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 $23.09 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $924/week or $4,002/month. Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $12–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$23.09/hr · Charleston average
These numbers come from 114 live live-in nanny listings in Charleston on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $924
- Monthly
- $4,002
- Annual
- $48,027
Find live-in nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $12–$35/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) | $23.09 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$24.09 |
| 3+ kids | ~$25.09+ |
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 | $23.82/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $23.38/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 is one of the more expensive live-in nanny markets in the country.
Hiring live-in nannies in Charleston, SC typically costs about 34% more than the South Carolina average of $17/hour and 20% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC | $23/hr | — |
| South Carolina | $17/hr | -25% |
| United States | $19/hr | -17% |
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
114 active listings in Charleston
Nanny Mary
Nanny Mary
Charleston, SC
$25 - $40/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Mary, and I’d love to help care for your family. I’m a recent college graduate with a background in journalism and years of experience working with children through babysitting, teaching fitness classes, and mentoring. I’m dependable, energetic, and genuinely enjoy creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment for kids.
I’m happy to help with everything from school pick-ups and activities to meal prep, homework, light housekeeping, and keeping little ones entertained with crafts, outdoor play, and creative activities. I pride myself on being patient, organized, and someone parents can trust.
I’m looking forward to connecting with a wonderful family and would love to chat to see if we’d be a great fit!
I’m happy to help with everything from school pick-ups and activities to meal prep, homework, light housekeeping, and keeping little ones entertained with crafts, outdoor play, and creative activities. I pride myself on being patient, organized, and someone parents can trust.
I’m looking forward to connecting with a wonderful family and would love to chat to see if we’d be a great fit!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Taylor
Nanny Taylor
Charleston, SC
$22 - $40/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I'm Taylor, a responsible, caring, and energetic graduate student with a passion for working with children. I love creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment, and I'm excited to help support your family however I can!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Santa
Nanny Santa
Charleston, SC
$20 - $30/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Warm, dependable caregiver and mother of two grown children, both now successfully living independently. Fit, healthy, and full of energy, I am seeking a live-in nanny position where I can bring the same love, patience, and attention I gave my own family to children or an adult individuals in need of care — handling childcare, elderly care, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and all daily needs. Honest and trustworthy, I make the people I care for feel safe, comfortable, and truly at home. Open to working directly with a family or through a reputable agency; willing to travel domestically or internationally with the family (valid U.S. passport). Salary negotiable.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Chloe
Nanny Chloe
Charleston, SC
$20 - $23/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a rising senior at the College of Charleston. I have extensive experience in childcare as I work part time at St. Philips Church in their early development. I enjoy being around young children as I have a younger sister who is 8 years old. I enjoy working with children with school work and early development.
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Meredith
Nanny Meredith
Charleston, SC
$20/hr
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a sophomore at Indiana Wesleyan University studying psychology. I’m 19 years old and love working with kids! I am hard working, kind, and very optimistic! I can be creative, coming up with games or different crafts to try. I love learning new things and helping kids learn with me. I have lots of experience with babysitting, childcare, and running errands for families.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Isabella
Nanny Isabella
Charleston, SC
$22/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I will be getting my masters degree at Charleston Southern University and am looking for a live-in nanny position this summer! I graduated with a BA of Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development from Point Loma Nazarene University. I absolutely love children and have tons of experience ages 0-17! A little about me: I love anything outdoors, painting, surfing, traveling, and reading :)
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Elsa
Nanny Elsa
Charleston, SC
$25 - $40/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Elsa! I’m 24 and a Connecticut College graduate, where I studied Human Development and Psychology and played collegiate lacrosse. I’m currently based in Massachusetts and looking to relocate to Charleston, SC, and am hoping to find a wonderful family to nanny for as part of that transition.
I’ve been babysitting and nannying for years and have experience with children of all ages. I’m active, outgoing, responsible, and love keeping kids busy—whether that’s getting outside, doing crafts, playing games, going on adventures, or just hanging out at home. I’m also comfortable helping with meals, homework, bedtime routines, driving to activities, and whatever else helps make a family’s day run a little smoother.
I grew up as one of four kids, so I’m very comfortable in busy households! I’d love to connect with a family looking for someone dependable, caring, flexible, and fun to have around.
I’ve been babysitting and nannying for years and have experience with children of all ages. I’m active, outgoing, responsible, and love keeping kids busy—whether that’s getting outside, doing crafts, playing games, going on adventures, or just hanging out at home. I’m also comfortable helping with meals, homework, bedtime routines, driving to activities, and whatever else helps make a family’s day run a little smoother.
I grew up as one of four kids, so I’m very comfortable in busy households! I’d love to connect with a family looking for someone dependable, caring, flexible, and fun to have around.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Emily
Nanny Emily
Charleston, SC
$30 - $40/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi,
I am CPR certified and can provide references. I truly have a passion for working with kids! I am looking for minimum of 35 hours a week if possible!
My experience includes: (with ages 2-12 years old mostly but I have nannied for a newborn for a couple of months):
-diaper changing / bottle prep/ bottle feeding
- transportation to activities
- interactive activities
- light tidying up
- meal prep
- organization
Etc!
I also have a clean driving record to provide to you!
A little about who I am:
I am someone who loves to stay active everyday. I love hiking, beach days, working out, and taking fitness classes! In my free time, I also love volunteering at the animal shelter and taking my dogs to the park!
Looking forward to speaking with you!
I am CPR certified and can provide references. I truly have a passion for working with kids! I am looking for minimum of 35 hours a week if possible!
My experience includes: (with ages 2-12 years old mostly but I have nannied for a newborn for a couple of months):
-diaper changing / bottle prep/ bottle feeding
- transportation to activities
- interactive activities
- light tidying up
- meal prep
- organization
Etc!
I also have a clean driving record to provide to you!
A little about who I am:
I am someone who loves to stay active everyday. I love hiking, beach days, working out, and taking fitness classes! In my free time, I also love volunteering at the animal shelter and taking my dogs to the park!
Looking forward to speaking with you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kailah
Nanny Kailah
Charleston, SC
$25 - $28/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Kailah Partridge and I am available for live in nannying Monday through Friday with some flexibility when needed. I enjoy creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where children can learn, play, and thrive. I'm happy to assist with school pickups, transportation to and from after-school activities, coordinating and supervising playdates, homework help, meal and snack preparation, and light housekeeping related to the children. I pride myself on being reliable, communicative, and adaptable to each family's unique needs. I'd love the opportunity to support your family and provide quality care for your little ones! I am avail until January 2027!
Have experience working with
Infants