Is a nanny or daycare cheaper in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago, IL, infant center daycare costs approximately $1,650/month versus $3,200/month for a full-time nanny — a difference of $1,550/month. For one child, daycare is typically less expensive. For two children under 3, a nanny is often cost-competitive since daycare charges per child.

What is the average nanny hourly rate in Chicago, IL?

The effective hourly rate for a full-time nanny in Chicago, IL is approximately $22.0/hour in 2026, including gross wages plus employer payroll taxes. The BLS OEWS median hourly wage for childcare workers in this metro area is $17.0/hour. Experienced nannies with CPR certification, formal ECE training, or bilingual skills typically earn $2–5/hour above these figures.

Nanny Cost in Chicago, IL (2026)

BLS wage data, hourly rates, and daycare comparison

A full-time nanny in Chicago, IL costs approximately $3,200/month. 19% above national avg. North Shore and Lincoln Park areas are highest. Experienced nannies earn $20–$28/hr in premium zip codes.

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Chicago, IL nanny cost summary (2026)

Monthly Cost

$3,200

19% above national avg

Annual Cost

$38,400

Full-time, live-out

Hourly Rate

$22.0/hr

Family cost incl. taxes

BLS Median Wage

$17.0/hr

SOC 39-9011 metro area

Daycare (Infant)

$1,650

Center-based, monthly

Nanny vs. Daycare

+$1,550

Extra per month, 1 child

Source: BLS OEWS metro-area median wage for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011, 2023). The nanny hourly figure is our estimate: that median plus a private-household premium and employer payroll taxes. It is not from a survey of nanny families. Infant daycare figure: the same record as our city cost page.

Chicago, IL vs. National Average

Metric	Chicago, IL	National Avg	Difference
Monthly cost	$3,200	$2,700	+$500
Annual cost	$38,400	$32,400	+$6,000
Daycare (infant)	$1,650	$1,230	+$420

What Drives Nanny Costs in Chicago, IL?

• North Shore suburban premium
• Chicago minimum wage $15.80/hr
• Finance/legal professional families
• Public transit makes longer commutes viable
• Strong supply of qualified nannies

Nanny vs. Daycare in Chicago, IL

Nanny (1 child)

$3,200/mo

Daycare (infant)

$1,650/mo

2 daycare spots

$3,300/mo

For two children, a nanny saves $100/month vs. two daycare spots in Chicago, IL.

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Common Questions About Nanny Costs in Chicago, IL

How much does a nanny cost in Chicago, IL?

A full-time live-out nanny in Chicago, IL costs approximately $3,200/month in 2026 — $38,400/year. That's 19% above national avg of $2,700/month nationally. Hourly cost to the family is ~$22.0/hr.

What is the nanny hourly rate in Chicago, IL?

The effective hourly cost for a nanny in Chicago, IL is approximately $22.0/hr in 2026. The BLS OEWS metro-area median for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) is $17.0/hr. Private-household nannies typically earn $5.0/hr above this median.

See statewide nanny rates for Illinois

Illinois nanny costs →