Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a live-in nanny cost in Charleston, SC in 2026?
In Charleston, SC, the average live-in nanny earns about $19.79 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $792/week or $3,430/month. Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $10–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$19.79/hr · Charleston average
These numbers come from 160 live live-in nanny listings in Charleston on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $792
- Monthly
- $3,430
- Annual
- $41,163
Find live-in nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $10–$30/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
01
Experience
Experience is one of the biggest levers on a live-in nanny's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.
02
Number of kids
One child is the baseline. Each additional child usually adds $1–$2/hour. Twins and infants tend toward the high end.
+$1 to $2/hour per additional child
| 1 kid (baseline) | $19.79 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$20.79 |
| 3+ kids | ~$21.79+ |
03
Hours & schedule
Standard weekday daytime hours are easiest to staff. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and last-minute coverage all push rates up.
10–20%premium for off-hours coverage
| Weekday 9–5 (standard) | — |
|---|---|
| Evening/weekend | +$2–4/hr |
| Last-minute | +$3–5/hr |
Also factor in: live-in vs. live-out · household duties beyond childcare · driving · cooking · travel.
Full-time, part-time, and live-in live-in nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $20.87/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $20.50/hr | See live-in rates → |
Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the live-in nanny.
How do Charleston live-in nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Charleston runs above the U.S. average for live-in nanny rates, in line with most major metros.
Hiring live-in nannies in Charleston, SC typically costs about 32% more than the South Carolina average of $15/hour and 17% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC | $20/hr | — |
| South Carolina | $15/hr | -24% |
| United States | $17/hr | -15% |
Where Charleston, SC fits among nearby cities
The most expensive city for live-in nannies near Charleston, SC is Mount Pleasant at $17.69/hour; the least expensive is Aiken at $12.76/hour.
Below are the 10 most and 10 least expensive cities near Charleston, SC and how each compares to Charleston, SC's average of $19.79/hour.
Most expensive cities near Charleston, SC
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Charleston, SC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Pleasant | $17.69 | -11% | |
| 2 | CharlestonThis city | $17.24 | -13% | |
| 3 | Johns Island | $16.52 | -17% | |
| 4 | Simpsonville | $16.39 | -17% | |
| 5 | Indian Land | $16.27 | -18% | |
| 6 | Fort Mill | $16.11 | -19% | |
| 7 | Bluffton | $15.81 | -20% | |
| 8 | Greenville | $15.25 | -23% | |
| 9 | Myrtle Beach | $14.98 | -24% | |
| 10 | North Charleston | $14.76 | -25% |
Least expensive cities near Charleston, SC
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Charleston, SC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiken | $12.76 | -36% | |
| 2 | Florence | $12.93 | -35% | |
| 3 | Lexington | $13.16 | -34% | |
| 4 | Ladson | $13.25 | -33% | |
| 5 | Rock Hill | $13.78 | -30% | |
| 6 | Beaufort | $13.89 | -30% | |
| 7 | Columbia | $13.91 | -30% | |
| 8 | Anderson | $14.00 | -29% | |
| 9 | Spartanburg | $14.33 | -28% | |
| 10 | Greer | $14.64 | -26% |
Tips to find a great live-in nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best live-in nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced live-in nannies with 10+ years. References matter more than years.
- Consider a share. If your kids are similar ages and you live near another family, a share is the single biggest cost reduction available without compromising on care.
- Be specific about hours upfront. Most live-in nannies will take a slightly lower rate for a guaranteed steady schedule than for a higher-rate, unpredictable one.
- Bundle benefits thoughtfully. Two weeks PTO, a health stipend, transit passes, education assistance, or an annual raise commitment can help close the gap with families offering a higher hourly rate.
- Match rate to responsibilities. A higher rate often makes sense once you add cooking, errands, or driving. Don't compare apples to oranges across listings.
How to reduce nanny costs?
Split the cost of a nanny with another family
and enjoy flexible child care.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a live-in nanny in Charleston, SC
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with live-in nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse live-in nanny profiles in Charleston, SC
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the live-in nannies whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.
- 03
Schedule a phone call, then a paid trial day
Trial days feel awkward at first — that's normal. They're the best way to see how a live-in nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your live-in nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available live-in nannies in Charleston, SC
160 active listings in Charleston
Nanny Vasanti
Nanny Vasanti
Charleston, SC
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Im super open minded and always willing to learn and grow! I cater to each childs individual needs and love getting to experience all their big personalities!
Certification
CPR
Nanny Chloe
Nanny Chloe
Charleston, SC
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
I am an energetic individual who loves helping others in any way possible. I work well in high-pressure situations. I am a caring and dependable nanny with 7+ years of experience caring for children ages 0–14. I love creating safe, engaging environments and supporting child development.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Recent reference
"Chloe was an amazing nanny for our family. She was always responsible, dependable, and on time, but also so much fun with the kids. She kept them entertained with activities, games, and creative play, and they absolutely adored her. Even now, the kids still rave about how much they loved spending time with Chloe. She has a wonderful way of connecting with children while still maintaining structure and responsibility. I would highly recommend her to any family looking for someone caring, trustworthy, and engaging. We still use Chloe for babysitting needs!"
- Kassie
Nanny Iris
Nanny Iris
Charleston, SC
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a freshman at the University of South Carolina seeking a summer nanny position in Charleston, ideally in a live-in role. I am originally from Richmond, Virginia, and have family in the Charleston area.
I have several years of hands-on childcare experience with children ranging from 8 weeks to 11 years old. During my junior and senior years of high school, I worked at a childcare facility where I built a strong foundation in safety, organization, and age-appropriate care. I also nannied for a family with an infant throughout my senior year and continue to support them during school breaks, a relationship I greatly value.
Additionally, I cared for a 3- and 6-year-old over the summer, managing daily routines, driving them to camps, and planning engaging activities such as pool days, games, and outdoor play. I regularly babysit for multiple families and genuinely enjoy becoming a trusted and consistent presence in children’s lives.
I have several years of hands-on childcare experience with children ranging from 8 weeks to 11 years old. During my junior and senior years of high school, I worked at a childcare facility where I built a strong foundation in safety, organization, and age-appropriate care. I also nannied for a family with an infant throughout my senior year and continue to support them during school breaks, a relationship I greatly value.
Additionally, I cared for a 3- and 6-year-old over the summer, managing daily routines, driving them to camps, and planning engaging activities such as pool days, games, and outdoor play. I regularly babysit for multiple families and genuinely enjoy becoming a trusted and consistent presence in children’s lives.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Alma
Nanny Alma
Charleston, SC
$19/hr
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Alma, and I’m originally from Sweden but grew up in Newport Beach, California, where I graduated from High School in 2024. I just completed my first year studying Business Marketing at Stockholm University, but I’ve decided to continue my education online to allow more flexibility and to explore hands-on, meaningful experiences—like working as a nanny.
Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time in Charleston and completely fell in love with the community. I’m planning to move there full-time this fall and am looking for a creative and engaging role that fits with my energetic and nurturing personality. I have a flexible schedule thanks to my online studies and would love to support a family in a dynamic, live-in position. I’m responsible, fun, and deeply value creating a warm and safe environment for kids to learn and grow.
Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time in Charleston and completely fell in love with the community. I’m planning to move there full-time this fall and am looking for a creative and engaging role that fits with my energetic and nurturing personality. I have a flexible schedule thanks to my online studies and would love to support a family in a dynamic, live-in position. I’m responsible, fun, and deeply value creating a warm and safe environment for kids to learn and grow.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Aran
Nanny Aran
Charleston, SC
$19/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a dedicated and nurturing childcare provider with over eight years of experience working with children. With a background in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, as well as a degree in piano, I bring a well-rounded and creative approach to caregiving. I am currently a graduate student at the College of Charleston, further expanding my expertise in child development and education.
I am CPR and First Aid certified, ensuring a safe environment for children at all times. Being bilingual in Spanish and English, I enjoy incorporating language learning into daily activities. My approach is patient, fun, and creative—I prioritize children’s well-being while fostering their curiosity and development through engaging activities, music, and play.
I genuinely enjoy working with children and strive to create a warm, safe, and stimulating environment where they can thrive. I look forward to supporting a family that values a nurturing and educational approach to childcare!
I am CPR and First Aid certified, ensuring a safe environment for children at all times. Being bilingual in Spanish and English, I enjoy incorporating language learning into daily activities. My approach is patient, fun, and creative—I prioritize children’s well-being while fostering their curiosity and development through engaging activities, music, and play.
I genuinely enjoy working with children and strive to create a warm, safe, and stimulating environment where they can thrive. I look forward to supporting a family that values a nurturing and educational approach to childcare!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Masha
Nanny Masha
Charleston, SC
$20/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hey everyone! I’m Masha Stephens, a sophomore at Auburn University, and I’m on the lookout for a nanny job this summer. I’m very flexible with my schedule! I have experience with kids of all ages, including those with allergies or special needs. Spending time with kids brings me so much joy, and I love seeing them happy. I’d be thrilled to care for kids this summer and create wonderful memories together! While I don’t have CPR certification right now, I can easily get one. I’ve done a lot of babysitting, including driving, swimming, and taking kids to public places. If you’d like to know more about me, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Bailey
Nanny Bailey
Charleston, SC
$20/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Bailey, I am a 27 year old ER nurse looking for part time work on my days off! (Work 3 days a week, varies each week) I have been a nanny, daycare employee, and babysitter prior to starting my career and have always loved it! CPR/BLS and Pediatric Advanced Life Support certified.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sarah
Nanny Sarah
Charleston, SC
$20/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hey hey I'm commonly known as Aunt Sarah to my 10+ biological nieces/nephews and my many unbiological kids. They are at an age where they don't need me as much and I'd like to continue to care and help develop our future generation. Being a well rounded individual, I think I would be a great fit for your family. Giving you a peace of mind and confidence that someone like me is caring for your child is what I am here for.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Felicia
Nanny Felicia
Charleston, SC
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Greetings! Bambi here.
My childcare experience ranges from babysitting to emergency response. I've worked in healthcare for 20 years, specializing in pediatrics, sports medicine and behavioral health. I am looking to transition from healthcare, while still serving my community.
I am available for contract hourly or live-in.
I look forward to providing exceptional services to you and your families!
My childcare experience ranges from babysitting to emergency response. I've worked in healthcare for 20 years, specializing in pediatrics, sports medicine and behavioral health. I am looking to transition from healthcare, while still serving my community.
I am available for contract hourly or live-in.
I look forward to providing exceptional services to you and your families!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid