How much does childcare cost in Australia in 2026?

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid to approved services to reduce the fee for eligible families. You generally need to meet residence rules, immunisation rules, care liability, and an activity test that links hours of subsidised care to work, study, or recognised activities. Citizens, permanent residents, Special Category visa holders, and a short list of temporary visa types can qualify. Most other temporary visa holders do not. Services Australia publishes the residence detail; check your exact subclass before you sign a lease near a centre.

Without CCS, full-time long day care in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth can consume a huge share of one adult’s take-home pay. With CCS, the gap fee still matters and rises with income. Outside school hours care adds another line once school starts. Family day care and occasional care can be cheaper or more flexible, yet waiting lists and quality vary by suburb: Best places for families.

Ask centres for the full daily fee and the expected gap after CCS for your income estimate. Do not use a friend’s subsidised number if your visa differs. Inner Sydney and Melbourne often combine higher fees with longer waitlists near popular school catchments. Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide can ease housing while childcare remains a major bill.

Some employers offer childcare support or flexible hours; treat that as a bonus, not a plan. Nannies and au pairs sit outside the CCS centre model and need separate tax and visa thinking. Pair childcare quotes with healthcare status early: Healthcare costs.