Babysitter Cost Calculator (2026)
Enter your rate and schedule to see exactly what you'll pay per session, per month, and per year.
Average Babysitter Rates by Location
Not sure what rate to enter? Start from Care.com's 2026 national average or our estimate for your metro:
| Area | Rate (1 child) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. average | $21.88/hr | Care.com 2026 report: $175 for 8 hours |
| San Francisco Bay Area | ~$31/hr | Estimate |
| Los Angeles, Seattle | ~$27/hr | Estimate |
| New York City, Boston | ~$25/hr | Estimate |
| Chicago, Miami, Washington, DC | ~$23/hr | Estimate |
| Atlanta, Philadelphia, Phoenix | ~$22/hr | Estimate |
| Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis | ~$21/hr | Estimate |
Estimates scale the national rate by each metro's Care.com nanny rate relative to the U.S. nanny rate; all 15 metros are in our babysitter rates guide. Experienced sitters (ECE credentials, CPR certification, newborn experience) usually quote above average. Sources: Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report (2025 rates, published February 3, 2026); Care.com Cost of Care Calculator local nanny rates (October 2026).
When a Babysitter Becomes a Nanny (for Tax Purposes)
If you're using a babysitter regularly — several days a week or every week — the IRS may consider them a household employee, not a casual worker. The household employee threshold for 2026 is $3,000 in wages paid to one person in a calendar year ($3,100 for 2027). If your total annual babysitter payments to one person exceed that, you may owe nanny taxes (employer Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment).
Staying below the threshold (or diversifying across multiple sitters) keeps you in casual territory. See the nanny tax calculator if you're approaching this level of use, and our nanny vs. babysitter guide for the full picture.
Babysitter vs. Other Childcare Options
Babysitters are cost-effective for occasional use, but if you need regular care several days a week, other options often make more financial and logistical sense:
| Care Type | Best For | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Babysitter | Date nights, occasional coverage | ~$2,100/yr (two 4-hour nights a month) |
| Part-time daycare | 2–3 consistent days/week | $7,000–$16,000/yr |
| In-home daycare | Full-week, lower cost | $9,000–$18,000/yr |
| Nanny share | Flexible full-time care | $13,000–$22,000/yr |
| Daycare center | Structure, socialization, full-time | $12,000–$26,000/yr |
| Full-time nanny | 1-on-1, in-home, high flexibility | $35,000–$60,000+/yr |
Use the childcare cost calculator to compare all options side by side with your zip code, including tax savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a babysitter cost per month?
Monthly cost depends on your frequency and rate. Occasional use (4–6 sessions/month at 3–4 hours) at Care.com's 2026 national average of $21.88/hr runs about $263–$525/month. Use the calculator above to get an exact figure for your schedule.
How much should I pay a babysitter per hour in 2026?
The national average is $21.88/hr for one child ($175 for 8 hours, Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report). Our metro estimates run from about $21/hr in Dallas, Houston and Minneapolis to about $31 in the San Francisco Bay Area.
How much does a babysitter cost for a year?
It depends on how often you book. At Care.com's 2026 national average of $21.88/hr, a 4-hour date night twice a month is about $2,100 a year (4 × 2 × 12 × $21.88). Care.com's typical 8-hour babysitting week costs $175, or $9,100 a year (52 × $175); at that level, a nanny share or part-time daycare is often cheaper.
Do you pay a babysitter when the kids are asleep?
Yes — unless otherwise agreed, you pay the hourly rate the entire time the sitter is at your home, including after bedtime. For overnight stays, agree in advance whether sleeping hours are paid at the full rate or a flat overnight fee.
How much extra for two children?
Some sitters charge more for a second child, but Care.com's 2026 data shows no market-wide premium: two-child jobs averaged $169 for 8 hours versus $175 for one child. If your sitter charges an add-on, the calculator above adds $3/hr for a second child; discuss the rate before booking.
Compare All Your Childcare Options
Enter your zip code to see daycare, nanny share, au pair, and other care costs side by side — including Dependent Care FSA and tax-credit savings.
Open the Cost Calculator