How much is childcare (per day) in Australia?

We need to talk about the elephant in the daycare room: childcare is expensive. It can also feel like a moving target depending on where you live, how many days you need, and what kind of care you're after.

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This swiftly turns into navigating waitlists, subsidy percentages, and comparing what’s included where. Your coffee catch-ups with parent friends are officially an exchange of budgeting spreadsheets.

Though the cost of child care spans far and wide across this sunburnt country, we have tied together a general breakdown of what you can expect.

Average childcare costs per day in Australia

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Before subsidies, you’re looking at childcare fees anywhere from $70 to $190 per day. Yes, it’s a broad range — welcome to Australian childcare.

Here’s a rough guide:

Long day care: $90–$180 per day

Big day ahead? Long day care learning centres typically open from 7am–6pm. They usually include meals, nappies, and a whole lot of story time.

Preschool/Kindergarten: $45–$120 per day

These programs are usually for kids aged 3–5 and focus on play-based learning, social skills, and prepping for big school.

Family day care: $70–$150 per day

A smaller group care in someone’s home. It’s often a more flexible (and sometimes more affordable) option.

Before school care: $15–$35

This one’s for those mornings when “we’ll be on time” is more of a dream than a reality.

After school care: $20–$50

Your arvo shift will be covered until 6pm. After-school care usually includes snacks and a chance for kids to run wild (in a supervised way, of course).

Costs also vary depending on the provider, inclusions (food, nappies, activities), and whether you’re in a pricey postcode.

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Factors that affect childcare costs

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It’s not just about the number on the invoice. Here’s what else bumps the price tag up (or down):

• Type of care – Long day care tends to be more expensive than family day care or kindy.
• Location, location, location – Inner-city centres charge more than suburban or rural ones.
• Your child’s age – Babies = more staff = higher cost.
• Number of days per week – More days = more dollars.
• What’s included – Food, nappies, sunscreen, bedding? It adds up.
• Public holidays – Some places still charge even if they’re closed (annoying but true).
• Early or late pickup – Miss the 6pm cutoff and you might be hit with late fees.

Hot tip: always ask for a full fee breakdown before signing up. You don’t want any surprise charges when the invoice lands.

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Child care subsidy (CCS) and how it works

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Now for the budget-saving bit.

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government payment that’s paid directly to your childcare provider, which means your out-of-pocket costs are lower from the get-go. For many Aussie families, it’s the only way childcare becomes even remotely affordable.

Here’s how it works:

• It’s income-tested and activity-based (i.e., how much work/study/training you’re doing).
• The higher your household income, the lower your subsidy percentage — but even high-earning families can get some help.
• Breakdown for 2024–2025:
  • Income up to $83,280 – 90% subsidy
  • $83,280–$533,280 – Subsidy tapers off
  • Above $533,280 – No subsidy (sorry)
• Got more than one kid in care? You could get up to 95% subsidy for the second child and beyond.

How to apply:

Eligible families can hop onto myGov, link Centrelink, and fill out the CCS application.

You’ll need to log your activity hours and keep them updated (yes, it’s a little admin-heavy, but worth it).

Other financial assistance for childcare

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If you’re doing it a bit tough, there’s more help on the table.

Look into the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS), which is designed for families facing extra challenges. This can cover most (or all) of your childcare costs in certain circumstances.

You might be eligible if:

• You’re a grandparent who’s the main carer
• You’re on a low income and transitioning to work or study
• You’re experiencing temporary financial hardship
• You’re undertaking approved study, training or job-seeking
• There’s a safety concern for your child

These supports aren’t always widely known, so if any of these sound like you, reach out to Centrelink or your provider.

You can also find CCS calculators online to get an estimate of your subsidy amount (they’re surprisingly helpful and take about two minutes to fill in).

Alternative childcare options and costs

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Formal care doesn’t suit every family, and that’s totally OK.

Here are a few alternatives:

Nannies: $25–$45 per hour

Personalised, flexible, but not eligible for CCS.

Au pairs: Around $200–$300 per week

A live-in option that works well for families with space and long hours.

Informal care: Relying on grandparents, friends, or local swap co-ops. No subsidy, but big on love (and often snacks).

Occasional care: For casual bookings or when you need a break/day to yourself.

Some of these options won’t give you a CCS discount, but they might still be more cost-effective overall, depending on your needs.

How to choose an affordable childcare provider

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Swiping through daycare centres like you’re on Tinder?

Here are some real-world tips for finding the perfect match:

• Compare providers in your area (even just on Google or Care for Kids).
• Check what’s included – nappies, food, activities? These extras can save you $$$.
• Look into flexible bookings – casual days, half-days, or sessional care could suit your schedule and budget.
• Family day care often flies under the radar but is a fab low-cost option.
• Community or not-for-profit centres sometimes offer more affordable rates (and still tick the quality boxes).

Ask around, tour a few places, and trust your gut. (And yes, checking their Google reviews is totally fair game.)

Wrapping it up

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After being glued to the hip with your little one for so long, sending them off to a childcare centre takes a lot of trust. You don’t want to skimp on it (what did your Mum say about ‘getting what you pay for’?), but at the same time, #cozzielivs.

Our best advice is to do what’s best for you and your family. Don’t compare yourself to other parents or get stuck in the fight to impress.

As long as a child is safe, fed, clothed, and cared for, they will be okay.

Sources

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Raisingchildren.net, Child care costs and Australian Government assistance, December 2023

Monash Vale Early Learning Centre, How Much Is Childcare Per Day In Australia, October 2024

Child’s Play Learning Centre, The Total Cost of Childcare for 2025, n.d