Choosing childcare can feel like navigating an endless menu of options. In fact, for new parents, researching childcare is not all that different from trying to pick the “right” stroller or the best brand of diapers—there is a lot to consider and everyone and their mother (including yours) has an opinion. If you’re looking for full-time care, you may be weighing the pros and cons of an au pair vs a nanny. While both offer hands-on, personalized support, the difference between an au pair and a nanny runs deeper than just daily duties. Each brings a different rhythm to your home life, shaping everything from your daily routine to the structure of care.
From cost to the level of experience, understanding what an au pair is and how they differ from professional nannies can help you make the best decision for your family’s unique needs. In this guide, we’ll break down everything from the cost of an au pair vs nanny to the structure and expectations behind each role so you can feel confident choosing the right childcare option for your family.
What Is an Au Pair?
An au pair is a young person between 18-26 years old coming from a country abroad to live with a family to provide childcare and household support in exchange for room and board and a stipend. Au pairs don’t always have the professional childcare experience nannies do and in addition to living in their host family’s home, part of the experience for au pairs is cultural immersion. This means they’re here to soak up and experience their American host family’s way of life, and on the flipside, share their own culture, language and customs with the family. According to Cultural Care Au Pair, a nationwide au pair agency, an au pair:
- Lives in a family’s home and is a part of the family
- Provides childcare for up to 45 hours per week (up to 10 hours per day) at an agreed upon schedule
- Arrives with a legal visa for up to two years
- Comes from one of 30+ countries worldwide
- Shares their language and culture
What Is a Nanny?
Nannies are typically trained professionals who provide childcare services in a family’s home, on either a part-time or full-time basis and they can be live-in nannies or live-out. A nanny’s responsibilities can range from basic care like feeding, bathing and dressing to more involved duties like planning activities and homework help. Nannies may also assist with household tasks like laundry or light housekeeping. At the core of a nanny’s responsibility is the health and wellbeing of the children.
Related: How to Have a Great Nanny/Parent Relationship
Key Differences Between an Au Pair and a Nanny
While at the surface, an au pair and nanny both care for the kids, when you dig a bit deeper, there are core differences of each role. Here we’ll break down what those are:
Origin and Cultural Exchange
- Au pairs: international cultural exchange participants, meaning they come from abroad and are here on a visa for a set amount of time (usually anywhere from 1-2 years)
- Nanny: Local or domestic professional caregiver
Living Arrangements
- Au Pair: Live-in arrangement with host family. The U.S. Department of State, which regulates the au pair program, only requires that an au pair has their own private bedroom in the family’s home (read: you can’t rent them an apartment separate from where your family lives); however, many families go above and beyond and prefer to offer their au pair a private bathroom and more. What’s more: au pair agencies may have their own living arrangement requirements so be sure to research each individual one before moving forward.
- Nanny: Can be live-in or live-out, though the majority of nannies tend to be live-out.
Cost Structure
- Au Pair: Arrangement includes stipend, agency fees (if you work with one), and room and board.
- Nanny: What full-time nannies make is dependent on location, skills and experience. Hourly rates are a common method of payment for nannies, but some families may prefer weekly or monthly nanny rates for budgetary reasons. In addition to salary, potential benefits include PTO and health insurance. (For a more in-depth rundown of nanny benefits, check out 11 Standard Nanny Benefits You Didn’t Know)
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
- Au Pair: Regulated by The U.S. Department of State. Each cultural exchange program that matches au pairs with families may have their own requirements as well.
- Nanny: Subject to local, state and federal employment laws and labor regulations.
Duration of Stay
- Au Pair: 12 months with options to extend 6, 9 or 12 months.
- Nanny: This can vary and should be outlined in a nanny contract.
Cost of Au Pair vs. Nanny
Cost is often one of the biggest factors families weigh when evaluating childcare options. Here’s how the price of hiring a nanny compares to bringing on an au pair:
Au Pair Costs
In addition to room and board (and other living expenses that a family may contribute), au pairs receive a weekly stipend of $195.75, which is calculated based on the federal minimum wage requirements (which takes into account room and board). Host families contribute up to $500 toward the cost of required academic coursework. And lastly, host families typically pay au pair agencies to match them with an au pair.
Nanny Costs
The hourly wage or salary of a nanny is highly dependent on their region, experience, credentials and skills. Additional costs a family may need to take into account include taxes, benefits and potential agency fees.
To figure out how much to budget for a nanny, hop on over to our nanny cost estimator.
Pros and Cons of Hiring an Au Pair vs Nanny
From cost to qualifications to duration of employment, there are key differences between an au pair vs nanny. Here we break down the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision
Related: How to Pick a Nanny: 8 Types You Need to Know
Au Pair vs Nanny: How to Know What Option Is Right for You
When it comes down to your childcare solution, really only you know what’s best for you and your family. But some factors to consider are: your needs and schedule, budget considerations, desire for cultural exchange experiences, preference for professional qualifications and whether having an extra person in your home will feel beneficial in the long run. For many families, the lack of space automatically disqualifies them from choosing an au pair.
If you’re leaning toward the professional, experienced and personalized support of a nanny but feel overwhelmed by the logistics, Hello, Nanny! is here to help. We’re not just a placement agency—we’re your partner in building the care village your family deserves that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle. From personalized matches to support every step of the way, we make finding trusted care feel a whole lot easier (and a lot less stressful). Check out our placement packages, which range from white glove concierge services to a la carte options, and book an intake call with our team of specialists today.
