Au-pair Costs 2026: Compare Costs & Calculate Budget

The costs for an Au-pair vary depending on the host country. An Au-pair budget consists of more than just pocket money – here you can find an overview of all important factors.

Germany Example: Costs in Germany (Snapshot)
  • Pocket money 280 € / Month
  • Language course subsidy 70 € / Month (800 € total)
  • Au-pair Insurance approx. 40 € - 55 € / Month
  • Board & Lodging (estimated) approx. 150 € / Month
  • Travel costs/Visa Often paid by the Au-pair
Estimated Total Costs ~550 € / Month
What influences the total costs?

The expenses for an Au-pair can be divided into various areas:

  • Pocket money: Fixed legal or recommended amount.
  • Insurance: Mandatory for the host family in some countries (like DE), voluntary in others.
  • Board & Lodging: A private room and full meals are always mandatory.
  • Language course: Proportional or full coverage depending on the country.
  • Transport: Monthly pass or car access.
  • Voluntary Extras: End-of-stay bonus, welcome gifts, shared vacations.

Compact Country Comparison

Country Pocket Money / Salary Working Hours Language Course Insurance Estimated Total Costs/Month
Germany 280 € / Month Max. 30 h / Week 70 € / Month Host family pays ~500 - 600 €
Austria 518.44 € (15 Salaries) Max. 18 h / Week Au-pair often pays themselves Host family registers & pays ~750 - 800 €
Switzerland 500 - 800 CHF Max. 30 h / Week Host family pays Health insurance mandatory (often shared) ~900 - 1200 CHF
France ~ 320 € / Month Max. 30 h / Week Mandatory for Non-EU Host family registers with URSSAF ~600 - 700 €
Spain 70 € - 80 € / Week Max. 30 h / Week Mandatory (Visa) Health insurance required ~500 - 600 €
USA $ 195.75+ / Week + Fees Max. 45 h / Week $ 500 Subsidy Agency/Program basis ~$ 1500 - 1800

Discover Other Countries

Select a country to get detailed information about costs, visas, and requirements. View all countries & requirements →

Au-pair Cost Calculator

Adjust the assumptions to match your budget. Values serve as a calculation example for Germany and are not legally binding price or legal specifications.

Your Inputs

Entries are editable sample values, not a statement of current legal minimums. Please check travel costs to language courses and other duties separately.

Your Estimated Budget
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Total costs for 12 months including one-off expenses
Tax Check →
Note: Binding au pair rules and actual costs depend on the host country, insurance contract, and individual circumstances. This calculator is a demonstration and not validated for productive budget decisions.

What is included in the estimate?

The calculator separates ongoing and one-off expenses so families can see which assumptions affect the budget. On the published page, the decisive country rules, sources, and update dates should appear directly next to the numbers.

View existing Auost cost page ↗

Au pair Tax Check (DE)

Declare your childcare costs in your tax return. Find out which costs might be tax-deductible.

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Childcare Check

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Au-pair Costs

In Germany, the average monthly costs for an Au-pair are around 550 to 600 Euros. This includes pocket money (280 Euros), a contribution to the language course (70 Euros), as well as health insurance and boarding.
In most European countries, such as Germany, the host family is legally required to cover the costs of adequate Au-pair health, accident, and liability insurance.
This varies by country. In Germany, the host family pays a monthly subsidy of 70 Euros towards the language course (in addition to pocket money). In other countries, host families contribute voluntarily or the Au-pair covers the costs themselves.
Generally, Au-pairs cover their travel costs (return flight) themselves. However, many host families voluntarily cover part of the costs or reimburse the return flight if the year is successfully completed.
In Germany, up to two-thirds of childcare costs, with a maximum of 4,000 Euros per child per year, can be deducted from taxes as special expenses. Use our Tax-Check for further guidance.
An Au-pair is in most cases significantly cheaper than a trained nanny or regular babysitters, but also comes with other requirements (such as a free room and boarding). It is also primarily a cultural exchange.

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