Child care is one of the most costly monthly expenses for parents. Finding affordable child care solutions can be challenging. Some less expensive options exist, but these providers usually have a long waitlist.
If you’re struggling to find a reliable daycare or child care center that fits your needs and budget, consider hiring a nanny for your care needs. Find out how U.S. families pay for nannies and which state is the most expensive to hire a nanny.
On average, Americans spend $766 weekly to hire a nanny
Child care expenses continue to rise in the U.S. Many parents are draining their savings to afford care. The Care.com “2024 Cost of Care Report” found that families spend an average of $766 per week on nanny costs. This is more than double the weekly daycare cost of $321.
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This isn’t surprising, considering children who go to daycare centers are cared for by a team, while a child being watched by a nanny will have one caretaker who provides more personalized attention and care. Many parents prefer the flexibility of hiring a nanny — like choosing a schedule that fits their work and life needs.
If you plan to hire a nanny to watch your kids, you’ll want to ensure you have a realistic budget. Another thing that can impact the cost of care is your child’s age and whether the nanny will care for one or more kids. Toddler care can be more affordable than infant care. Researching care costs before you start looking for a nanny is wise.
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A nanny costs the most in these five areas
Depending on which part of the country you live in, this expense may come at a much higher cost than $766 per week. The same report found that Massachusetts is the most expensive state to hire a nanny.
On average, parents in Massachusetts are spending $899 per week on nannying costs. The costs are similar in some other parts of the country. Here’s a look at the most costly areas to hire a nanny:
| State/District | Weekly Cost to Hire a Nanny |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $899 |
| Washington, D.C. | $894 |
| California | $890 |
| Washington | $872 |
| Connecticut | $844 |
Data source: Care.com 2024 Cost of Child Care Report.
If you’re living in these areas or are planning to soon, you should adjust your care budget accordingly. If you can move to a more affordable part of the country, you may be able to save money on child care expenses. But before making a big move, consider other living costs like housing, utilities, and food expenses so you’re aware of all expenses.
A nanny share could offer savings
Consider exploring alternative care solutions if child care costs are getting you down. Some parents connect with other families in their neighborhood and hire a nanny together. A nanny share could benefit your bank accounts while ensuring your kids get excellent care. Care.com found that 22% of families have used this solution to make this expense more affordable.
If you’re interested in exploring this, you should reach out to other parents in your community who have had success with this care option to learn more about their experiences and what they pay. Being open to alternate care solutions like this could help keep your spending in check. For additional ways to save money, check out our personal finance resources.
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