Which Living Costs Are Covered by Host Families, and Which Expenses Would I Be Responsible For as an Au Pair?

Your host family covers the major costs of your au pair year: a private room, weekly stipend,, and up to $500 toward your education. You are responsible for personal spending like your phone plan, social outings, personal travel, and any coursework costs beyond the family's contribution.

AuPairCare purchases travel & accident insurance policies for all au pairs while on program, as well as flight arrival to the U.S. to AuPairCare Connect - the New York City Adventure, flights to your host family, and your return flight home after completing your program.

The U.S. Department of State sets the framework for what host families must provide through the J-1 visa au pair program. These requirements exist so you can focus on your cultural exchange experience without worrying about basic living expenses. Here is a full breakdown of what is covered and what you should budget for on your own.

What Living Costs Does My Host Family Cover?

Host families are required to provide several core benefits as part of the program costs they pay, which total roughly $21,500 per year. Your covered expenses include:

• Private room in the family's home. You will have your own furnished bedroom at no cost to you.
• Meals. You have access to food in the home or a meal allowance when the family is away.
• Weekly stipend. The Department of State minimum is $195.75 per week. AuPairCare minimum weekly stipend is $215 per week which is higher than the U.S. Department of State minimum.* 
• Round-trip airfare. Your flight to and from the U.S. is arranged and paid for by the program.
• Education contribution. Host families contribute up to $500 per year toward your required coursework (6 semester hours of academic credit at an accredited U.S. institution).
  

Regarding health insurance: Travel and Accident insurance policies are purchased by AuPairCare and provides coverage the duration of your program year.

You can review all of these benefits in detail on the costs and benefits page on our AuPairCare website.

What Expenses Am I Responsible For as an Au Pair?

Your personal spending is your responsibility. Most au pairs find that the weekly stipend covers these costs comfortably, but it helps to plan ahead. Common personal expenses include:

• Cell phone plan. While some families may cover their au pair’s phone plan, a prepaid or monthly plan typically runs $30 to $50 per month.
• Personal travel. Weekend trips, vacation travel, and sightseeing costs are on you, though you do receive two weeks of paid vacation per year.
• Social activities. Dining out, entertainment, and outings with friends.
• Toiletries and personal care items. Shampoo, cosmetics, and similar products.
• Coursework costs beyond $500. If your tuition or fees exceed the host family's $500 contribution, you cover the difference.
• Clothing and personal shopping.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average young adult in the U.S. spends roughly $200 to $400 per month on these categories. With room, board, and travel and accident insurance already covered, your stipend goes further..

How Much Will I Actually Take Home Each Week as an Au Pair?

The federal minimum stipend is $195.75 per week, set by the Department of State. AuPairCare minimum weekly stipend is $215 per week which is higher than the U.S. Department of State minimum.* Use the au pair salary calculator to estimate your annual take-home amount.

Keep in mind that J-1 visa holders may have tax obligations on stipend income. The IRS provides guidance on how J-1 visa participants are taxed. Most au pairs fall below the standard deduction threshold, but you should review your specific situation.

How Does the Education Benefit Work?

Host families contribute up to $500 per year toward the six semester hours of coursework required by the J-1 visa program. You choose your classes at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Many au pairs select English language courses, early childhood education, or other subjects that interest them. If your total tuition exceeds $500, you pay the remaining balance. Full details are on the program and eligibility page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay rent or utilities?

No. Your private room and all household utilities are provided by your host family at no cost to you.

Is food included on my days off?

Yes. You have access to meals in the home throughout your program, including days off and vacation days.

Can I negotiate a higher stipend?

AuPairCare minimum weekly stipend is $215 per week which is higher than the U.S. Department of State minimum.*Some families offer above this5 minimum. You can discuss this stipend amount  during the matching process, and many AuPairCare families pay  more per week.

Do I need to buy my own health insurance?

Travel and accident insurance is included as part of your program. You are covered for the full duration of your program stay. 

How many hours per week will I work for my stipend?

Au pairs work a maximum of 45 hours per week and receive two weeks of paid vacation per year. See full scheduling details on the program details page.

Ready To Work as Au Pair? We Got You!

We at AuPairCare handle the logistics so you can focus on your experience. Visit the au pairs overview to learn how the program works, or apply today to take the first step toward your year in the U.S.‍

The U.S. Department of State calculation of the minimum weekly stipend is based on the federal minimum wage with a 40% deduction for room and board in exchange for childcare services. AuPairCare minimum weekly stipend is $215 per week which is higher than the U.S. Department of State minimum. Host families and au pairs are free to agree to a weekly stipend even higher than the $215 per week minimum. The minimum au pair stipend, educational reimbursement, and other options are subject to change based on updates to federal au pair regulations. Host families are obligated to pay the minimum weekly stipend and it cannot be withheld for any reason. Should any change occur, AuPairCare will notify all impacted parties.‍