Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a live-in nanny cost in San Diego, CA in 2026?

In San Diego, CA, the average live-in nanny earns about $24.24 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $970/week or $4,202/month. Most San Diego families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$24.24/hr · San Diego average

These numbers come from 137 live live-in nanny listings in San Diego on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$970
$4,202
$50,419

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What drives the price

Most San Diego families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$24.24
2 kids~$25.24
3+ kids~$26.24+

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
Hourly rate adjustment by 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 live-in nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$25.12/hr
Live-inSet by family$24.65/hr

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.

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How do San Diego live-in nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

San Diego is one of the more expensive live-in nanny markets in the country.

Hiring live-in nannies in San Diego, CA typically costs about 8% more than the California average of $22/hour and 27% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly live-in nannies rates compared across San Diego, CA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA$24/hr
California$22/hr-8%
United States$19/hr-21%

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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a live-in nanny in San Diego, CA

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:

  1. 01

    Browse live-in nanny profiles in San Diego, CA

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 San Diego, CA

137 active listings in San Diego

Blu S. - Seeking Work in San Diego

Nanny Blu

San Diego, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi I’m Blu. My very first job was babysitting and I’ve never worked a job to this day that didn’t involve child care. I have experience as a youth sports coach, mental health counselor, tutor, elementary aide, preschool teacher, and nanny of course! I have maintained CPr/first aid certifications for over 10 years. My bachelor’s degree is in psychology with a minor in early intervention and early childhood special education. And while all of that is very serious to me, I just may be the silliest adult you’ve ever met. My passion lies in watching children learn and grow on their terms while maintaining boundaries and safety. I truly care about every family and child I have ever worked with and will become a loyal and supportive part of any household that I am welcomed into.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Liana S. - Seeking Work in San Diego

Nanny Liana

San Diego, CA
$22 - $26/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Liana Solorio and I am a Grad student at UCSD studying to get my Masters in Education and elementary teaching credential! I am currently a student-teacher which means I am looking for a job for the weekends where I can continue to work with children! I have a wide range of working with many aged students doing things such as subbing/teaching, tutoring, lifeguarding, one-on-one child care, and party entertainment! I would love to get to know you and your child as we work together to create the best care plan!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Tiana B. - Seeking Work in San Diego

Nanny Tiana

San Diego, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
9 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi families! I’m excited to introduce myself and share a bit about who I am and my experience with childcare.
My hobbies include painting, working out outdoors, spending time with friends, decorating, and cooking and baking.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have over 9 years of experience working with infants and elementary-aged children. Throughout my career, I’ve supported students in developing social-emotional learning skills as well as academic skills in math, reading, and science. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach outdoor education, which I absolutely love.
My teaching approach is very hands-on, as I’ve found that children learn best when they are actively engaged—especially since it’s easy for them to get distracted. I’m comfortable managing classrooms of up to 20 children, but nannying has always felt like a true calling to me because it allows for a more intentional, and personalized approach to caregiving.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mustafa S. - Seeking Work in San Diego

Nanny Mustafa

San Diego, CA
$17 - $18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Mustafa. I am 16 years old. I am from Afghanistan. I am in ninth grade. I have been babysitting for 11 months. I take care of children. I love to play with kids, and I have a 7-year-old brother. I like to play with my brother, just like how I play with babysitters.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Ciniya P. - Seeking Work in San Diego

Nanny Ciniya

San Diego, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Ciniya and im from San Diego. I’m currently a student attending University of San Francisco (will be going into my senior year this August) who is looking to offer child care over my summer break (June-August).

I love babysitting and have been babysitting since I was a freshman year in high school. I’ve babysat newborns and toddlers. I enjoy being around kids while playing with them and taking care of them. I’m also willing to babysit any ages!

Some of my responsibilities is helping with homework/tutoring, cooking, cleaning up play areas, helping them follow a daily routine, etc. I can cook and do another other tasks that are needed!

I have my own car and license and also love all pets if they are included too:).

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Emily S. - Seeking Work in San Diego

Nanny Emily

San Diego, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi there! My name is Emily Sculli and I am from Columbus, Ohio. I am in the process of moving to the Normal Heights/North Park area and am looking for a full time nannying/house manager position.

I have been working with kids for 8 years now, professionally as a nanny for 5, and have become a house manager for families I’ve already babysat for! I have a two bachelor degrees from The Ohio State University, and also have taught children who are preschool aged all the way through middle school.

I’m very active and love to be outdoors, but when I’m not I love reading and watching movies. I’m also very family-oriented, and excited to finally live down the street from my older sister!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Junior t. - Seeking Work in San Diego

Nanny Junior

San Diego, CA
$25/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Pedro Salceda I have a strong passion with working with kids. I've been working before a d after school program for 6 years. I love to make an impact in a kids life.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Hannah R. - Seeking Work in San Diego

Nanny Hannah

San Diego, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Hannah Red Hill, an author, performer, teacher and mermaid. I follow the currents of imagination wherever they lead me!

I am a California credentialed Spanish teacher with almost 20 years experience teaching in different capacities.

I am writing a book series about Hanita la Sirenita, a mermaid who is too fast and too slow. I perform these unique stories bringing personalized magic to parties, schools, festivals, and community spaces.
.
Imagination, transformation, and wonder guide everything I do, helping others believe in the impossible, even if just for a moment. I’m passionate about building community and creating a sense of belonging for every being out there.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sabrina V. - Seeking Work in San Diego

Nanny Sabrina

San Diego, CA
$25/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Sabrina. I am an energetic and passionate caregiver with 3 years of experience caring for children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Over the past year, I had the privilege of working with a 9-year-old autistic boy, collaborating closely with an ABA specialist. I have also supported children with physical disabilities and ADHD.
In addition to my experience, I was an au pair for 2 years—first living in New York before moving to California last year. I’ve built strong, lasting relationships with both families I worked with. I am open-minded, proactive, and organized. I love spending time outdoors engaging for the children in my care.
I am skilled in meal preparation, planning age-appropriate activities, and assisting with homework. I am also CPR and First Aid certified. I am currently seeking a full-time position, available Monday through Friday, with flexibility to assist on weekends if needed. I have my own transportation.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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