What's the Best Childcare Option for My Family?
Fill in your situation. We'll rank every option by total cost and flag which ones you likely qualify for — daycare center, home daycare, nanny, au pair, and family care.
Your Situation
Used to estimate subsidy eligibility. Not stored.
Select your state and fill in your situation to see ranked options.
How this works
Costs come from the National Database of Childcare Prices (HHS ACF), BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, and state labor wage surveys. Nanny rates include employer payroll taxes (~8.5% above gross wages).
Au pair costs reflect J-1 program minimums ($9.82/hr stipend + room/board + agency fees). Family care is listed at $0 out-of-pocket but carries real costs — regular unpaid care strains relationships and deserves a conversation about compensation.
Common questions
Is a nanny or daycare better for one child?
For a single child under 2, daycare centers average $1,080–$1,230/month nationally. A full-time nanny runs $2,700–$3,200/month with taxes. Daycare is $1,000–$1,400/month cheaper for one kid. That gap shrinks with two children and flips entirely with three — one nanny covering all kids is often the cheapest full-time option at that point.
What does an au pair actually cost per month?
The J-1 au pair program requires a $9.82/hour stipend capped at 45 hours/week — about $1,770/month in wages. Add the agency fee (~$9,000/year, mostly front-loaded) and room/board, and the real first-year cost runs $3,200–$3,800/month. Renewing for a second year drops to roughly $2,500/month. For two or more kids, au pairs are often the cheapest live-in option once past year one.
What is home-based daycare and is it cheaper than a center?
Home-based (family) daycare operates out of a caregiver's home with typically 6–8 children. It runs 15–25% cheaper than centers in most states, averaging $800–$1,000/month for infants nationally, and often offers more flexible hours. Quality varies more than at centers — check your state licensing database before enrolling.
Can I deduct childcare costs?
The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit covers 20–35% of up to $3,000/year in expenses (one child) or $6,000 (two or more). At lower incomes the credit rate is higher. A dependent care FSA lets you pay up to $5,000/year pre-tax — usually the better deal if your employer offers it.
What if I can't afford any of these options?
Every state has a subsidized childcare program. Most cover families earning up to 85% of state median income — $50,000–$80,000/year depending on your state. Some states have waitlists. See the subsidy eligibility checker for your state's current limits and how to apply.