fees uniform nationwide, you will also pay a separate Flight Supplement Fee of between $0-$400 related to your specific location and closest U.S. gateway.  This cost may also reflect services related to transporting a transitioning au pair to your home. Click here for a full list of our gateways and associated costs.

Paid to your au pair:

+$9,983.25

Minimum au pair stipend payments
This calculation is based on a weekly stipend of at least $195.75² paid to your au pair for 51 weeks, including 2 weeks of paid vacation. 

Minimum estimated total: $19,553.25

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.

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.