How much does it cost to raise a child in Europe
The cost of early childhood services in Europe remains high and varies greatly between countries and territories. Between high fees, scarcity of places and waiting lists, families are often faced with significant expenses that account for up to 50% of income for those with fewer resources
The cost and availability of early childhood services remain among the main obstacles to childbirth in Europe. Despite the support programmes launched by many governments, including bonuses, tax deductions and subsidies, families often face high fees, territorial differences and long waiting lists. The situation varies from country to country, but the recurring difficulties are three: high prices, limited access and fragmented policies.
In several Member States, the average weekly costs for a full-time place in a day-care centre exceed EUR 180-200, with much higher peaks in large cities and wealthier towns. In some urban areas, it is not uncommon for fees to reach EUR 350 per week, while in other areas public services allow much lower fees or even zero fees for families with low and medium incomes. This range reflects not only national but also local policies, creating strong disparities within the same country.
Ireland: high tuition fees and waiting lists
In Ireland, the average weekly cost for a full-time childcare service is EUR 190, according to Pobal's 2023/2024 figures. In large cities such as Dublin and Cork, the figures exceed EUR 200 per week, reaching up to EUR 260 in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and in some cases providers charge up to EUR 370. The problem is exacerbated by long waiting lists: over 77,000 children are registered, often on several lists at once. The state offers support such as the free ECCE programme (3 hours per day for two years, equivalent to about EUR 70 per week) and the National Childcare Scheme, with universal or income-based subsidies. A weekly ceiling of EUR 354 was introduced for providers under the public programme, but many are leaving the system to raise fees freely.
Italy: variable costs and scarcity of places
In Italia la differenza principale è tra nidi (0-3 anni) e scuole dell’infanzia (3-5 anni). Nei nidi comunali le rette variano molto a seconda della città e del reddito: fino a 669 euro al mese a Milano, 524 a Roma, 290 a Napoli, ma talvolta solo 50-100 euro. Nei nidi privati, i costi medi sono più elevati (639 euro a Milano, 476 a Roma, 350 a Napoli). Il vero problema è la scarsità di posti: nel 2022 solo il 30% dei bambini sotto i tre anni aveva accesso al servizio, con forti differenze regionali e liste d’attesa nel 60% dei nidi. Le famiglie possono beneficiare di rimborsi fiscali fino a 600 euro, del bonus nido (da 1.500 a 3.600 euro a seconda del reddito) e dell’assegno unico mensile (58–201 euro), ma il dibattito politico si concentra più sull’aumento dei posti che sui costi.
France: progressive tariffs and state support
In France, the tariffs of public and private centres depend on family income and the number of children. For example, a family with only one child and an income of EUR 801 per month pays about EUR 22 per week, while one with EUR 8,500 spends about EUR 237. For micro-crèches, which are not regulated by the CAF, costs vary widely, but families can receive aid according to income and the number of children. There is a tax credit of 50 per cent of childcare costs up to EUR 3,500 per child (maximum EUR 1,750). In recent years, quality problems have emerged in services and stricter staffing regulations have increased costs. On average, families spend between 6 per cent and 15 per cent of their income on childcare.
