Compare childcare costs and live place availability
We monitor thousands of Australian childcare centres and alert you the instant a spot opens. Stop refreshing websites — let us do it for you.
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Price Calculator
Get an instant estimate for your childcare
Build a quote-ready scope with live inputs, then use the result to screen weak provider quotes before you enquire.
Current selection
Long Day Care
National Average
Scope mix
Baseline scope
2 planning inputs active
Live estimate
$162
Typical quote target updates instantly.
Next step
Get Quotes
Use the range below to screen provider quotes fast.
4 inputs applied
Estimated project cost
$133 – $194
Typical quote target: $162
Based on long day care pricing in National Average. Adjust any field below to tighten the range for your job.
Selection
Long Day Care
National Average
Budget signal
$162
Use the midpoint as the first filter when quotes come back.
Quote pressure
Baseline scope
More inputs away from the default mix usually push the final quote upward.
Range shape
Tighter range
$61 spread across current assumptions.
Planning depth
Solid planning setup
More matched inputs usually means less pricing drift.
Next move
Get Quotes
Compare written inclusions against the midpoint, not only the headline total.
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Project assumptions
Low end
$133
Straightforward job, standard access, common materials.
Likely average
$162
A realistic planning number for a professional install.
Upper range
$194
Allow this when access, materials, or complexity drive the quote higher.
Ready to compare live quotes?
Use this range to reject weak quotes fast, then check written inclusions before you book.
Finding childcare in Australia is hard
Every parent knows the struggle. Long waitlists, no visibility, and spots that fill within hours of being posted.
12–18 mo
Average waitlist time
Daily
How often parents check websites
Hours
How fast most vacancies fill
How it works
Tell us your location
Enter your suburb and your child’s age group.
We scan nearby centres
Every few hours we check thousands of centre websites for place availability updates.
Get an instant alert
Receive an email or SMS the moment a spot opens near you.
National coverage
Monitoring ACECQA-registered centres in every state and territory.
VIC
4,800+ centres
NSW
5,200+ centres
QLD
3,400+ centres
SA
800+ centres
WA
1,800+ centres
TAS
300+ centres
ACT
400+ centres
NT
200+ centres
Simple, transparent pricing
Start free, upgrade anytime. Paid plans include a 7-day free trial.
Free
Free
- 5 km search radius
- 1 age group
- Email alerts only
- Weekly digest
- 1 child profile
- 1 centre on watchlist
Basic
$9/month
- 5 km search radius
- Up to 2 age groups
- Email alerts only
- Alerts within 4 hours
- 1 child profile
- 3 centres on watchlist
Premium
$19/month
- 10 km search radius
- Unlimited age groups
- Email + SMS alerts
- Alerts within 1 hour
- 3 child profiles
- 10 centres on watchlist
Family
$29/month
- 20 km search radius
- Unlimited age groups
- Email + SMS alerts
- Alerts within 1 hour
- 5 child profiles
- 20 centres on watchlist
Live scanning stats
18,199
Centres in database
1,319
Websites monitored
331
Verified vacancies found
8
States & territories
Data sourced from ACECQA — Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority. Updated March 2026.
Why parents trust us
Official data
Centre data comes from the ACECQA national register — the same source used by the government.
AI-powered
Our AI analyses centre websites to find genuine place availability mentions, filtering out noise and outdated posts.
Instant alerts
Get notified within an hour of detection via email or SMS. Vacancies fill fast — speed matters.
Childcare Price Trends (2024–2026)
Year-over-year average cost comparison
| Service | 2024 Avg | 2025 Avg | 2026 Avg | 2-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Day Care (daily) | $112 | $122 | $135 | +20.5% |
| Family Day Care (daily) | $92 | $100 | $110 | +19.6% |
| Before/After School Care (daily) | $24 | $27 | $30 | +25.0% |
| Vacation Care (daily) | $70 | $78 | $88 | +25.7% |
| Premium Inner-City LDC (daily) | $160 | $175 | $195 | +21.9% |
| Occasional Care (hourly) | $13 | $15 | $17 | +30.8% |
| In-Home Care (hourly) | $31 | $34 | $38 | +22.6% |
| Nanny Share (per family/hr) | $17 | $19 | $22 | +29.4% |
Seasonal Patterns
Childcare demand is highest at the start of the school year (January–February) when parents scramble for places. Waitlists at popular centres can be 6–12 months. Holiday care (school holidays) costs 10–20% more than term-time rates. Mid-year (July) sees some turnover as families move.
Regional Differences
Sydney and Melbourne have the highest childcare costs — inner-city centres charge 20–30% above national average. Regional centres are 15–25% cheaper but availability varies. The federal Child Care Subsidy (CCS) offsets 50–90% of costs depending on income, reducing the effective gap between cities.
Supply & Demand Drivers
Australia’s childcare sector faces structural undersupply. Record birth cohorts from 2021–2023 are now entering long day care, while educator workforce shortages constrain new room openings. The National Quality Framework mandates strict staff-to-child ratios (1:4 for under-twos, 1:11 for preschool), limiting how many places any centre can offer. Meanwhile, the proportion of dual-income households continues to rise, pushing demand higher. Land and construction costs make new CBD centres unviable without developer subsidies, concentrating supply in suburban growth corridors. Regional areas face a different problem: centres struggle to recruit qualified educators, leaving approved places unfilled.
2026–2027 Outlook
The federal government’s increased CCS from July 2023 has made childcare more affordable for many families — but also intensified demand. Daily fees are projected to rise 6–9% year-on-year through 2027, driven by wage increases under the government’s multi-employer bargaining push for early childhood educators, rising rent and insurance costs, and tighter compliance requirements. The proposed universal preschool commitment for 2027 could shift some 4-year-olds out of long day care, freeing places for younger age groups. Families planning ahead should expect continued waitlist pressure in inner-metro areas and budget for annual fee increases of $5–$15 per day.
Common Childcare Pricing Scenarios
| Scenario | Typical scope | Typical price | Booking type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long day care, toddler room, 1 day per week | Single 10-12 hour session before subsidy | $115-$185/day | Ongoing weekly booking |
| Long day care, 3 days per week | Metro provider with meals and nappies included | $340-$540/week | Permanent booking |
| Long day care, 5 days per week | Full-time enrolment before CCS | $560-$950/week | Permanent booking |
| Family day care, 3 days per week | Home-based educator with standard weekday hours | $270-$420/week | Permanent booking |
| Before and after school care | School-term wraparound care 5 days per week | $130-$220/week | Permanent or casual mix |
| Vacation care block | 5 days of school holiday care with excursions extra | $350-$650/week | School holidays |
| Waitlist or enrolment package | Bond, enrolment fee and booking confirmation costs | $50-$350 upfront | One-off |
| Casual emergency care booking | Single day booked at short notice | $120-$210/day | One-off |
| Premium inner-city long day care | CBD or high-demand suburb with premium inclusions | $170-$220/day | Permanent booking |
| Regional centre long day care | Standard full-day session outside premium catchments | $95-$145/day | Permanent booking |
What Affects Childcare Price?
Centre type and educator ratio
Long day care, family day care and OSHC all use different staffing models and room structures, so pricing varies widely.
Suburb demand and waitlist pressure
High-demand inner-city and school-catchment suburbs often charge more because occupancy stays full and waitlists remain long.
Included meals, nappies and programs
Some centres bundle meals, nappies and extras into the daily rate, while others charge separately.
Hours booked and booking pattern
Permanent multi-day bookings, casual care and minimum attendance rules all affect the real weekly spend.
Government subsidy eligibility
The Child Care Subsidy changes out-of-pocket cost dramatically, so two families can pay very different net amounts at the same centre.
Fees beyond the headline daily rate
Enrolment fees, bonds, holiday retainers, late pick-up penalties and excursion charges all matter when comparing centres.
Included vs Extra
Usually included
- Core education and care for the booked session hours
- Standard staffing ratios and compliance
- Basic parent communication via app or portal
- GST-free childcare pricing where applicable
- Routine updates on meals, sleep and activities at many centres
Often extra
- Enrolment fees, waitlist fees or refundable bonds
- Late pick-up penalties and public holiday retention charges
- Excursions, special events or optional premium classes
- Meals, nappies or sunscreen if not bundled
- Casual booking surcharges or minimum attendance conditions
DIY vs Using Availability Alerts
| Task | DIY | Service cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor centre websites manually | Possible, but time-intensive and easy to miss short-lived place availability posts | Alert plans from free-$29/mo | DIY only if urgency is low |
| Estimate out-of-pocket cost | Reasonable with the CCS calculator and fee handbook | No direct provider fee | DIY first |
| Track availability across many centres | Hard to do consistently because sites update unpredictably | Alert service saves time | Use tooling if urgent |
| Negotiate booking conditions | Parents should always ask questions directly | No external service needed | DIY |
Ways to Save on Childcare
Estimate your subsidy before comparing centres
A centre that looks expensive on paper can be cheaper after CCS than a lower-fee provider with fewer included hours.
Ask for the full fee schedule
Daily rates are only part of the story. Get the handbook so you can compare enrolment fees, holiday policies and extras.
Be flexible on days and start dates
Families who can accept Tuesday-Thursday or a different start month often get placed sooner.
Join waitlists earlier than you think
Early planning reduces the risk of paying deposits at multiple centres in a rush.
Check what is genuinely included
Meals, nappies and excursions can materially change the real weekly spend.
Use availability alerts to reduce search time
Faster visibility helps parents act before a suitable place disappears.
Seasonal Guide
January-February
Peak pressure period when school-year transitions happen and many families need immediate places.
Autumn
A steadier period for enrolment decisions, with some mid-year vacancies appearing as families move.
Winter
Fewer enrolment changes overall, though illness season can affect attendance and casual availability.
Spring
Families planning next-year return-to-work dates often join waitlists now, so it is a good time to prepare documents.
City-Specific Context
Sydney
Inner-city and eastern suburbs usually have the highest daily rates and longest waitlists.
Melbourne
Pricing varies materially between independent, not-for-profit and premium private operators.
Brisbane
Family day care can offer meaningful savings in some suburbs, though availability changes quickly.
Adelaide
Fees are often lower than Sydney and Melbourne, but limited availability windows still reward early planning.
Perth
Strong mining-sector incomes push up demand in inner suburbs. Joondalup, Fremantle and the southern corridor have newer centres with shorter waitlists than the CBD.
Before You Accept a Childcare Place
Ask for the full fee handbook, not just the daily rate. Holiday retainers, enrolment fees, included meals, late pick-up charges and subsidy assumptions all affect the real out-of-pocket cost.
If you are choosing between two centres, compare communication, opening hours and cancellation policy as carefully as the headline fee.
Frequently asked questions
How do you find vacancies?
We automatically scan childcare centre websites for mentions of available places, open enrolments, and availability notices. Our AI analyses the text to determine if a real place is open.
Which centres do you monitor?
We monitor centres registered with ACECQA across every state and territory in Australia, including Goodstart, Guardian, C&K, Nido, Edge, and thousands of independent centres.
Can I choose specific centres?
Yes. Every plan includes a watchlist where you can add specific centres you’re interested in, in addition to radius-based monitoring.
How fast are alerts sent?
Premium and Family plans receive alerts within 1 hour of detection. Basic plans receive alerts within 4 hours.
What if a place is already filled?
Childcare places can fill fast. We send alerts as soon as we detect them so you have the best chance. We recommend contacting the centre immediately.
Can I cancel anytime?
Absolutely. No lock-in contracts. Cancel with one click from your dashboard and you won’t be charged again.
How much does childcare cost per day in Australia?
The national average for long day care is $130–$150 per day before subsidies in 2026. Inner-city Sydney and Melbourne centres can charge $170–$220, while regional centres typically range from $95–$145. The Child Care Subsidy reduces out-of-pocket costs by 50–90% depending on family income.
What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and how does it work?
CCS is a federal government payment that covers a percentage of your childcare fees, paid directly to your provider. The subsidy rate depends on your combined family income, activity level (work, study, volunteering), and the type of care. Most families earn between 50% and 90% subsidy. You apply through myGov linked to Centrelink.
How long are childcare waitlists in major cities?
In high-demand suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, waitlists for under-two places can be 12–24 months. Preschool-age rooms (3–5 years) typically have shorter waits of 3–9 months. Regional areas and outer suburbs generally have shorter waitlists, sometimes as little as 2–4 weeks.
What is the difference between long day care and family day care?
Long day care operates from a dedicated centre with multiple rooms and educators, typically open 7am–6pm. Family day care runs from an educator’s home with smaller groups (usually 4–7 children). Family day care can be 10–20% cheaper and offers more flexible hours, but availability is limited and varies by area.
Are childcare fees tax deductible in Australia?
No. Childcare fees are not tax deductible for Australian families. However, the Child Care Subsidy provides direct fee reduction. Some employers offer salary packaging arrangements that can reduce the effective cost. Check with your employer’s HR team about any childcare benefit programs.
When should I join a childcare waitlist?
For high-demand inner-city areas, many parents join waitlists during pregnancy or within the first few months after birth. For suburban and regional areas, 6–12 months before your start date is usually sufficient. Joining multiple waitlists improves your chances but may involve paying waitlist fees of $20–$50 per centre.
Get a quote
Fill in your details and copy the template — then paste it into an email to any provider.
Hi, I'm looking for a quote for Childcare in [your suburb]. I've seen typical prices around $80–$180/day — please let me know if your quote is in that range. Please reply to this email or call me to discuss. Thanks, [your name]
Find providers on hipages, Airtasker, or Google “Childcare near me” to get their email.
Compare Prices & Find Local Centres
Get Free Quotes on childcare in your area. Compare fees and availability.
Get Free Quotes →How We Get These Prices
Prices aggregated from 250+ verified fee schedules and published rate cards from childcare centres, long day care, family day care, and outside school hours care providers across Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand. Based on 520 data points across 120 providers in 55 cities.
Methodology: We collect published fee schedules directly from childcare providers, cross-reference with government subsidy calculators and approved provider lists, and verify against parent-reported costs. We track daily, weekly, and hourly rates across age groups. Data last verified March 2026, refreshed quarterly to reflect fee changes and subsidy adjustments.
All prices are indicative guides before subsidies. Your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your family income, subsidy eligibility, sessions booked, and provider type. Check your government's childcare subsidy calculator for personalised estimates.