Is a nanny or daycare cheaper in Philadelphia, PA?

In Philadelphia, PA, infant center daycare costs approximately $1,480/month versus $3,000/month for a full-time nanny — a difference of $1,520/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 Philadelphia, PA?

The effective hourly rate for a full-time nanny in Philadelphia, PA is approximately $20.5/hour in 2026, including gross wages plus employer payroll taxes. The BLS OEWS median hourly wage for childcare workers in this metro area is $15.5/hour. Experienced nannies with CPR certification, formal ECE training, or bilingual skills typically earn $2–5/hour above these figures.

Nanny Cost in Philadelphia, PA (2026)

BLS wage data, hourly rates, and daycare comparison

A full-time nanny in Philadelphia, PA costs approximately $3,000/month. 11% above national avg. Main Line suburbs command premium rates. Medical/university corridor creates consistent demand.

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Philadelphia, PA nanny cost summary (2026)

Monthly Cost

$3,000

11% above national avg

Annual Cost

$36,000

Full-time, live-out

Hourly Rate

$20.5/hr

Family cost incl. taxes

BLS Median Wage

$15.5/hr

SOC 39-9011 metro area

Daycare (Infant)

$1,480

Center-based, monthly

Nanny vs. Daycare

+$1,520

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.

Philadelphia, PA vs. National Average

Metric	Philadelphia, PA	National Avg	Difference
Monthly cost	$3,000	$2,700	+$300
Annual cost	$36,000	$32,400	+$3,600
Daycare (infant)	$1,480	$1,230	+$250

What Drives Nanny Costs in Philadelphia, PA?

• Ivy League/medical university corridor
• Main Line affluent suburbs
• PA minimum wage $7.25/hr (low)
• Strong Catholic school community
• Reasonable cost of living vs. NYC/Boston

Nanny vs. Daycare in Philadelphia, PA

Nanny (1 child)

$3,000/mo

Daycare (infant)

$1,480/mo

2 daycare spots

$2,960/mo

Nanny care costs $1,520/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 Philadelphia, PA

How much does a nanny cost in Philadelphia, PA?

A full-time live-out nanny in Philadelphia, PA costs approximately $3,000/month in 2026 — $36,000/year. That's 11% above national avg of $2,700/month nationally. Hourly cost to the family is ~$20.5/hr.

What is the nanny hourly rate in Philadelphia, PA?

The effective hourly cost for a nanny in Philadelphia, PA is approximately $20.5/hr in 2026. The BLS OEWS metro-area median for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) is $15.5/hr. Private-household nannies typically earn $5.0/hr above this median.

See statewide nanny rates for Pennsylvania

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