In today’s fast-paced world, parents often find themselves in need of some time away from the kids — whether it’s for a romantic dinner, a much-anticipated movie, or simply enjoying a meal that doesn’t revolve around chicken nuggets. If you lack family nearby to help out, hiring a babysitter becomes essential. But how can you ensure that the cost of childcare doesn’t eat into your evening out? A recent study by Urban Sitter reveals the latest trends in babysitting rates across the country, helping you plan your budget accordingly.
The findings of the 2020 National Childcare Rate Study, which surveyed over 20,000 families, highlight significant variations in babysitting costs. For the third consecutive year, San Francisco tops the list with an average rate of $17.34 per hour for one child. New York follows closely at $16.89, while Seattle rounds out the top three at $16.42. Keep in mind that these figures don’t account for gratuities, which can further increase expenses.
On the other end of the spectrum, the most affordable city for babysitting is Denver, where parents can expect to pay around $12.22 per hour for one child. Nationally, the average cost for one child sits at $15.20 per hour. If you have two kids, prepare to spend about $17.34, and for three children, the average is approximately $19.50. If you’re juggling four or more kids, you might want to train the oldest to babysit in exchange for snacks and gift cards — otherwise, hiring a sitter could be pricier than a nice dinner out!
Interestingly, while it may seem that teenagers are glued to their devices, parents reported that social media usage during babysitting isn’t their primary concern. A significant 35% of parents expressed annoyance over sitters who neglect to tidy up after themselves. Additionally, 30% of respondents voiced frustration with last-minute cancellations, while 17% cited tardiness as a major irritation.
It appears that many of your friends might be sharing #datenight photos more often because a substantial 61% of parents use a babysitter at least once a month, with nearly a third employing one weekly. Beyond date nights, babysitters are invaluable for unexpected work obligations or days off from school that aren’t holidays. This necessity is reflected in the fact that nearly half of parents reported spending over $1,000 annually on childcare services.
Despite the high costs associated with hiring babysitters, the opportunity for parents to unwind without the kids is invaluable. Until the children are mature enough to stay home alone, many parents are willing to invest in this essential service.
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In summary, babysitting rates vary widely across the U.S., with urban areas generally costing more. While parents may face challenges in finding reliable sitters for their children, the need for personal time away remains a priority.