How Much Does Childcare Cost in Perth? A 2026 Parent's Guide

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If you are a new parent in Perth trying to work out how much childcare will cost, you are not alone. Between daily fees, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), gap fees, and the difference between centre types, it can feel like you need an accounting degree just to figure out your weekly budget.

This guide breaks it down in plain language so you can plan with confidence.

What Does Childcare Cost in Perth in 2026?

Childcare fees in Perth vary depending on the type of care, the age of your child, and the centre. Every centre sets its own fees, so the most reliable way to compare is to ask each centre for its current daily fee and then work out your own gap fee.

As an example, here are Sonas's own long day care fees for a full day (11.5 hours), effective 6 July 2026, before any subsidy:

Sonas centre	Long day care, full day (before CCS)
Sonas Gosnells	$165.15
Sonas Spearwood	$163.07
Sonas Woodbridge	$170.78

These are Sonas's fees only, not a Perth average. You can see them, including before and after school care fees, on our fees and subsidy calculator page.

The daily fee is the price before any government subsidy is applied. If you are eligible for the CCS, you pay less than the listed fee.

Understanding the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

The Child Care Subsidy is the Australian Government's main way of helping families with childcare costs. It is paid directly to your approved childcare provider, and the percentage you receive depends mainly on your combined family income. The income thresholds change each financial year, so rather than print figures that may go out of date, we suggest using the government's Child Care Subsidy calculator on Starting Blocks. Enter your family's details and the centre's daily fee, and it shows your likely subsidy and gap fee.

How many hours are subsidised

From 1 January 2026, the government's 3 Day Guarantee applies. As Starting Blocks puts it, "All CCS eligible families can now get at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight." Under the Child Care Subsidy amendments that started on 1 January 2026, families get 100 hours a fortnight where a parent does more than 48 hours of recognised activity a fortnight, and for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children.

For more detail, read our Child Care Subsidy guide for 2026.

What Affects the Price You Actually Pay?

Several factors influence your out-of-pocket childcare costs:

1. Your Child's Age

Younger children need more educators per child by law. In Western Australia, centre-based services must have at least 1 educator for every 4 children from birth to 24 months, 1 educator for every 5 children over 24 months and under 36 months, and 1 educator for every 10 children aged 36 months or over up to preschool age (Education and Care Services National Regulations (WA), regulation 123). Caring for younger children takes more staff, which is one reason some centres charge different fees by age.

2. Number of Days Booked

Your subsidy covers a set number of hours each fortnight, so the number of days you book changes both your total fee and how much of it the CCS covers. Check your days in the Child Care Subsidy calculator before you commit.

3. Location

Fees differ from centre to centre and suburb to suburb. Ask each centre you are considering for its current daily fee so you are comparing like with like.

4. Inclusions

Check what is included in the daily fee. Some centres include meals, while others ask you to pack food. At every Sonas centre, our on-site cook prepares morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack each day (breakfast is not included).

5. Quality Rating

All approved services are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard (NQS). You can look up any centre's current rating on Starting Blocks. A rating describes quality, not price, so compare the two separately.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

When comparing childcare options, ask about:

• Enrolment or administration fees: whether there is a one-off fee to enrol
• Late pick-up fees: what is charged if you arrive after closing time
• Public holiday charges: whether booked days that fall on a public holiday are charged
• Booking gaps: whether booked days are charged during holidays or sick days
• Waitlist fees: whether there is a fee to join the waitlist

At Sonas, we are always happy to walk you through our fee structure and help you understand what you will pay after the CCS is applied.

Is Childcare Worth the Cost?

This is a question many Perth parents wrestle with, especially when one parent's wage seems to disappear into childcare fees. It helps to look at the bigger picture:

• Your child's learning. Children in long day care spend their days playing, exploring and learning alongside other children and qualified educators.
• Your work. Staying connected to your work, even part-time, can matter for your income and superannuation over time.
• Your own time. Having time for work, study, or simply a few hours to yourself supports the whole family.

How Sonas Helps You Plan Your Fees

At Sonas, we offer play-based learning, with meals prepared on-site by our cook included in the daily fee. Our team helps families navigate the CCS process and can talk you through likely fees based on your circumstances before you enrol.

Key Takeaways

• Every centre sets its own fees. Sonas's long day care fees from 6 July 2026 are $163.07 to $170.78 for a full day before the CCS
• Your CCS percentage depends mainly on your family income; check yours with the Child Care Subsidy calculator
• Since 1 January 2026, every CCS-eligible family can get at least 72 hours of subsidised care a fortnight
• Always ask about inclusions, extra charges, and what the gap fee will actually be
• Your child's age, the days you book and what the fee includes all affect the price you pay

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Ready to see play-based learning in action? Book a tour at Sonas Woodbridge or call us on (08) 6184 6055.