How Much Does Childcare Cost in Auckland CBD?
For many families, childcare is one of the biggest investments they'll make in their child's early years. This guide breaks down preschool fees, government funding, FamilyBoost, and the factors that influence childcare costs in Auckland, helping you compare your options with confidence.
Childcare costs in Auckland can vary significantly depending on your child's age, the number of days they attend, and the services included by each centre. Factors such as teacher-to-child ratios, opening hours, meals, excursions, and specialist programmes can all influence the fees families pay.
Government support such as 20 Hours ECE, FamilyBoost, and childcare subsidies can reduce the overall cost of early childhood education. Understanding what is available, and what is included in a centre's fees, can help you compare your options more accurately.
How much is this going to cost me?
Before any fee subsidies or discounts… as a general guide, Auckland CBD childcare costs often fall within the following ranges:
Child's Age
Under 3 Years
Over 3 Years
Typical Weekly Cost (Full-Time)
$250 - $500
$200 - $400
Typical Cost (Part Time)
Varies depending on days
and hours attended
** These figures are intended as a broad guide only. Actual fees will vary between centres and may be reduced through 20 Hours ECE, FamilyBoost, Work and Income subsidies, or centre-specific funding arrangements.
Can I get help paying for it?
In many cases, YES! New Zealand families may be eligible for a range of government support that can significantly reduce the cost of childcare and early childhood education.
20 Hours ECE
Children aged 3 to 5 years may be eligible for up to 20 hours of government-funded early childhood education each week. Many centres, including those in Auckland CBD, build this funding directly into their fee structure, meaning families often see a lower fee once their child turns three. The way this funding is applied can vary between centres, so it's worth asking how it works when comparing options.
Why do some centres still charge fees?
While 20 Hours ECE is a valuable Government contribution, it doesn't always cover the full cost of delivering the programme each centre provides. Many preschools choose to offer fresh meals, lower teacher-to-child ratios, specialist programmes, longer opening hours and additional resources, which all add to the cost of care. Some centres also have minimum daily booking requirements to support staffing, planning and the consistent routines that help children thrive.
Want to know more? Send us an email we can talk you though it. :)
IRD Family Boost
FamilyBoost is a government rebate that helps eligible families claim back a portion of their childcare costs. The process is fairly straightforward, although it can feel a little confusing the first time. Families pay their childcare fees as normal throughout the quarter, then submit their childcare invoices or statements to Inland Revenue to claim the rebate. Once you've done it once, it becomes much easier and can make a meaningful difference to your childcare costs.
If your family is eligible, FamilyBoost can reimburse up to 40% of your childcare costs, with a maximum rebate of $1,560 every quarter (up to $6,240 per year).
The income thresholds can seem a little confusing because they're based on total household income per quarter rather than annual income. In other words, Inland Revenue looks at the combined income of all adults in the household over a three-month period.
As a rough guide:
The full rebate is generally available to households earning up to $35,000 per quarter (around $140,000 per year combined household income).
Households earning up to $57,286 per quarter (around $229,000 per year combined household income) may still be eligible, although the rebate gradually reduces as income increases.
For many Auckland families, FamilyBoost can save thousands of dollars each year and is well worth claiming. The process involves paying your childcare fees as usual, then submitting your childcare statements or invoices to Inland Revenue each quarter to receive the rebate.
Want to know more? Send us an email we can talk you though it. :)
WINZ Childcare Subsidy
The Work and Income (WINZ) Childcare Subsidy is separate from 20 Hours ECE and can help eligible families with the cost of preschool childcare. The subsidy is income-tested and is paid directly to your childcare provider, reducing the amount you need to pay. Depending on your circumstances, it can help cover childcare costs for children under five (or under six in some situations) and can be used alongside other childcare support, although it cannot be claimed for hours already funded through 20 Hours ECE.
If you're unsure if you qualify, it's worth checking with Work and Income. Many working families, students and those receiving income support may be eligible, and the amount you receive depends on your household income and childcare needs.
Want to know more? Send us an email we can talk you though it. :)
Our Fees
Every preschool is a little different, so it's worth looking at what's included before comparing fees. At Sugartree Lane Preschool, your fees include freshly prepared meals and snacks, our weekly Music programme, our Transition to School programme, regular excursions, visiting performers and specialists, and a calendar of community events that bring families together throughout the year. We also choose to maintain lower teacher-to-child ratios than required, giving our experienced, qualified kaiako more time to support each child's learning, wellbeing and relationships. You can view our current fees and everything that's included here.