QUICK ANSWER — REF. CC-QA-001

Daycare for 2 kids in California: ~$39,200/year average

Full-time nanny (California, all-in): $55,000–$80,000/year

Au pair (agency + stipend): ~$21,000–$23,000/year

Free option for 4-year-olds: Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

Childcare in California is expensive.

Not just a little expensive. We are talking about costs that can easily take up 20%, 30%, even 40% of a family's entire income.

If you are a parent trying to figure out what to do, this guide is for you.

We break it all down in plain language. Daycare centers. Nannies. Au pairs. We compare the biggest names — AuPairCare, Cultural Care, Au Pair in America, and Care.com. And we cover the programs that can help if money is tight.

How Much Is Childcare in California?

California is one of the most expensive states in the country for childcare.

According to Child Care Aware of America's 2024 data, the average annual cost of daycare for two children in California — one infant and one toddler — is:

FILED DATA — REF. CC-STAT-001

$39,200 per year

Average California daycare cost for one infant plus one toddler — roughly 44% of median household income for a married couple in California. The national average is $28,168. California families pay $11,000 more.

Source: Child Care Aware of America 2024 · Axios San Francisco, May 2025

Let that sink in for a second. Nearly half of what many California families earn goes just to childcare.

California Childcare Costs by Age

Younger children cost more. State law requires more staff per child for infants and toddlers, and that cost gets passed directly to families.

• Infants (under 1 year): $19,000 to $26,000 per year
• Toddlers (1 to 3 years): $15,000 to $22,000 per year
• Preschool (3 to 5 years): $12,000 to $18,000 per year
• Before and after school care: $6,000 to $11,000 per year

Source: California Department of Social Services Market Rate Survey 2023–2024 · Child Care Aware of America 2024

DATA POINT

In 45 states and Washington D.C., the annual cost of childcare for two children now exceeds annual mortgage payments. — Child Care Aware of America, 2024

— DOCUMENT SECTION CC-01 · OPTION: DAYCARE CENTERS —

Option 1: Daycare Centers

A daycare center is a licensed facility where children are cared for in a group setting by trained teachers.

Most parents start here. Daycare offers structure, socialization, and early learning. For many families it is the right fit.

The challenge in California: waitlists. In major cities, it is common to wait 6 to 18 months for a spot at a quality center. Many parents get on waitlists before their baby is even born.

What Does Daycare Cost in California?

Costs vary a lot by city. Here is a general breakdown for infant care at a licensed center:

• San Francisco and Bay Area: $2,000 to $3,500 per month
• Los Angeles: $1,500 to $2,500 per month
• San Diego: $1,400 to $2,200 per month
• Sacramento and Central Valley: $1,000 to $1,800 per month

Most centers charge an enrollment fee of $100 to $500 at sign-up. Licensed family daycare homes — small programs run out of a private home — typically cost 30 to 40% less than large centers and often feel more personal and flexible.

— DOCUMENT SECTION CC-02 · OPTION: NANNIES —

Option 2: Hiring a Nanny Through Care.com

A nanny is someone you hire privately to care for your child — usually in your home. Nannies offer one-on-one attention, flexible scheduling, and a personal relationship with your child that group care cannot match.

What Does a Nanny Cost in California?

According to Care.com's 2026 Cost of Care Report, the average weekly nanny cost nationwide is $870 per week — about $45,240 per year. In California, rates run higher:

• California statewide average: $20 to $30 per hour
• San Francisco and Bay Area: $25 to $40 per hour
• Los Angeles: $20 to $30 per hour
• Full-time nanny (45 hours/week): $45,000 to $70,000 per year in wages alone

But the wage is not the total cost. In California, when you hire a nanny you are legally their employer — responsible for payroll taxes, workers' compensation insurance, overtime pay (California overtime laws are strict), and paid sick leave. The real annual cost of a full-time California nanny is often $55,000 to $80,000 or more.

What Is Care.com?

⚠ COMMON MISCONCEPTION

Care.com does not offer J-1 au pair placements.

Many parents search Care.com for au pairs and come up empty — or confuse the two programs entirely. Au pairs require a U.S. State Department-designated agency. These are fundamentally different programs with different legal frameworks, visa structures, and support systems.

Care.com is not a nanny agency. It is a marketplace — like a job board for caregivers. You post a listing, browse profiles, interview, and hire directly. Care.com helps you find candidates. Contracts, taxes, and payroll are entirely on you.

• Basic account: Free with limited access
• Premium membership: $35 to $78 per month
• Background check reports: $20 to $60 per candidate

— DOCUMENT SECTION CC-03 · OPTION: AU PAIRS —

Option 3: Au Pairs

An au pair is a young person, typically 18 to 26 years old, from another country who lives with your family and provides childcare as part of a U.S. cultural exchange program.

The program is officially recognized and regulated by the U.S. Department of State. Au pairs come on a J-1 cultural exchange visa and are considered part of the host family during their year.

This is one of the most misunderstood childcare options in the country.

Why More California Families Are Considering Au Pairs

Here is the number that surprises most parents:

THE KEY FACT ABOUT AU PAIR PRICING

The cost is per family — not per child.

Two children in California daycare can run $3,500 to $4,500 per month. An au pair caring for those same two children costs the same as for one child. The rate does not double. For families with two or more young children, this makes a very real financial difference.

Au pair rate stays the same regardless of how many children. Daycare and nanny costs scale up.

Au pairs can also provide:

• Up to 45 hours of childcare per week — including evenings and weekends
• Flexibility that most daycares cannot match
• A consistent caregiver who knows your family's routines
• A genuine cultural exchange experience for your children

You need a private bedroom for the au pair and a genuine commitment to hosting someone in your home. But for many California families — especially those with two or more young children — it is worth running the numbers seriously.

How the Au Pair Program Works

You do not hire an au pair directly. You apply through a U.S. State Department-designated agency. The agency manages background checks, visa paperwork, matching, arrival orientation, and year-long support. As a host family, you provide a private bedroom, meals, and a weekly stipend. Au pairs must also complete at least 6 credit hours at a U.S. school — host families contribute up to $500 toward educational expenses.

— DOCUMENT SECTION CC-04 · AGENCY COMPARISON —

Comparing the Major Au Pair Agencies

All agencies below are designated by the U.S. Department of State — meaning they meet federal standards for candidate screening, visa management, and host family support throughout the year.

Annual total estimates include program fees, minimum weekly stipend (52 weeks), and the $500 educational contribution. Figures reflect 2025–2026 published pricing and are subject to change. Contact each agency directly for current rates.

AuPairCare

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in San Francisco, AuPairCare is part of the Intrax family of organizations. Known for their local area director network — a real person in your area is assigned to support you throughout the year. International flights are included in the program. AuPairCare sets a minimum weekly stipend of $215 — above the federal minimum floor of $195.75 — reflecting their commitment to au pair-first, family-focused values. Extended stay programs are available for families and au pairs who want to continue past the standard 12-month term. Estimated total annual cost: approximately $22,730.

Cultural Care Au Pair

Part of EF Education First, one of the largest international education organizations in the world. Their global reach gives them one of the largest pools of au pair candidates. Published program fee: $11,245 plus the minimum annual stipend. Estimated total: approximately $21,424.

Au Pair in America (APIA)

One of the oldest programs in the country, placing au pairs since 1986. Operated by the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). A solid choice for families who value experience and a long track record. Total agency fees approximately $11,625 (program and placement fees combined), plus the weekly stipend paid directly to the au pair. Estimated total annual cost: approximately $22,300.

A Note on Care.com

Care.com is a nanny marketplace — not an au pair agency. You cannot find a J-1 au pair through Care.com. With an au pair agency, the federal program framework is built in: visa management, insurance, compliance, and local support. With Care.com, you manage all of that yourself.

— DOCUMENT SECTION CC-05 · ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS —

Low-Income and Subsidized Options in California

If those costs feel out of reach, there is real help available in California. Waitlists can be long — but these programs exist and are worth applying for as early as possible.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY QUICK CHECK

Child turning 4 before June 2?	→ Free TK — no income limit
Household income under ~$90K (family of 4)?	→ Apply to CAPP
Currently receiving CalWORKs benefits?	→ Child care subsidy available
Child under 5, low household income?	→ Head Start / Early Head Start

California Alternative Payment Programs (CAPP)

California's main subsidized childcare program for working families. If your income is below the limit, the state pays part or all of your childcare costs at a licensed provider of your choice. You are not limited to specific facilities. Families earning up to 85% of California's State Median Income may qualify — roughly $75,000 to $90,000 per year for a family of four. Start at: mychildcare.ca.gov

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal program for children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves birth to age 3. Free early education, health screenings, and family support services. Find a program at: eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov

CalWORKs Child Care

If your family receives CalWORKs assistance, you may also qualify for subsidized childcare while you work, attend school, or complete approved job training programs.

California State Preschool

Free part-day or full-day preschool for income-qualifying 3 and 4 year olds. Programs available through school districts and community organizations across the state.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) — Free for All 4-Year-Olds

Starting with the 2025–2026 school year, California expanded TK to all 4-year-olds regardless of income. If your child turns 4 before June 2, they may be eligible for free TK through your local public school this year. Every California family qualifies. This is one of the most significant childcare cost offsets available to families with 4-year-olds in the state.

Tax Savings Worth Using

• Dependent Care FSA: Up to $5,000 per year pre-tax for childcare through your employer
• Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: Claim up to $3,000 per child (max $6,000 for two or more children) toward a federal credit
• California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC): Lower-income working families may qualify for up to $3,756 back per year

— DOCUMENT SECTION CC-06 · FAMILY STRATEGIES —

What Real California Families Are Actually Doing

Many families cannot afford or access the formal options above. So they combine strategies, lean on their community, and make it work. Here is what is actually happening across California.

Family and Grandparent Care

The most common solution across California. A grandparent, aunt, uncle, or trusted family member watches the child — sometimes free, sometimes for a small informal payment. The benefit is trust, love, and flexibility. The challenge is sustainability.

Nanny Shares

Two families hire one nanny and split the cost. Each family typically pays 60 to 70% of what a full private nanny would cost. The nanny earns more. Both families save. Works best with compatible children close in age, similar schedules, and a clear written agreement before you start.

Au Pair Sharing

Some agencies — including AuPairCare — allow two host families to share one au pair, splitting the care schedule between households. This is called a split host family arrangement. Rules vary by agency; contact them directly for terms.

Childcare Cooperatives

A group of parents take turns watching each other's children. No money changes hands — each family contributes time. Works best in tight-knit neighborhoods with compatible schedules. Takes coordination but can significantly reduce costs for everyone involved.

Hybrid Care

One of the most practical solutions: a child attends part-time daycare or preschool three days a week, and a grandparent or family member fills in the other days. Part-time care can cost 30 to 50% less than full-time enrollment. Many California centers offer flexible scheduling.

— DOCUMENT SECTION CC-07 · RECOMMENDATIONS —

Which Option Makes Sense for Your Family?

There is no single right answer. Here is a simple way to think through it:

• One child, wants structure and socialization: A quality daycare center or licensed family daycare home
• Two or more young children, want flexibility: An au pair is worth seriously running the numbers on
• Prefer one-on-one care, comfortable managing employer obligations: A private nanny through Care.com or a nanny agency
• Income may qualify for assistance: Apply to CAPP and check Head Start or State Preschool before spending out of pocket
• Trusted family nearby: A hybrid of part-time care plus family support can go a very long way

FINAL ASSESSMENT — REF. CC-CONCLUSION

You have more options than you think.

Childcare in California is genuinely hard. The costs are real. But most parents commit to the first option they find — before they know what else is out there.

Now you know. What you do with it is up to you.

Data sources: Child Care Aware of America 2024 · Axios San Francisco, May 2025 · Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report · California Department of Social Services Market Rate Survey 2023–2024 · U.S. Department of State J-1 Au Pair Program Guidelines · Cultural Care Au Pair Pricing (2025) · AuPairCare Program Costs (2025) · mychildcare.ca.gov · eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov · California Franchise Tax Board