Sydney Daycare Fees 2026: What Parents Actually Pay by Area

Childcare Costs in Sydney 2026

Sydney has some of Australia's most expensive and competitive childcare markets. Inner-city and Eastern Suburbs centres are particularly expensive, while outer suburban and western Sydney areas offer more moderate fees. Sydney's large population and strong professional workforce have created chronic demand for places in many suburbs, with waitlists of 12-24 months common in popular areas. This guide covers what childcare costs in Sydney in 2026.

Average Childcare Fees in Sydney 2026

• Long Day Care (inner suburbs: Surry Hills, Newtown, Balmain, Mosman): $170-$230/day before CCS
• Long Day Care (outer suburbs: Parramatta, Liverpool, Blacktown, Penrith): $110-$160/day before CCS
• Before and After School Care (per session): $22-$42/session
• Family Day Care (per hour, unsubsidised): $10-$16/hour

Childcare Subsidy (CCS) in Sydney

• Federal CCS applies in Sydney exactly as across Australia; maximum CCS rate is 90% for eligible families earning under approximately $80,000 combined
• Higher-income families (earning $200,000+) receive a minimum CCS rate of 0%; CCS phases out progressively with income; use the MoneySmart or Services Australia childcare subsidy estimator for your specific situation
• The CCS is only paid to approved childcare services, ensure your provider is CCS-registered before committing

Finding Childcare in Sydney

• Use Child Care Finder (childcare.gov.au) and directly contact centres in your target area
• Join multiple waitlists as early as possible, many Sydney centres have waitlists open from birth
• NSW Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) for school-age children is heavily used in Sydney; apply for BASC through the school directly or through the OSHC coordinator
• Consider Family Day Care as a waitlist alternative; FDC services are available through FDC coordinating agencies and individual FDC educators registered with your state