Estimate your childcare budget

How much does childcare actually cost?

Choosing a childcare method is not just a matter of logistics; it is, above all, an emotional decision. Nevertheless, before starting interviews, it is important to have an idea of the financial commitment involved. Naturally, you want your child to be safe and happy, while also maintaining the balance of your family budget.

At this stage, many questions arise: Can we afford it? Is a nanny the best solution? Or perhaps a childminder? How much will we actually pay each month?

The Yoopies cost simulator was created to answer these uncertainties, providing you with clarity and peace of mind.

Calculation example via the Simulator - Full-time Nanny

For home childcare (nanny) on a full-time basis (40 hours per week / 160 hours per month) with a net hourly rate of €14, here is the breakdown of the estimated monthly budget.

In the case of a shared-care arrangement (co-famille), you will need to negotiate the cost distribution with the nanny and the other family.

Calculation parameters:

• Annual household income: €50,000
• Situation: 1 child under 3 years old

In practice : For this contract of 160 monthly hours, the provider receives a remuneration of €14.00 net/hour. Once the CAF subsidies (CMG) and the contribution coverage are deducted, the out-of-pocket cost amounts to €2,670.73. After applying the tax credit (capped at approximately €1,292.03/month for this type of care), the final actual expense for the family drops to €1,378.70 per month, resulting in an effective final cost of €13.50 per hour.
If accepted by the nanny and performed as a shared-care arrangement with costs split in half, the nanny can cost €689 per month per family.

Calculation example via the Simulator - Childminder

For a childminder (160 hours per month, €5 net/hour), here is the breakdown of the estimated monthly budget.

Calculation parameters:

• Annual household income: €50,000
• Situation: 1 child under 3 years old

In practice : For this contract of 160 monthly hours, the provider receives a remuneration of €5.00 net/hour. Once the CAF subsidies (CMG) and the contribution coverage are deducted, the out-of-pocket cost amounts to €676.55 (including meal and maintenance costs). After applying the tax credit (which is capped differently for childminders than for nannies), the final actual expense for the family falls to €552.75 per month, an effective final cost of €3.94 per hour.

Cost and tax differences: Nanny vs. Childminder

The cost difference between a nanny and a childminder is significant. However, everything depends on the initial rate charged by the provider. It is best to verify using the simulator. For childminders, the base hourly cost is lower, but there is less of a tax deduction. For nannies, it is often the opposite.

Regarding both nannies and childminders, the tax credit is 50% in both cases, but the ceiling (cap) is not the same. For a childminder, the ceiling is €1,150 per year per child, whereas for nannies, it is a minimum of €6,000 per year.

Finally, do not forget the key differences between a nanny and a childminder. With a nanny, you have someone at home, which requires space but avoids commutes and allows the children to spend more time in their own environment.
With a childminder, you are typically dealing with someone who is more strictly monitored and who is expected to have an environment designed for children. Conversely, nannies often care for fewer children than childminders, which can mean more individual attention. Childminders can have a maximum of 6 children under age 11, with a maximum of 4 children under age 3. Nannies have a maximum of 4 children.

Of course, it all depends on who you find on Yoopies! :)

A tool to plan your budget without stress

This simulator requires no accounting expertise. Simply enter a few basic details — number of hours, type of care, and income — to get an immediate estimate.

With this tool, you can compare:

• The budget between a home nanny and a childminder;
• The impact of the number of children on your subsidies;
• Variations in aid based on your marital status and income.

It is the best way to make an informed decision without any commitment.

"Premium" rate zones

It is important to keep in mind that the initial cost of childminders and nannies obviously depends on supply and demand.

In large metropolitan areas, high demand and the cost of living drive prices up.

• Paris: Rates are the highest, often oscillating between €15.50 and €18.50 per hour.
• Nice & Lyon: Very tight markets with rates generally between €15.00 and €17.00.

Intermediate urban hubs

Cities with a more balanced supply.

• Nantes, Bordeaux & Lille: Rates are generally between €14.00 and €15.50.

More affordable regions

Where the cost of living is lower, rates are closer to the minimum wage (SMIC).

• Saint-Étienne, Limoges & Rural Areas: Possible to find care close to the base rate (around €13.50 gross/hour).

SMIC in France: 2026 update

As of January 1, 2026, the SMIC has been revalued. Here are the reference figures to keep in mind for your negotiations:

A budget adapted to every lifestyle

Every family has its own needs: a few hours after school or a full-time position. The Yoopies simulator allows you to test all scenarios. By simply modifying the hourly volume, you instantly see the impact on your out-of-pocket costs, helping you choose the solution best suited to your financial reality.

The importance of financial aid

For many families, the cost of childcare does not correspond to the amount actually paid. The calculator takes into account state subsidies (CMG), tax credits, and other supports based on income, family situation, and the age of the child. In practice, families with modest incomes benefit more from direct aid, while higher-income families save more through tax deductions.

Whether it’s a babysitter, a childminder, or a full-time nanny, you will find a childcare method for your child on YOOPIES. The prices charged by our providers are transparent with no hidden costs!

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