The numbers
What pocket money is typical?
Pick a destination and the length of the stay. These are the ranges our community actually agrees on — the figures sit on top of a private room and all meals.
Max 30 hours / week 1.5 days off weekly
3 months24 months
Per week
€70–€95
Per month
€303–€411
Whole stay (9 months)
€2,727–€3,699
On top of the money
Pocket money is not the whole exchange. Families also provide the private room, all meals, and usually:
- A monthly public transport pass
- A share of the language course fee (often €50–€100 a month)
- Health insurance where the state system doesn't cover the au pair
- Two to four weeks of paid holiday per twelve-month stay
Go deeper
Typical current practice, January 2026 — not legal advice. Check the host country's official guidance before signing.