Family decision guide
Au Pair Cost in the U.S.: Fees, Budget and Planning Worksheet
Build a hosting budget that separates sponsor fees, weekly compensation, education and household expenses from AuPair Advisers’ $0 platform fee.
Sources checked:
Hosting costs more than the weekly payment. Start with a written sponsor quote, add 52 weeks of compensation, then include education, food, transport and backup care. Open the free cost calculator to enter your own figures.
A dated sponsor example, not a universal price
Au Pair in America’s standard Au Pair option lists these amounts, checked September 21, 2026. This is an independent budgeting reference, not an affiliation or a quote from AuPair Advisers. Confirm current terms directly.
| Item | Amount | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Match processing | $525 | One time |
| Annual program fee | $11,100 | One year |
| SEVIS fee | $35 | Listed separately |
| Published minimum weekly stipend | $195.75 × 52 = $10,179 | Confirm applicable compensation for your location |
| Subtotal | $21,839 | Before education and household extras |
| Education allowance in this example | $500 | Full allowance budgeted |
| Planning subtotal with education | $22,339 | Not the complete cost of hosting |
The sponsor lists matching, administration/support, international transport, screening/training/visa processing and medical/liability insurance among inclusions. Check exclusions and coverage limits. It directs Massachusetts and California families to contact its team about compensation. Source: Au Pair in America fees.
Turn that subtotal into a household budget
As a hypothetical exercise, add $1,000 for room setup and $400 a month for extra food, phone and transport. That gives $22,339 + $1,000 + ($400 × 12) = $28,139 for the year, or about $2,345 per month. The extra amounts are illustrative assumptions, not market averages or sponsor fees.
Replace each assumption with your estimate. A car, added insurance, classes beyond the allowance, holidays, backup childcare, domestic travel or different compensation requirements can change the result. Avoid counting included sponsor services twice.
- Ask for payment dates, cancellation/refund terms and rematch terms in writing.
- Budget for a private room and living costs even if there is no new rent payment.
- Agree who pays for car use, fuel, insurance, phone service and travel.
- Keep a contingency for periods when you need other childcare.
Build your first-year estimate. The worksheet calculates one-time costs + weekly costs × 52 + monthly costs × 12. It runs in your browser; notes and amounts are not submitted.
What does AuPair Advisers charge?
The platform currently charges $0 for applications, public previews, review and introduction requests. That does not pay for the sponsor program or household expenses. Platform pricing describes the free service.
Does the schedule fit your budget?
The standard BridgeUSA au pair program allows up to 10 hours of childcare per day and 45 per week, with an education component. These are limits, not around-the-clock availability. EduCare has different hours and education requirements. Confirm the sponsor’s current terms before calculating coverage. Official BridgeUSA guidance.
Compare an au pair with a nanny and daycare using the same hours and backup-care assumptions. Then prepare your household details with the host family checklist.