Childcare fees vary by centre, and your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) changes what you actually pay. Use our free calculator to get your number in a couple of minutes, or read on for a quick overview.
What does childcare cost in Australia?
Daily fees for long day care generally range from about $110 to $210, depending on your state and centre. The national average sits around $130 to $145 a day before any subsidy.
We publish our daily fee on every Insight Early Learning centre page, so you can compare your local cost before you enquire.
What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
CCS is a Government payment that reduces your childcare fees. It’s paid directly to your centre, and you only pay the remaining “gap fee.”
How much CCS could I get?
| Combined family income | CCS Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $88,520 | Up to 90% |
| $88,520 – $538,520 | Tapers down as income rises |
| Above $538,520 | 0% (still worth checking) |
Your rate also depends on your activity level (work, study or volunteering hours) and your child’s age. Families with more than one child aged 5 or under may get an even higher rate for their second child.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if you meet all of the following:
- You and your child meet residency requirements
- Your child meets immunisation requirements
- Your child attends approved care, like Insight Early Learning
- You (or you and your partner) meet the activity test — or the new 3-Day Guarantee applies
Since January 2026, every eligible family gets at least 3 days (72 hours) of subsidised care a fortnight, regardless of activity level.
Get your exact estimate
Rates and thresholds only tell part of the story. Your real cost depends on your income, your child’s age, and your centre’s fee. Our calculator does the maths for you.
Next steps
- Find your nearest centre and its daily fee
- Run your numbers through our CCS calculator
- Book a tour and chat with your local centre director
