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Childcare Costs in Perth 2026, What Daycare Fees Really Cost in Western Australia
Wondering what childcare costs in Perth in 2026? This guide covers average Perth daycare fees, centre-based and family daycare costs, how the CCS works, and practical tips for finding childcare in Western Australia.
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Childcare Costs in Perth 2026
Perth's childcare market has historically been slightly less expensive than Sydney or Melbourne, but fees have risen with the city's strong economic growth driven by resources, construction, and migration. Perth's sprawling geography means childcare availability and fees vary significantly between suburbs. Inner-western suburbs (Subiaco, Cottesloe, Claremont, Nedlands) have premium fees; outer growth corridors (Baldivis, Ellenbrook, Byford, Alkimos) have more moderate fees and newer purpose-built centres. This guide covers what childcare costs in Perth in 2026.
Average Childcare Fees in Perth 2026
- Long Day Care (western suburbs: Subiaco, Claremont, Cottesloe, Nedlands): $140-$195/day before CCS
- Long Day Care (inner-city: West Perth, Mt Lawley, Bayswater): $120-$160/day before CCS
- Long Day Care (outer suburbs: Baldivis, Ellenbrook, Alkimos, Byford): $90-$130/day before CCS
- Before and After School Care (per session): $18-$36/session
- Family Day Care (per hour): $9-$14/hour
Childcare Subsidy (CCS) in Perth
- Federal CCS applies across WA; maximum 90% subsidy for eligible families
- WA Kindergarten Program: WA provides funded kindergarten (kindy) for 4-year-olds for 15 hours/week at approved providers; the WA kindy program is compulsory for children in their fourth year of life at some schools; many Perth long day care centres run the approved kindy program within their hours
FIFO Childcare Considerations in Perth
- Perth has a significant FIFO workforce; childcare providers near Perth Airport and in resource-sector adjacent areas (Karratha families living in Perth, Pilbara commuters) may have specific part-time or flexible enrolment arrangements that account for FIFO work schedules
- Some Perth centres offer flexible enrolment arrangements for FIFO families; ask your provider about their FIFO booking policies
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.