Childcare Cost Calculator
Estimate the weekly, monthly, and annual costs of nurseries, childminders, and nannies in the UK. Check your eligibility for free hours and Tax-Free Childcare.
Childcare Cost Estimator
Calculate your expected childcare bills based on UK averages
Age affects the required staff ratio and free hour eligibility
Childcare costs vary significantly by region
Average hourly rates differ by care type
Total hours of childcare required per week
Cost Estimation Result
Childcare Cost Calculator UK
Enter your childcare details and click Calculate Costs to see your estimated weekly, monthly, and annual bills.
Average Childcare Costs by Region
Typical weekly and monthly costs for 25 hours of nursery care for a child under 2 in the UK. Based on average 2026 regional rates.
| Region | Hourly Rate | Weekly Cost (25h) | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £16.00 | £400 | £1,733 |
| South East | £13.50 | £337 | £1,463 |
| South West | £12.00 | £300 | £1,300 |
| Midlands & East | £11.50 | £287 | £1,245 |
| North & Scotland | £10.50 | £262 | £1,138 |
| Wales & NI | £10.00 | £250 | £1,083 |
Childcare Costs & Support FAQ
Everything you need to know about nursery rates, childminders, free hours, and government childcare support in the UK.
The cost of childcare in the UK in 2026 varies significantly by region and type. On average, a full-time nursery place for a child under 2 costs around £15,000 to £18,000 per year in London, and £10,000 to £13,000 in the rest of the UK. Childminders are typically 20-30% cheaper than nurseries, while a full-time nanny can cost between £30,000 and £45,000+ gross per year.
Tax-Free Childcare is a UK government scheme that helps working parents with childcare costs. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children). This effectively gives you a 20% discount on your childcare bills, up to the limit.
In England, all 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 570 free hours per year (15 hours per week for 38 weeks). Working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds (and eligible 2-year-olds) can get an additional 570 hours, totaling 30 hours of free childcare per week. From September 2024, this was gradually extended to younger children, with all working parents of children under 5 eligible for 30 hours by September 2025.
Yes, generally a childminder is cheaper than a nursery. On average, childminder rates are about 20% to 30% lower than nursery rates. Childminders also offer a more home-like environment and flexible hours, but they may have fewer structured educational activities compared to a formal nursery setting.
A nanny is the most expensive childcare option. In 2026, a full-time live-out nanny in the UK typically costs between £30,000 and £45,000 gross per year. In London and the South East, this can rise to £50,000+ for an experienced or qualified nanny. You must also factor in employer National Insurance contributions and pension auto-enrolment.
Yes, if you are claiming Universal Credit, you can get back up to 85% of your eligible childcare costs. This is significantly higher than the 20% provided by Tax-Free Childcare. You can claim for up to two children (or more in some cases), and the maximum monthly childcare cost you can claim for is £1,014 for one child or £1,739 for two or more children.
Nurseries in London are the most expensive in the UK. In 2026, the average hourly rate for a nursery in London is around £16.00 to £18.00 per hour. For a full-time place (50 hours a week), this translates to roughly £800 to £900 per week, or over £40,000 per year for a child under 2.
If your child attends a term-time only nursery or uses a childminder who closes during holidays, you will need to arrange and pay for holiday care. Many parents use wrap-around care, holiday clubs, or adjust their working hours. If you use a nanny or a nursery that is open 52 weeks a year, the cost is usually spread evenly across 12 months, so you pay the same amount during school holidays.