Childcare Cost Comparison Calculator
Compare two nurseries, registered childminders, preschool schedules or childcare packages side by side, including funded hours, optional extras and estimated monthly and annual costs.
Compare Childcare CostsCompare Two Providers
Enter each provider’s hours, fees, funded-hours policy and extras in one place.
Start ComparingCheck Funded Hours
Model how 15 or 30 funded hours may reduce private childcare charges.
Calculate HoursPlan Your Budget
See weekly, monthly and annual figures before choosing a childcare arrangement.
Plan Nursery FeesCompare Childcare Costs Side By Side
Use the same weekly attendance pattern for a fair comparison, or enter different hours when the providers offer different schedules. Results are estimates and should be checked against written fee schedules.
Your Comparison Details
Enter the main charges for each childcare option. You can include funded hours and optional weekly extras.
Your Comparison Will Appear Here
Enter both childcare options and select the comparison button to see the estimated difference.
Your Cost Comparison
What A Fair Childcare Comparison Should Include
The lowest advertised hourly rate is not always the lowest total cost.
Explore Childcare Cost Tools
Use related calculators to test different fees, funding and attendance patterns.
Choose The Best Value, Not Just The Cheapest Rate
A childcare option that costs slightly more may include meals, longer opening hours, fewer closure days or a more convenient location. Those differences can reduce travel, missed work and extra wraparound-care costs.
Ask every provider for a written fee schedule and compare the same attendance pattern. Confirm whether funded hours are accepted, how they are stretched, which weeks are charged and whether extras are optional.
- Compare identical weekly hours where possible
- Include registration fees, deposits and notice periods
- Check funded-hour restrictions and session rules
- Value convenience, quality and reliability alongside price
How To Use The Childcare Cost Comparison Calculator
Start by entering the number of weeks you expect to use childcare. Many families need care for more than the 38 weeks used in standard funded-hours calculations, so using the provider’s real charging calendar produces a more useful estimate.
Next, choose the funded-hours entitlement you want to model. The calculator converts 15 hours into 570 annual hours and 30 hours into 1,140 annual hours, then applies those hours to each option without exceeding booked attendance.
Enter Comparable Provider Figures
For each option, enter booked weekly hours, the private hourly fee, weekly extras and any regular monthly support. When a provider quotes a session or daily price, divide the charge by the hours included to create an equivalent hourly figure, but keep any mandatory extras separate.
Read The Result Carefully
The monthly figure is the estimated annual cost divided by 12. Your actual invoice may be termly, weekly, calendar-monthly or annualised. The comparison shows which option appears cheaper using the figures entered, but it does not measure quality, convenience, staff continuity or suitability for your child.
Check Official Childcare Support
Use the official GOV.UK childcare support calculator to check help you may be able to receive. Families should also review Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit childcare costs and England’s Free Childcare for Working Parents.
Childcare Fees And Costs To Include
A complete comparison should include every unavoidable payment over the year. Two providers with similar hourly rates can have very different final costs once session rules and extras are added.
Core Childcare Fees
Hourly rates, full-day prices, half-day sessions, minimum bookings and charges for early drop-off or late collection.
Meals And Consumables
Food, milk, nappies, wipes, sun cream, activities, outings and other consumables that may be charged separately.
One-Off Charges
Registration fees, deposits, administration charges, settling-in sessions and charges when a place is reserved.
Closures And Absence
Charges during holidays, bank holidays, sickness, staff training days or periods when your child does not attend.
Example Comparison
| Cost Item | Nursery Example | Childminder Example |
|---|---|---|
| Private hourly fee | £8.50 | £7.50 |
| Weekly extras | £25 | £10 |
| Chargeable weeks | 48 | 48 |
| Funded hours | Accepted, stretched | Accepted, stretched |
| Other considerations | Longer opening hours | Smaller home setting |
The example figures are illustrative, not national averages. Always use quotes from providers you are genuinely considering.
Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Childcare Provider
How Are Funded Hours Applied?
Ask whether the provider offers term-time or stretched funding, which sessions can be funded and whether a minimum number of paid hours is required. Request an example invoice showing the funded deduction and additional charges.
Which Charges Are Mandatory?
Providers should explain which costs are included and which are optional. Ask whether you can supply your own meals or consumables and whether funded places are available without purchasing extras.
What Happens During Holidays Or Sickness?
Clarify whether you pay when your child is absent, when the provider closes, on bank holidays and during family holidays. Also check notice periods and the rules for changing days.
Does The Schedule Fit Your Working Day?
A lower-cost option can become expensive if you need separate breakfast clubs, after-school care, emergency cover or extra travel. Include the practical cost of getting to work on time.
Related Childcare Cost Guides
Continue comparing childcare arrangements with detailed cost and funding guidance.
Nursery Costs Explained
Understand sessions, annualised fees, deposits, extras and funded-hour deductions.
Read The Guide →Childminder Costs
Compare flexible home-based childcare fees, meals, outings and holiday policies.
Read The Guide →30 Hours Free Childcare
Review eligibility, annual funded hours, codes and provider delivery patterns.
Read The Guide →Tax-Free Childcare
Learn how the government top-up can help with approved childcare costs.
Read The Guide →Universal Credit Childcare
Understand reimbursement rules and how childcare costs are reported.
Read The Guide →Choosing Childcare
Compare quality, location, opening times, availability and total value.
Read The Guide →Childcare Cost Comparison Calculator FAQs
Common questions about comparing nursery, preschool and childminder costs.
Compare Your Childcare Options Today
Enter two provider quotes, include funded hours and extras, then use the result alongside quality, availability and practical fit.
Compare Childcare Costs