Family Day Care Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of family day care, care provided in an educator's home in small groups. It is charged per hour, often more flexibly than centre care, and the Child Care Subsidy applies, so your out-of-pocket depends on your income.
Your family day care details
Below the typical range for this service.
Family day care is often more flexible on hours than a centre and can be cheaper per hour, but educators have limited places. Confirm the hourly rate and the hours charged (some charge for booked, not used, hours).
Family day care is charged per hour and the Child Care Subsidy applies, so your out-of-pocket depends on your income and hours. It is often more flexible than centre-based care, with small home-based groups.
💰 Ways to save
- Estimate your Child Care Subsidy percentage, it is income-tested and makes a big difference to the out-of-pocket.
- Family day care can be cheaper per hour and more flexible than a centre, compare both.
- Confirm whether you are charged for booked or used hours, it affects the real cost.
How we estimate this
Family day care in Australia typically costs around $10 to $14 per hour before the Child Care Subsidy in 2026, so a full-time week is often $450 to $600 before subsidy. After the income-tested subsidy, out-of-pocket costs are much lower for most families.
Pricing reviewed: November 2026.
Understanding family day care costs in Australia
Family day care in Australia typically costs around $10 to $14 per hour before the Child Care Subsidy in 2026, so a full-time week is often $450 to $600 before subsidy. After the income-tested subsidy, out-of-pocket costs are much lower for most families.
Care is provided in an educator's home in small groups, charged per hour and often more flexibly than a centre. The Child Care Subsidy is income-tested, so estimating your subsidy percentage is the key to knowing your real out-of-pocket cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does family day care cost in Australia?
Roughly $10 to $14 per hour before the Child Care Subsidy in 2026, so about $450 to $600 for a full-time week before subsidy. The income-tested subsidy reduces the out-of-pocket substantially for most families.
Is family day care cheaper than a childcare centre?
It can be, often cheaper per hour and more flexible, with small home-based groups. Both attract the Child Care Subsidy, so compare the subsidised out-of-pocket for each based on your income and hours.
Are you a family day care educator / scheme?
Everyone on this page is working out what family day care costs because they are ready to hire. Put your business right beneath the calculator, in your state, so you are who they find. From $50/mo.