How Much Does an Au Pair Cost in the UK? (2026)
In 2026, UK au pairs are entitled to minimum wage rates of £12.71 an hour at age 21+ or £10.85 at age 18–20. Calculate pay, accommodation, food, travel, insurance, and hiring costs.
UK au pair cost: the short answer
There is no single legal “pocket money” price for a UK au pair. GOV.UK says au pairs are entitled to minimum wage. For a 25-hour week, the headline 2026 wage value is £317.75 for someone aged 21+ or £271.25 for someone aged 18–20, before the accommodation-offset calculation. Add the real cost of room, food, utilities, travel, insurance, checks, and any payroll obligations.
Official rates checked 17 August 2026| Budget item | 2026 figure | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Age 21 and over | £12.71 per hour | National Living Wage from 1 April 2026. |
| Age 18 to 20 | £10.85 per hour | National Minimum Wage from 1 April 2026. |
| 25-hour example | £317.75 or £271.25 per week | Headline wage value for age 21+ or age 18–20 before accommodation-offset rules. |
| Accommodation offset | £11.10 per day / £77.70 per week | The maximum accommodation benefit used in the minimum-wage calculation; food and other benefits do not count. |
This is a planning guide, not payroll, tax, immigration, or legal advice. Use the official minimum-wage calculator or professional advice for the exact pay period and accommodation arrangement.
View current family membership offerPay and employment status
GOV.UK says au pairs are entitled to National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. From April 2026, the rate is £12.71 an hour for people aged 21+ and £10.85 for ages 18–20.
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 agreed learning or travel support. Only accommodation can count toward minimum-wage pay, and only under the official offset rules.
Platform and safety costs
Include membership, identity checks, references, insurance review, and time spent preparing a clear family profile.
Planning example
Example: 25 hours a week
At the April 2026 headline rates, 25 hours is £317.75 a week for someone aged 21+ or £271.25 for someone aged 18–20, before applying the accommodation-offset calculation.
Avoid vague “pocket money” budgeting
If the relationship is work, a low allowance can create compliance risk and poor match quality.
UK au pair cost questions
How much does an au pair cost in the UK in 2026?
The wage portion depends on age and hours. From April 2026, the headline rate is £12.71 an hour for age 21+ and £10.85 for age 18–20. At 25 hours a week that is £317.75 or £271.25 before the accommodation-offset calculation, plus room, food, utilities, travel, insurance, checks, and any payroll costs.
Can a UK family pay an au pair only pocket money?
Do not assume a flat pocket-money amount is compliant. GOV.UK says au pairs are entitled to National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, and the employer must keep records showing that the correct rate was paid.
Can room and food count toward an au pair’s minimum wage?
Accommodation can count only under the official accommodation-offset rules. From April 2026 the offset is £11.10 a day or £77.70 a week. GOV.UK says food, a car, and other benefits do not count toward minimum wage.
What costs should a UK host family budget beyond pay?
Plan for a private room, meals, extra utilities, local travel, insurance review, right-to-work checks, screening, family activities, agreed learning support, platform membership, and tax or National Insurance obligations where they apply.