If you’re trying to understand how much childcare costs in Perth, you’re not alone. Childcare fees are one of the biggest ongoing expenses for many families, and the numbers can feel confusing at first. The short answer is that long day care in Perth generally costs between $150 and $180 per day before subsidies, with average daily fees sitting around $165 to $170, depending on your suburb, your child’s age, and the type of care you choose.
The good news is that most families do not pay this full amount out of pocket. Australia’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) significantly reduces childcare costs for eligible families, often bringing daily fees down to a much more manageable level. In this guide, we break down typical childcare costs in Perth, explain why fees vary, outline what’s usually included, and show how the CCS can dramatically reduce what you actually pay.
Average Childcare Costs in Perth (Before Subsidies)
Many families begin comparing fees when deciding when to start childcare, especially if returning to work part-time or full-time.
Across Perth, long day care centres typically charge $150 to $180 per day before CCS. Some centres in outer suburbs or lower-demand areas may sit closer to $100 to $160 per day, while premium centres or those in high-demand inner suburbs can exceed $180 or even reach $200 per day.
These figures are averages, not fixed rules. Childcare pricing is influenced by local demand, operating costs, and the level of services provided. That’s why two centres only a few suburbs apart can have noticeably different daily fees.
For many families, the key thing to remember is that these are before-subsidy prices. Once the Child Care Subsidy is applied, the amount you actually pay can be significantly lower.
Typical Childcare Fees at Cuddles Early Learning (Before CCS)
To give families a clear and realistic benchmark, Cuddles Early Learning & Childcare is transparent about its fees before subsidies:
| Care Type | Fee (Before CCS) |
|---|---|
| Full Day Care | $164.11 per day |
| Before School Care | $48.65 per session |
| After School Care | $59 per session |
| Vacation Care (Full Day) | $164.11 per day |
*NOTE: Fees listed above are accurate up to 15th January 2026
These fees sit comfortably within the typical Perth range for centre-based care. Once CCS is applied, most families will pay substantially less out of pocket, depending on their household income and activity levels.
Why Childcare Costs Vary Across Perth
Childcare fees are not the same across all centres, and there are several practical reasons for this variation.
Location and Suburb Demand
Suburb plays a major role in pricing. Centres in inner-city or high-demand areas often face higher rent, staffing, and operating costs, which can be reflected in daily fees. In contrast, centres in outer suburbs or less densely populated areas may be able to offer lower rates.
Your Child’s Age
Younger children, particularly babies and toddlers, often cost more to care for. This is because early learning regulations require lower educator-to-child ratios for infants, meaning more staff are needed per child. Preschool-aged children typically have slightly lower daily fees as ratios increase.
Centre Quality and Inclusions
Higher-quality centres often invest more in qualified educators, learning environments, safety systems, and educational resources. While these centres may charge more, the additional cost usually reflects higher operating standards rather than unnecessary extras.
What’s Included in Childcare Fees?
Understanding what your daily fee covers is just as important as knowing the price itself. In most Perth long day care centres, fees typically include:
- Educational programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework
- Qualified early childhood educators and support staff
- Meals and snacks throughout the day
- Learning resources and age-appropriate equipment
- Daily care routines, hygiene, and safety practices
- Communication with families about your child’s progress
Some lower-cost services may not include meals or nappies, which can lead to extra weekly expenses. This is why comparing inclusions, not just headline prices, is essential when choosing a centre.
Childcare Costs by Type in Perth
Different types of childcare come with different pricing structures. Understanding these options can help you choose the right fit for your family.
Location and Suburb Demand
Suburb plays a major role in pricing. Centres in inner-city or high-demand areas often face higher rent, staffing, and operating costs, which can be reflected in daily fees. In contrast, centres in outer suburbs or less densely populated areas may be able to offer lower rates.
Family Day Care
Family day care is provided in an educator’s home and typically involves smaller group sizes. Fees are often charged hourly rather than daily, which can make it more affordable for some families. However, families may need to supply meals or learning materials depending on the service.
Outside School Hours Care
Outside school hours care, including before school, after school, and vacation care, is designed for primary school-aged children. Fees are usually charged per session rather than per day, making it a flexible option for working parents during school terms and holidays.
How the Child Care Subsidy Reduces Childcare Costs
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main reason childcare is more affordable than it first appears. The subsidy is paid directly to approved childcare providers and reduces the amount families are billed.
Your CCS percentage is based on several factors, including:
- Combined household income
- Hours of recognised activity such as work or study
- Number of children in care
- Type of childcare service
Families earning lower incomes may be eligible for a subsidy of up to 90 percent, while higher-income families may receive a smaller percentage or no subsidy at all.
For example, if a daily childcare fee is $164 and your family qualifies for a 90 percent subsidy, your out-of-pocket cost could be around $16 to $20 per day. Even at lower subsidy rates, the CCS can still reduce weekly childcare expenses by hundreds of dollars.
How Much Will Childcare Cost Your Family Each Week?
Weekly childcare costs depend on how many days your child attends and your CCS percentage. As a general guide:
- Two days per week may suit part-time work or study
- Three to four days is common for families with flexible schedules
- Five days per week is typical for full-time working parents
Once subsidies are applied, many families find childcare costs are far more manageable than expected, especially when budgeting over a full year rather than looking at daily rates alone.
Is Childcare Worth the Cost?
While childcare is a significant financial commitment, it offers value far beyond supervision. High-quality early learning supports children’s social development, emotional wellbeing, communication skills, and readiness for school.
Children benefit from structured routines, peer interaction, and learning experiences designed specifically for their age and stage of development. For parents, reliable childcare provides peace of mind and the ability to balance work, family, and personal responsibilities.
How to Compare Childcare Centres in Perth
When comparing childcare options, it’s important to look beyond price alone. Consider:
- Educator qualifications and experience
- Learning programs and daily routines
- Centre environment and safety standards
- Communication with families
- Transparency around fees and inclusions
Visiting a centre, speaking with educators, and understanding exactly what is included in the fees can help you make a confident decision.
Need More Help Understanding Childcare Costs in Perth?
Every family’s situation is different, and understanding childcare fees, subsidies, and what you’ll actually pay can feel overwhelming.
If you’d like personalised guidance on childcare costs in Perth, including how the Child Care Subsidy applies to your family, the team at Cuddles Early Learning & Childcare is here to help.
We’re happy to talk through fees, inclusions, and care options, answer your questions, and help you decide what works best for your child and your budget. Reaching out for clarity today can make planning your child’s early learning journey much easier and far more confident.