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Nanny vs Daycare Cost Calculator

Work out nanny vs daycare cost instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Nanny vs Daycare Cost Calculator

Nanny costs are largely fixed regardless of the number of children while daycare charges per child, so the break-even usually falls at two children. Including meals, transport and statutory contributions is essential for a fair comparison.

Formula

Care comparison

Nanny total = salary + additional costs; daycare total = fee per child × children

Worked example

With the default values below, Nanny vs Daycare Cost Calculator returns Monthly Cost Difference of $0.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Nanny Monthly Costminimum 0
32,000
Daycare Fee Per Childminimum 0
18,000
Number Of Childrenaccepts 1–6
2
Additional Nanny Costs Per Monthminimum 0
4,000

Results

Monthly Cost Difference
$0.00
Total Nanny Cost
$36,000.00
Total Daycare Cost
$36,000.00
Cheaper Option
A nanny is cheaper at this number of children

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Care comparison
  3. 3Monthly Cost Difference= 0.00
  4. 4Total Nanny Cost= 36,000.00
  5. 5Total Daycare Cost= 36,000.00
  6. 6Cheaper Option= A nanny is cheaper at this number of children

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Figures are estimates for planning only. Prices, returns, inflation and personal circumstances all change. This is not financial or tax advice — speak to a qualified adviser before making decisions.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Figures are estimates for planning only. Prices, returns, inflation and personal circumstances all change. This is not financial or tax advice — speak to a qualified adviser before making decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the answer flip with a second child?

Because nanny cost barely changes while daycare cost doubles, so economies favour the nanny beyond one child.

What is often left out?

Statutory contributions, paid leave cover and the cost of a backup when a nanny is unavailable.

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