what childcare actually costs in Australia in 2026
last updated: march 2026
michael churburgher is a financial planner and father of three from Sydney. he writes about family budgets, tax strategies, and getting the most out of government benefits for mini mode.
childcare is the biggest recurring expense most Australian families face after housing. and the sticker shock is real — daily fees have climbed steadily, up about 8% in the past year alone. but the number on the invoice isn't what you actually pay. the Child Care Subsidy covers a significant chunk for most families.
this guide breaks down the real numbers: what centres charge by state and care type, what you'll pay out of pocket after CCS, and where the biggest cost variations hit.
average daily fees by state
childcare fees vary massively depending on where you live. inner city areas in Sydney and Melbourne command the highest rates, while regional centres tend to be more affordable. here's what centre-based day care costs on average across each state in 2026:
| state/territory | average daily fee |
|---|---|
| NSW (Sydney metro) | $155/day |
| NSW (regional) | $115/day |
| VIC (Melbourne metro) | $140/day |
| QLD (Brisbane metro) | $130/day |
| WA (Perth metro) | $135/day |
| SA (Adelaide metro) | $120/day |
| TAS | $115/day |
| ACT | $150/day |
| NT | $125/day |
these are averages based on a standard 10-12 hour day in centre-based long day care. individual centres can charge well above or below these figures. inner Sydney suburbs like Bondi and Mosman regularly exceed $180/day. meanwhile, a centre in Toowoomba or Ballarat might charge $95/day.
costs by care type
it's not just location that drives fees — the type of care matters too. here's how the main options compare nationally:
| care type | typical daily fee | CCS hourly cap |
|---|---|---|
| centre-based day care | $130–$155 | $14.63/hr |
| family day care | $90–$120 | $12.20/hr |
| outside school hours care | $30–$50 (per session) | $14.63/hr |
| in-home care (nanny) | $200–$350 | $34.64/hr |
the CCS hourly cap is the maximum hourly fee the government will base the subsidy on. if your centre charges above the cap, you pay the full difference on the excess. for centre-based care at $14.63/hr, a 10-hour day means the cap covers up to $146.30 — so most centres still fall within it.
family day care is worth considering if cost is a priority. the trade-off is typically smaller group sizes (which some parents prefer) and less structured programming compared to large centres. in-home care is the most expensive option but can work out cheaper per child if you have three or more kids at home.
what you actually pay after CCS
the Child Care Subsidy covers between 0% and 90% of the hourly fee (up to the cap), based on your family income. here's what three days per week at a $140/day centre looks like at different income levels:
| family income | CCS rate | daily gap | weekly (3 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $80,000 | 90% | $14.00 | $42.00 |
| $120,000 | 80% | $28.00 | $84.00 |
| $180,000 | 62% | $53.20 | $159.60 |
| $250,000 | 42% | $81.20 | $243.60 |
| $400,000 | 20% | $112.00 | $336.00 |
the gap between sticker price and what you actually pay is substantial for most families. a household on $120,000 pays just $84 a week for three days of care — about $4,370 a year. that same care costs $21,840 at full price.
want to see your exact numbers? use our Child Care Subsidy calculator to get a personalised estimate based on your income and centre fees.
frequently asked questions
how much does childcare cost per day in Australia in 2026?
the national average for centre-based day care is $130–$145 per day, but ranges from $95/day in regional areas to over $180/day in inner Sydney. family day care is cheaper at $90–$120/day.
what do parents actually pay after the Child Care Subsidy?
it depends on your income and CCS rate. a family on $120,000 with an 80% subsidy at a $140/day centre pays about $28/day out of pocket. families under $85,279 with the maximum 90% subsidy pay around $14/day.
which type of childcare is cheapest in Australia?
family day care is generally the most affordable at $90–$120/day. in-home care (nanny) is the most expensive per child but can be cost-effective for families with three or more children.
work out your costs
every family's situation is different. your income, location, care type, and number of days all affect what you'll pay. the fastest way to get a realistic number is to plug your details into a calculator.