The cost of childcare: what every parent needs to know

Childcare is one of the biggest recurring expenses for young families. So it's no surprise that many parents find themselves asking: what does it actually cost, and what do you get in return? In this blog, you'll find everything you need to know as a parent about childcare costs, government benefits, and reimbursements — so you can make an informed choice when selecting childcare.

What does childcare cost on average?

Childcare costs can vary quite a bit between providers. The hourly rate depends on factors such as location and the extras a provider offers, such as meals, nappies, or day trips.

On average, the hourly rate for a daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) ranges from €10 to €13 per hour, while after-school care (BSO) typically costs between €8 and €10 per hour. These are the gross prices — before the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) is taken into account. Childminders/host parent care (gastouderopvang) often charge a lower hourly rate.

Another factor affecting childcare costs is opening hours. Many providers require you to sign a contract covering all the hours they are open, regardless of whether your child is actually there. Longer opening hours give you more flexibility for drop-off and pick-up, but they do come at a price. On the flip side, many providers charge a fee if you pick up your child late. It's worth thinking carefully about which opening hours suit your schedule — this can make a difference of hundreds of euros per month, depending on the hourly rate and your childcare benefit.

In the Netherlands, you may be entitled to a childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag), depending on your income. This means the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) reimburses you for a percentage of the hourly rate. The exact percentage depends on your combined household income — that is, your income plus that of any partner. Please note: the reimbursement is calculated based on the 'maximum hourly rate' set by the Tax Authority. The actual hourly rate charged by your childcare provider may be higher or lower than this amount.

When searching for childcare, it's worth considering both the price and the opening hours. There are options across a range of price brackets, so there's a suitable choice for every family.

On Kiddie.nl, you can compare childcare locations by price, facilities, and quality — and instantly see what the net costs would be for your family.

Who pays for childcare?

As a parent, you are responsible for paying the invoice to the childcare provider. Payment is usually handled via a monthly invoice, and most providers work with direct debit, charging you at the start of each month for the month ahead.

The childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) is paid back to you by the Tax Authority. It is transferred to your personal bank account shortly before your childcare invoice is due. Some providers offer the option to have the benefit paid directly to the childcare provider. Ask your provider whether this is possible.

How does the childcare benefit work?

Childcare comes at a cost, but fortunately you can recoup a portion of it through the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag), which is provided by the Dutch government.

To be eligible, you must be working, studying, or following a pathway back into employment. The amount of the benefit depends on your income: the lower your income, the higher the benefit. You receive a percentage back of the 'maximum hourly rate'. Please note: this is the maximum hourly rate set by the Tax Authority — the actual rate charged by your childcare provider may be higher or lower.

If you apply on time, the benefit is paid out monthly in advance, so you don't need to cover the full cost upfront. You receive the benefit directly from the Tax Authority, while the invoice itself goes to the childcare provider. Payment typically arrives around the 20th of each month.

If your income changes, make sure to update the Tax Authority promptly to avoid having to repay any overpaid benefit. If you have questions about the benefit or are unsure what to report, you can call the Tax Authority helpline (Belastingtelefoon).

How do you apply for the childcare benefit?

You apply for the benefit through Mijn Toeslagen on the Tax Authority website, using your DigiD. You can apply as soon as you've signed your childcare contract, but no later than 3 months after your child's first day of care. If you apply later than this, you will not receive the benefit for the earlier months.

To apply, you will need:

• The LKR number of the childcare location (found in the National Childcare Register / Landelijk Register Kinderopvang)
• Your income details
• Your child's details

After submitting your application, it usually takes a few weeks before you receive your first payment. You'll initially receive an advance based on your estimated income. At the end of the year, the Tax Authority calculates the final amount of benefit you were actually entitled to.

What's included in the childcare price?

Not every provider includes the same items in their hourly rate. Some locations offer an all-inclusive rate, while others charge a base price and bill extras separately.

Extras that are often included:

• Nappies and toiletries
• Food, drinks, or snacks
• Activities and day trips
• Sometimes transport to and from school (mainly at after-school care / BSO)

Pay close attention to this when comparing prices: a provider that appears slightly more expensive may actually work out cheaper if more costs are already included in the rate. Always check with the provider exactly what is covered and whether any additional charges may apply.

On Kiddie.nl, you can see what's included per location — a handy detail to keep in mind when comparing prices.

Is childcare free?

No, free childcare does not yet exist in the Netherlands. For now, parents still pay the majority of the costs themselves, minus the benefit.

There are plans for a new funding system, under which the government would pay a larger share of the costs directly to childcare providers. This plan is intended to replace the current benefits system, so that parents no longer need to front the full invoice themselves and face less risk of repayments or administrative errors (as seen in the childcare benefits scandal / toeslagenaffaire).

The exact details of this plan have not yet been finalised. A fixed parental contribution is likely to be introduced. The rollout of this new system was originally planned for 2027, but has since been postponed to 2029. We'll keep you updated as things develop!

What should you check before signing up?

Here are a few things worth looking into:

• Ask about the hourly rate and exactly what is included
• Check the opening hours and whether they fit your schedule
• Compare the net costs (after benefit) using Kiddie.nl or a calculation tool
• Pay attention to the start date, contracted hours, payment terms, and notice period

Childcare does come at a cost, but it also offers real value: it's a safe, stimulating environment where your child learns and grows while you work or study. By carefully considering the hourly rate, what's included, and how much benefit you're entitled to, you'll get a realistic picture of what childcare will actually cost your family.