Your personal au pair budget: what is pocket money for?
Becoming an au pair isn't a regular job: most of what you need is covered by the host family. Your pocket money, though, is yours — and managing it well means a relaxed year instead of tight month-ends. Here's an honest overview of your real personal expenses, so you can leave with peace of mind.
What pocket money covers (and what it doesn't)
Pocket money isn't a salary: it's an amount for your personal expenses, on top of the room and meals already provided. So you don't pay rent or your everyday groceries — that's what makes the arrangement unique.
In practice, this money is for your small pleasures and your social life: going out, clothes, your phone, gifts, weekend trips. Think of it as a "fun and unexpected costs" budget, not an income to live on.
What's often provided for free
Beyond room and board, many families cover important items too. Check each point with yours, but here's what is frequently included:
- A private room and all your meals, including on days off
- The local transport pass, to get to your classes and activities
- Health insurance, often paid by the family depending on the country
- A contribution to your language course, sometimes the full cost
- Wifi at home and often use of the landline
Your real personal expenses
These are the items your pocket money has to absorb. How much they weigh depends hugely on your city and your lifestyle — someone who goes out every weekend won't spend like someone who's more of a homebody.
- Phone and a local SIM card: often your first purchase on arrival
- Going out and social life: cafés, cinema, restaurants, events
- Clothes and personal toiletries
- Trips and weekends to explore the country
- Your return ticket or visits home, worth planning early
Estimating the cost of living in your city
The same amount doesn't go as far in a capital as in a smaller town: the price of a coffee, a mobile plan or a cinema ticket can easily double. Look into your specific city, not just the country.
Soon, MyAuPair will give you an estimate of the cost of living for your host city. Important: these figures will be estimations only, to give you a rough idea — always check the real prices locally before finalising your budget.
Preparing your budget before you leave
A little organisation before departure spares you the stress of the first few weeks, while you wait for your first pocket money and find your feet.
- Set aside a small starting fund for your first month on the ground
- Put in writing with the family what's covered (transport, insurance, course)
- Keep an "emergencies" reserve for health or an urgent trip home
- Track your spending the first month to settle into your real rhythm