Au Pair Cost in the UK
Plan the real cost of hiring an au pair in the UK, including pay rules, right-to-work checks, living costs, insurance, travel, and platform membership.
What to budget for
Pay and employment status
Right-to-work checks
Living and household costs
Pay and employment status
GOV.UK says au pairs are entitled to National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, so do not treat UK au pair cost as only pocket money.
Right-to-work checks
Before matching, confirm the candidate can legally work in the UK and keep evidence of the check.
Living and household costs
Budget for room, food, utilities, transport, phone, family activities, and any agreed learning or travel support.
Platform and safety costs
Include membership, identity checks, references, insurance review, and time spent preparing a clear family profile.
Planning example
Use wage rules as the floor
For UK arrangements, start from current minimum wage guidance and then add accommodation, food, insurance, and platform costs.
Avoid vague “pocket money” budgeting
If the relationship is work, a low allowance can create compliance risk and poor match quality.