In today’s fast-paced world, parents often crave a night out without their children—whether to reconnect, catch that much-talked-about movie, or enjoy a meal away from the usual kid-friendly fare. However, unless you have a family member readily available, hiring a babysitter is usually necessary. If you’re concerned that the cost might eat into your fun budget, recent findings from Urbansitter’s National Childcare Rate Study can help you gauge the average babysitting rates in your area.
Urbansitter surveyed over 20,000 families across the country to identify where babysitters are earning the most and where parents can find better deals. For the third consecutive year, San Francisco tops the list for the highest babysitting rates, averaging $17.34 per hour for one child. New York follows closely at $16.89, with Seattle not far behind at $16.42. Keep in mind, these figures do not account for tips.
On the other end of the spectrum, Denver is noted as the most budget-friendly city for babysitting, with an average hourly rate of $12.22 for one child. Overall, the national average stands at approximately $15.20 per hour for a single child. If you have two kids, expect to pay around $17.34, and for three kids, the cost jumps to about $19.50. For families with four or more children, you might want to consider if the oldest is ready to babysit for some snacks or gift cards, as the babysitting costs could rival a nice dinner out.
Interestingly, while stereotypes suggest teenagers are glued to their devices, parents indicated that their babysitters’ social media habits were not their primary concern. Instead, 35% of parents cited a lack of tidiness during babysitting as their biggest annoyance. Additionally, 30% expressed frustration over last-minute cancellations, while 17% were bothered by late arrivals. (A simple text could really help ease those worries!)
If you’ve noticed your friends posting #datenight selfies, you’re not imagining it. A significant 61% of parents reported using a sitter at least once a month, and nearly a third said they hire someone weekly. Babysitters aren’t just for date nights; they’re a lifesaver for late work hours, early morning commitments, or unexpected school closures. This might explain why approximately half of the surveyed parents reported spending over $1,000 annually on babysitting services.
While babysitting can be costly, the opportunity to unwind without kids is invaluable, making it a worthwhile investment until your children are mature enough to stay home alone. For more resources on parenting and fertility, check out this excellent guide on female infertility, and learn more about options like an artificial insemination kit for those exploring family planning. For additional details, visit our terms and conditions page.
Summary
The cost of hiring a babysitter varies significantly across the United States, with cities like San Francisco and New York leading in high rates. Parents are willing to invest in babysitting services for their peace of mind and personal time, averaging over $1,000 annually for childcare.