Kindergarten Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of kindergarten (preschool). Fees vary a lot by state and by whether kinder is government-funded or run through a long day care centre, and free or low-fee kinder programs now apply in several states.
Your kindergarten details
Your estimate sits within the typical range.
Kindergarten cost depends heavily on your state and the type. Free or low-fee government kinder programs now apply in several states, while kinder inside long day care is part of the (subsidised) day-care fee. Check what your state offers.
💰 Ways to save
- Check your state's free or low-fee kinder program, it can make standalone kinder essentially free.
- Kinder within long day care attracts the Child Care Subsidy, estimate your subsidised fee.
- Sessional (part-day) kinder is cheaper than full-day care if you do not need the hours.
How we estimate this
Kindergarten in Australia varies widely in 2026, standalone or sessional kinder can be free or low-fee under state programs, while kinder within long day care is part of the day-care fee (often $100 to $160 a day before the Child Care Subsidy). Private kinder costs more.
Pricing reviewed: November 2026.
Understanding kindergarten costs in Australia
Kindergarten in Australia varies widely in 2026, standalone or sessional kinder can be free or low-fee under state programs, while kinder within long day care is part of the day-care fee (often $100 to $160 a day before the Child Care Subsidy). Private kinder costs more.
Cost depends on your state and the type. Several states offer free or low-fee kinder in the year or two before school, while kinder inside long day care is bundled into the subsidised day-care fee. Checking your state's program is the key.
Frequently asked questions
How much does kindergarten cost in Australia?
It varies by state, standalone kinder can be free or low-fee under state programs in 2026, while kinder within long day care is part of the day-care fee (often $100 to $160 a day before the Child Care Subsidy). Private kinder costs more.
Is kindergarten free in Australia?
In several states, free or low-fee kinder is now offered for eligible children in the year or two before school. It varies by state, so check your state's program and eligibility.
Are you a kindergarten / early learning centre?
Everyone on this page is working out what kindergarten 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.