Au-Pair Costs: What Host Families Really Pay

What Does an Au-Pair Really Cost?

Choosing an au-pair is not just a personal decision — it's a financial one too. The good news: an au-pair is typically much cheaper than a professional nanny, while also offering cultural exchange, language enrichment, and flexible childcare hours.

On this page, you'll find a complete cost overview for host families in Germany. Figures are for 2026 and based on current legal requirements.

Monthly Cost Overview

Pocket Money: 280–350 EUR/month

The legal minimum pocket money in Germany is 280 EUR per month. Many families voluntarily pay more — 300 to 350 EUR is common. Pocket money is tax-free and exempt from social security contributions.

Insurance: 30–50 EUR/month

The host family is required to arrange health, accident, and liability insurance for the au-pair. Specialized au-pair insurance packages cost between 30 and 50 EUR monthly.

Language Course Subsidy: at least 70 EUR/month

The host family must contribute to a language course: at least 70 EUR per month for the entire duration of the au-pair stay — or a one-time payment of 840 EUR. The family also covers the travel costs to the nearest suitable language course. In many cities, affordable community college courses are well covered by this subsidy. (Source: German Federal Employment Agency, as of May 2023.)

Meals: 200–300 EUR/month

The au-pair eats with the family. The additional food costs are typically 200 to 300 EUR per month.

Optional: Public Transport 50–100 EUR/month

A monthly public transport pass is not mandatory but is covered by most families so the au-pair can get around.

Total Cost: 610–880 EUR/month

Adding everything up, the monthly expense for an au-pair is approximately 610 to 880 EUR — including accommodation and meals.

Comparison: Au-Pair vs. Nanny vs. Daycare

To put costs in perspective, here's a comparison with other childcare options:

Au-Pair: 610–880 EUR/month. Flexible hours, cultural exchange, in-home care, second language for children.
Nanny (part-time): 1,500–2,500 EUR/month. Professional, but significantly more expensive. No cultural component.
Daycare: 400–800 EUR/month (depending on city and income). Affordable, but fixed hours, no care when child is sick, no individual language advantage.

One-Time Costs

In addition to ongoing costs, some one-time expenses may apply:

Travel subsidy: Not mandatory, but many families cover part of travel costs (100–300 EUR).
Room setup: The au-pair needs their own furnished room. If purchases are needed, expect around 200–500 EUR one-time.

Conclusion: Is an Au-Pair Worth It Financially?

Yes — especially when you look at the full picture. For around 700 EUR per month, you get flexible childcare, cultural exchange, and language enrichment for your children. No daycare or nanny offers that at this price point.