Do Au Pairs Earn Enough Money? Let's Find Out!
Are you wondering if you'll make enough money as an Au Pair in the US? Let's dive in and compare the minimum stipend of an Au Pair with the average income of an American. We'll look at two places, one of the most expensive cities to live in and one of the most cheapest places to live in: New York City and Springfield, Missouri.
The Au Pair Deal
First, let’s talk about what you get as an Au Pair:
Weekly Stipend: minimum $195.75 that’s about $848 a month. (depending on Agency but this is the minimum)
Perks: Free room and board, meals, utilities, Internet, and often extras like a car, maintenance of the car, a phone plan or transportation.
Living in New York City
NYC is famous for being super expensive. Here’s what living there might cost for an average person:
Rent for One-Bedroom Apartment: $3,274/month
Groceries (one person): $557/month
Phone Plan: $90/month
Owning a Car: $500/month
Takeout (once a week): $140/month
Utilities: $167/month
Internet: $62/month
Total Monthly Costs: $4,790
Average Income in NYC: $5,333/month
Money to spend: $543
Keep in mind that they also have to pay for health insurance and retirement, two things an Au Pair doesn’t have to worry about.
What Au Pairs Really Get
As an Au Pair, most of your costs are covered. So, your stipend is pretty much all yours to save or spend. Let's see the total value if you count all the benefits your Host Family provides you as part of your "income".
Au Pair in New York City
Stipend: $848/month
Rent: ($3,274/month) covered
Groceries: ($557/month) covered
Phone Plan: ($90/month) covered
Car Costs: ($500/month) covered
Takeout: ($140/month) covered
Utilities: ($167/month) covered
Internet: ($62/month) covered
Total "Income": $5,638/month(compared to the average person in New York City who earns $5,333/month)
Let’s compare it to one of the cheapest places to live in the US:
Living in Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is much cheaper. Here’s a look for a average person living there:
Rent for One-Bedroom Apartment: $883/month
Groceries (one person): $311/month
Phone Plan: $67/month
Owning a Car: $300/month
Takeout (once a week): $88/month
Utilities: $111/month
Internet: $62/month
Total Monthly Costs: $1,822
Average Income in Springfield: $2,990/month
Money to spend: $1,168
Again, they also have to pay for healthcare and retirement before they can spend their money.
Au Pair in Springfield, Missouri
Stipend: $848/month
Rent: ($883/month) covered
Groceries: ($311/month) covered
Phone Plan: ($67/month) covered
Car Costs: ($300/month) covered
Takeout (once a week): ($88/month) covered
Utilities: ($111/month) covered
Internet: ($62/month) covered
Total "Income": $2,670/month(compared to the average person in Springfield, Missouri who earns $2,990/month)
The Bottom Line
So, when you add up all the benefits, being an Au Pair looks pretty good! An Au Pair’s "total income" can be quite substantial, even higher than the average income of an American in some cases. In NYC, your total "income" could be around $5,638 a month, while in Springfield, it's about $2,670 a month.
This means that even though your stipend is small, the extra benefits really add up. Here's something to think about: Is choosing a "not so popular" city like Springfield more beneficial? You might have the chance to do more and save more, while still having an equally exciting experience as Au Pairs in major cities. Smaller cities often have hidden gems and unique opportunities that you won't find in the hustle and bustle of a big city. Plus, you'll have more savings to travel and explore even more!
Of course it raises the question if Host families that live in expensive areas should pay their Au Pair more stipend to make up for the high cost of living? What do you think? (We can discuss that in the comments under this blogpost)
Being an Au Pair is not just about the money. It’s about the experience, the travel, and the memories you make. So, whether you pick a big, bustling city or a smaller, laid-back one, you’re in for a great adventure!
For more details on living costs, check out Expatistan's cost of living page for New York City and Springfield, Missouri.
Ready to start your Au Pair adventure? Go for it! 🌍✨
If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out. Safe travels and happy Au Pairing! 💖
Your online Au Pair bestie, Michelle
