Well, it is that time again!  Au pair agencies typically discount fees and application costs in the spring as parents gear up to matching with an au pair for the new year.  Spring and early summer months are the most popular times for parents seeking an au pair - start early to avoid the rush!  Here is our article on costs of an au pair and also, check out the spring discounts under Today's News.

What are the costs of hosting an au pair?

As childcare costs soar, au pair agencies are capitalizing on the international young women's dreams of a year abroad!  Au pairs come to America to improve their English and enjoy a new cultural experience.  Au Pair agencies are quite affordable and much cheaper than daycare centers and nannies.  Agencies promise to provide quality, live-in care up to 10 hours a day and for 45 hours a week. 

It is important to understand your overall cost if you plan to hire your aupair through an agency.

The following fees/costs are listed in US dollars and based on averages for US agencies. The costs shown do not account for supplemental expenses you will incur while having a live-in, such as food, utilities and family vacations, etc.  These *costs (approximate) will vary depending on the agency you sign up with:

Additional Costs:

1. Car Insurance:  depending on your insurance company, there is a cost to add your au pair to your policy.  The age of the au pair and her driving experience determines this cost.  The younger the au pair, the higher the cost. 

2. Food:  your au pair will be eating most of her meals with your family, so you will have to add this expense into your budget.

3. Vacations:  Au pairs get 2 weeks paid vacation per year.  You will have to "cover" childcare while she is away, or bring her on vacation with you.  Both alternatives incur additional costs.

4. Utilities and Cell Phone:  most au pairs receive a cell phone from their host parents.  You will need to get in touch with her (and know where your children are) and you must pay the base cost for the phone. You and your au pair will decide how much she will pay for making any additional phone calls outside of her designated "minutes."  Your hot water bill and electricity will go up anytime you have another person living in the house, but it should be nominal unless your au pair pushes up the heat/air conditioner or takes frequent and long showers!

2010 Cost Comparisons by Agency:

• Expert Au Pair is the least expensive agency and they have the best au pair medical insurance policy to date.
• Au Pair in America breaks the bank as the most expensive  au pair program - they also made the decision to raise their rates in 2009, when most of the other agencies did not raise fees due to the declining economy

To compare all au pair agencies across cost, read our Review of the 12 Au Pair Agencies.