Is a nanny or daycare cheaper in Los Angeles, CA?

In Los Angeles, CA, infant center daycare costs approximately $1,890/month versus $4,200/month for a full-time nanny — a difference of $2,310/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 Los Angeles, CA?

The effective hourly rate for a full-time nanny in Los Angeles, CA is approximately $26.0/hour in 2026, including gross wages plus employer payroll taxes. The BLS OEWS median hourly wage for childcare workers in this metro area is $19.5/hour. Experienced nannies with CPR certification, formal ECE training, or bilingual skills typically earn $2–5/hour above these figures.

Nanny Cost in Los Angeles, CA (2026)

BLS wage data, hourly rates, and daycare comparison

A full-time nanny in Los Angeles, CA costs approximately $4,200/month. 56% above national avg. Entertainment industry demand drives premium rates. Bilingual (Spanish) nannies command 10–15% premium.

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Los Angeles, CA nanny cost summary (2026)

Monthly Cost

$4,200

56% above national avg

Annual Cost

$50,400

Full-time, live-out

Hourly Rate

$26.0/hr

Family cost incl. taxes

BLS Median Wage

$19.5/hr

SOC 39-9011 metro area

Daycare (Infant)

$1,890

Center-based, monthly

Nanny vs. Daycare

+$2,310

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.

Los Angeles, CA vs. National Average

Metric	Los Angeles, CA	National Avg	Difference
Monthly cost	$4,200	$2,700	+$1,500
Annual cost	$50,400	$32,400	+$18,000
Daycare (infant)	$1,890	$1,230	+$660

What Drives Nanny Costs in Los Angeles, CA?

• Entertainment industry families
• High cost of living
• CA minimum wage and overtime rules
• Bilingual premium common
• Traffic/commute adds scheduling complexity

Nanny vs. Daycare in Los Angeles, CA

Nanny (1 child)

$4,200/mo

Daycare (infant)

$1,890/mo

2 daycare spots

$3,780/mo

Nanny care costs $2,310/month more for one child. For two children sharing a nanny, the cost gap narrows significantly.

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Common Questions About Nanny Costs in Los Angeles, CA

How much does a nanny cost in Los Angeles, CA?

A full-time live-out nanny in Los Angeles, CA costs approximately $4,200/month in 2026 — $50,400/year. That's 56% above national avg of $2,700/month nationally. Hourly cost to the family is ~$26.0/hr.

What is the nanny hourly rate in Los Angeles, CA?

The effective hourly cost for a nanny in Los Angeles, CA is approximately $26.0/hr in 2026. The BLS OEWS metro-area median for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) is $19.5/hr. Private-household nannies typically earn $6.5/hr above this median.

See statewide nanny rates for California

California nanny costs →