How much does childcare cost in New Zealand?

It depends on the hourly fee and hours, but free ECE hours for young children and the Childcare Subsidy can reduce the out-of-pocket cost a lot. This calculator works out your net cost after those.

What childcare support is available?

There are free ECE hours for children of a certain age, and a Childcare Subsidy for eligible families based on income and hours. Many families do not claim everything they are entitled to.

Is it worth returning to work after childcare costs?

Comparing your net pay from working against the net childcare cost shows whether it stacks up. This tool gives the net childcare cost so you can weigh it against your income.

Childcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps New Zealand families work out the real cost of early childhood care and education after the subsidies and support that can reduce it. You enter your childcare hours and fees and your family situation, and the tool estimates your out-of-pocket cost after applying the relevant subsidies and free hours that may apply, which many families do not fully use. The breakdown shows the gross fees, the subsidy and free-hours value, and your net cost, helping parents compare providers on a true basis, decide how childcare fits with returning to work, and make sure they are claiming all the support they are entitled to, with current subsidy settings used as inputs.

Hours per week

Hourly fee

Free ECE hours per week

Subsidy per hour

Weeks per year

your out-of-pocket childcare cost per week

Gross fees$0

Free hours and subsidy$0

Net per year$0

Free ECE hours apply to children of a certain age, and the Childcare Subsidy is income tested with its own rules, so check your eligibility and the current rates. Enter a per-hour subsidy if you qualify. Estimate only, to support planning.

How it works

The calculator works out your gross weekly fees as hours times the hourly fee. It then subtracts the value of any free ECE hours, charged at the same fee, and any per-hour subsidy you qualify for across your paid hours. The result is your real out-of-pocket cost per week, which it also converts to an annual figure. Comparing this net cost against your take-home pay helps you decide how childcare fits with working.

Worked example

At 40 hours a week and a $9 hourly fee, gross fees are $360. With 20 free ECE hours worth $180 and no extra subsidy, the net cost is $180 a week, or about $8,640 over 48 weeks. A Childcare Subsidy, if you qualify, would reduce this further.

Related calculators

Working for Families Calculator: family tax credits.
Cost of a Baby Calculator: first-year costs.
Take-Home Pay Calculator: your pay from work.
Budget Calculator: household budget.

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