Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Costa Mesa, CA in 2026?
In Costa Mesa, CA, the average nanny earns about $21.87 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $875/week or $3,791/month. Most Costa Mesa families pay somewhere in the $17–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 168 live nanny listings in Costa Mesa on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $875
- Monthly
- $3,791
- Annual
- $45,490
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Costa Mesa families pay somewhere in the $17–$30/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
Experience
Number of kids
| 1 kid (baseline) | $21.87 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$22.87 |
| 3+ kids | ~$23.87+ |
Hours & schedule
| 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 nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $23.17/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $21.54/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $20.69/hr | See live-in rates → |
Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.
Live-in arrangements look cheaper per hour because room and board are part of the package. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the nanny.
How do Costa Mesa nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Costa Mesa is one of the more expensive nanny markets in the country.
Hiring nannies in Costa Mesa, CA typically costs about 8% more than the California average of $20/hour and 30% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Costa Mesa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Mesa, CA | $22/hr | — |
| California | $20/hr | -7% |
| United States | $17/hr | -23% |
Where Costa Mesa, CA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $17.55/hour in Fresno to $25.24/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the Costa Mesa, CA average of $21.87/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Costa Mesa, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $25.24 | +15% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $22.92 | +5% | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | $21.78 | — | |
| 4 | San Diego | $21.05 | -4% | |
| 5 | Long Beach | $20.53 | -6% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $19.18 | -12% | |
| 7 | Stockton | $18.53 | -15% | |
| 8 | Riverside | $18.26 | -17% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $17.81 | -19% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $17.55 | -20% |
Tips to find a great nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced 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 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?
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in Costa Mesa, CA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in Costa Mesa, CA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available nannies in Costa Mesa, CA
168 active listings in Costa Mesa
Nanny Alexess
Nanny Alexess
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Jorge
Nanny Jorge
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Sandra
Nanny Sandra
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Elizabeth
Nanny Elizabeth
A little bit about me
I have been living in California for the past 7 years I am from NYC. I live in Tustin. I have a daughter 44 and a son 30. I have 22 years plus experience as a nanny and care giver. I love kids and I am looking for a part time as a nanny. I am willing to do meal prep, light cleaning and help around the home. I have a car as well if need it for doctor’s appointments or anything related to the position. I have recommendation’s and references from my previous jobs as nanny. Looking forward to meet you. Thank you ;)
Have experience working with
Recent reference
Nanny Cassandra
Nanny Cassandra
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certification
Nanny Rylee
Nanny Rylee
A little bit about me
My passion is in social work, which is where I am planning to go for graduate school but I also enjoy working with and caring for children. ❤️
Certifications
Nanny Danna
Nanny Danna
A little bit about me
Nanny Megan
Nanny Megan
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications