When exploring early learning options, many families ask the question: how much does childcare cost in Australia? The straightforward answer is that the cost can vary widely-sometimes quite significantly-from one provider to another. Daily rates for childcare depend on several factors, including where you live, the specific type of childcare provider you choose (such as long day care, family day care, or occasional care), the range of inclusions or extra programs offered, and importantly, whether you are eligible for government subsidies such as the Child Care Subsidy. These variables mean that childcare fees are not a one-size-fits-all figure but instead reflect a variety of considerations.
Understanding the average cost of childcare in your area, what’s included in the fees, and how to manage them is key to planning your child’s early education. Quality childcare is more than supervision – it’s an investment in your child’s growth. It supports school readiness, social skills, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive development. While cost matters, the value of a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment is just as important when choosing early learning options.
What Is the Average Cost of Childcare in Australia?
In 2024, Kindicare reported that the average cost of childcare in Australia is approximately $129.15 per day before subsidies. While this can vary widely, your final cost will depend on several interrelated factors such as location, type of care and provider.
- Location: Costs are higher in metro areas and lower in regional zones due to operational expenses
- Childcare type: Centre-based care, family day care, and occasional care all have different fee models.
- Centre inclusions: Meals, nappies, activities, and learning materials may or may not be included.
- Subsidies: Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can significantly reduce fees.
A long day care centre in a regional area might charge $85 per day, while a centre in Sydney’s CBD could charge closer to $200 per day, according to the 2023 Independent Market Monitoring Review published by the NSW Department of Education. It’s important to remember that more expensive doesn’t always mean better, -but high-quality early education usually does require substantial investment in educators, environments, and curriculum.
Childcare costs may also be impacted by supply and demand in your area, the level of experience of staff, the operating hours of the provider, and the educator-to-child ratio maintained by the centre. In high-demand areas, competition for quality childcare can also increase prices. Moreover, some centres offer additional facilities or services such as technology-integrated classrooms, specialised educators, or language immersion, which may affect pricing.
What Are You Paying For?
Daily childcare fees typically include:
- Learning programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
- Qualified educators and support staff
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Learning materials and resources
- Centre maintenance, safety, and hygiene practices
- Communication tools like parent apps or learning journals
Each centre will have its own list of inclusions and exclusions, so it’s important to ask for a comprehensive fee breakdown. For families considering Montessori Academy, the fees reflect a commitment to the Montessori method, including Montessori-trained educators and specially designed learning environments.
Cost of Childcare Per Day
In most cases, childcare centres that operate long day care hours charge a fixed daily rate. This means that even if your child only attends for a few hours in a day, the full daily fee may apply. Comparably, some providers now offer sessional care with shorter hours at a lower cost. According to the Department of Education’s Child Care Subsidy data report for the December 2023 quarter, the average hourly fee for Centre Based Day Care services was $12.85, up 8.9% from the previous year.
| Location Type | Average Daily Cost (AUD) |
| Metropolitan Areas | $120 – $190 |
| Regional Areas | $70 – $130 |
| National Average | $110 – $155 |
Why Is There a Range?
Fees can vary due to:
- Educator qualifications
- Centre facilities
- Operating hours
- Extras
A centre offering a lower daily fee may not include meals or learning resources, which means additional out-of-pocket costs later on.
These figures reflect costs before applying any government subsidies. On average, families who do not receive any subsidies can expect to pay closer to the upper range of these figures. If your child attends childcare five days per week, the weekly cost could exceed $900 in some metro areas before subsidy.
Families looking to save on childcare may consider enrolling their children for fewer days or opting for sessional care where available. Comparing different centres within your suburb may also reveal price differences that impact your yearly budget
Cost of Childcare by Type
Australia offers a variety of childcare services, each designed to meet different family needs and associated with distinct average costs. According to the latest data from Kindicare and Care for Kids in 2024, the average childcare expenses across service types are outlined below:
| Type of Childcare | Average Daily Cost (AUD) |
| Long Day Care (Centre-Based) | $90 – $190 |
| Family Day Care | $7 – $12 per hour |
| Occasional Care | $10 – $15 per hour |
| Outside School Hours Care | $15 – $40 per session |
Long Day Care
The most common form of care, long day care centres operate Monday to Friday, typically between 7 am and 6 pm. They often provide:
- Structured learning programs
- Qualified educators and support staff
- All-day supervision
- Meals and nappies
- Indoor and outdoor play
Many parents choose long day care because it offers a consistent routine, educational curriculum, and full-time care that suits work schedules. Montessori Academy centres operate as long day care providers, with most centres open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm, offering families the flexibility and extended hours typical of this popular form of early childhood education and care.
Family Day Care
This model involves a registered educator caring for a small group of children (usually no more than four under school age) in their own home. It’s popular among families looking for a homely environment, flexible hours, and often lower fees.
Family day care tends to be more affordable than long day care but may offer fewer services. Long day care centres often include meals, nappies, and educational programming, while family day care settings may expect families to provide some items.
Occasional Care
Perfect for parents working casual jobs, studying, or needing backup care. Fees are hourly and vary depending on the provider and length of stay. Occasional care is usually not designed for full-time use but can be a lifesaver for last-minute needs.
Occasional care is a flexible option for families needing ad hoc arrangements, and it’s priced accordingly. However, availability can be limited, and some services may prioritise families using care more consistently. Occasional care may be ideal for freelancers or families with irregular work schedules.
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
Designed for children aged 5-12, OSHC includes:
- Before School Care: typically, 6:30 am – 9 am
- After School Care: typically, 3 pm – 6:30 pm
- Vacation Care: during school holidays
These services help parents bridge the gap between school hours and work commitments. Some OSHC services also provide structured recreational or educational activities, increasing their value.
Cost of Childcare by City
According to Upmove’s cost of living guide published in January 2025, location significantly influences childcare costs across Australia. The table below shows the average daily expenses for childcare in major cities, reflecting typical daily costs for a single person excluding rent.
| City | Average Daily Cost (AUD) |
| Sydney | $130 – $190 |
| Melbourne | $120 – $180 |
| Brisbane | $110 – $160 |
| Canberra | $120 – $180 |
| Adelaide | $100 – $150 |
| Perth | $100 – $160 |
| Hobart | $90 – $140 |
| Darwin | $100 – $150 |
Families in urban centres like childcare in Sydney and NSW, childcare in Melbourne and VIC, and childcare in Canberra typically pay more than those in smaller towns or regional locations. Urban centres may also offer more premium services, including extended hours, extracurriculars, and diverse educational programs.
The cost of childcare can vary greatly between cities due to differences in property prices, wages for educators, and operational expenses like utilities and insurance. For example, childcare in Sydney will cost vastly different than childcare in Brisbane, while childcare in Melbourne or Canberra might offer completely different price points. Parents should consider both affordability and the overall value of the service provided.
How the Child Care Subsidy Affects Childcare Costs
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps make early education more accessible and affordable for Australian families. As of 2024, the CCS is currently activity-tested and is paid directly to your childcare provider, reducing the amount you pay out of pocket.
Key Factors That Affect Your CCS:
- Combined family income
- Recognised activity hours (e.g. work, study, volunteering)
- Type of childcare provider
- Number of children in care
Current CCS Rates (as of 2025):
| Family income | Subsidy rate |
| Up to $83,280 | 90% |
| $83,280 to $533,280 | Decreasing from 90%. The percentage decreases by 1% for every $5,000 of income a family earns |
| $533,280 or more | 0% |
Your out-of-pocket costs also depend on your activity level. For instance, a parent working 30 hours per week will generally be eligible for more subsidised hours than a parent working 10 hours per week.
Make sure your childcare provider is CCS-approved and keep your Centrelink records up to date to ensure accurate payments. Subsidies are typically paid directly to the provider, lowering your billed amount.
You can use Centrelink’s childcare subsidy calculator to estimate your benefits. Additionally, if you have multiple children under five attending childcare, you may qualify for a higher subsidy for the second and subsequent children. This can make a significant difference for larger families balancing multiple care schedules and associated costs.
The government updates subsidy rates and thresholds each financial year, so it’s important to check your CCS eligibility regularly.
Understanding Included Services and Optional Add-Ons
When budgeting for childcare, be sure to ask what is included in the daily fee. This can make a big difference in overall costs.
Typically included:
- Educational programming
- Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
- Nappies and wipes (for infants and toddlers)
- Sunscreen and bedding
- School readiness programs
Possible Add-Ons (May Incur Extra Fees):
- Dance, music, or sports programs
- Language classes
- Excursions and incursions
- Parent events or workshops
- Transportation
Some providers include many of these extras as part of their standard offering. For example, Montessori Academy centres often include specialty Montessori learning materials, a progressive preschool and school readiness program, and individualised learning as part of the core program.
Understanding what is and isn’t included helps you make a fair comparison between centres. Two services with similar daily fees may vary greatly in their inclusions. Always ask for a detailed fee schedule and what services are covered before enrolling.
The Tuition Fees for Montessori Childcare Centres
Montessori childcare centres offer a unique educational experience, fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, child-led exploration.
What Do Montessori Fees Cover?
- Highly trained Montessori educators
- Purpose-designed learning environments
- Montessori-specific educational materials
- Individualised learning programs
- Enhanced focus on independence and emotional wellbeing
- Strong school readiness outcomes
These elements support a tailored, child-focused learning experience that encourages lifelong learning habits. Tuition fees and inclusions at Montessori Academy vary by centre and location , and are based on ongoing investment in high quality programs, professional development of educators, and the best outcomes for children, while still being competitive in the broader early childhood market.
Montessori Academy offers a network of childcare centres in NSW, VIC, and ACT, providing high-quality care with a consistent, values-based approach. The Montessori model focuses on the whole child-academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Benefits of Montessori Education
Choosing Montessori education is about more than just childcare – it’s about setting a lifelong foundation for learning and personal development.
Key Benefits:
- Encourages independent thinking and problem-solving
- Nurtures intrinsic motivation
- Promotes respectful communication
- Supports self-regulation and emotional intelligence
- Provides hands-on learning with sensory-rich materials
- Builds strong academic, social, and emotional skills
Montessori environments are designed to inspire curiosity, empower autonomy, and build confidence. Children are supported to progress at their own pace, guided by educators who observe and respond to individual interests and abilities.
Families looking for childcare in Sydney and NSW, childcare in Melbourne and VIC, and childcare in Canberra can access Montessori programs through Montessori Academy’s growing network of centres.
Planning Ahead: Finding Value in Childcare
When evaluating childcare options, focus on value, not just price. While affordability matters, the real question is: What is your child getting for the cost?
Consider:
- Educator qualifications and retention
- Curriculum quality and delivery
- Daily routines and learning experiences
- Centre philosophy (e.g. Montessori vs play-based)
- Safety, hygiene, and cleanliness
- Communication with families
- Family reviews and testimonials
Request a tour, speak with the educators, and review the curriculum and daily schedule.
Final Thoughts: Childcare as an Investment
Childcare isn’t just a convenience-it’s a stepping stone into a lifetime of learning. Picking the right childcare means your child gets the support they need during important early years.
While the question “how much does childcare cost in Australia?” has many answers, the most important factor is finding a provider that aligns with your family’s values and supports your child’s growth.
For more insights into national averages, you can also explore this Care for Kids guide on childcare costs.
Whether you’re comparing local options or exploring Montessori Academy, informed decisions will always lead to the best outcomes for your family.
Choosing the right childcare provider is an investment in your child’s future. Knowing the usual childcare costs, what’s included, and how the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps with payments puts you in control to choose the right provider for your family. When you stay informed, you actively support your child’s growth, happiness, and success—not just pay for care.
Want to learn more about enrolling your child at Montessori Academy? Contact our friendly team to arrange a tour at a centre near you. We’ll answer all your questions and help you start your little one’s journey with confidence.