It’s essential for parents to carve out some time for themselves, whether that means enjoying a romantic evening, catching the latest blockbuster, or dining somewhere that doesn’t feature chicken nuggets on the menu. However, if you don’t have a relative nearby to help, hiring a babysitter is often necessary. If you’re worried that the cost of a sitter might leave you short on cash for that fancy cocktail, fear not! Recent findings from a comprehensive study by Urban Sitter reveal the average babysitting rates across the country, helping you budget for your night out.
Urban Sitter surveyed over 20,000 families nationwide to identify where babysitters earn the most and where parents 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 include gratuity.
On the flip side, the most economical city for babysitting is Denver, where the average rate for one child is a mere $12.22 an hour. Nationwide, the average cost for a babysitter is around $15.20 per hour for one child. If you have two kids, you can expect to pay about $17.34, and for three children, the cost rises to approximately $19.50. If you’re juggling four or more kids, hopefully, your eldest is ready to step in as a babysitter—because hiring someone could end up costing more than a multi-course meal!
Interestingly, despite the stereotype of teenagers being glued to their screens, parents indicated that a sitter’s social media habits are not their top concern. A striking 35% of parents expressed annoyance at babysitters who fail to tidy up while on duty, while 30% wish sitters would refrain from canceling unexpectedly—a frustration many can relate to. Being late rounded out the list of top three grievances at 17%. Communication is key, folks!
If you’ve noticed a surge in #datenight posts from friends, it’s not just your imagination. A whopping 61% of parents reported using a babysitter at least once a month, and nearly one-third enlist help weekly. Beyond date nights, babysitters also come to the rescue during late work hours or unexpected school closures. This explains why almost half of parents admitted to spending over $1,000 annually on childcare.
While babysitters can be pricey, the priceless value of spending quality time without the kids makes it worth the investment. Until your little ones are old enough to stay home alone, expect to keep budgeting for that much-needed break.
For more advice on family planning and related topics, check out our resources on home insemination, including this guide on cryobaby kits and insights on your fertility journey. For comprehensive pregnancy resources, visit WHO’s pregnancy page.