Washington is the most expensive state for hiring a nanny.

In case you are a mother or father in Seattle, you most likely have advised others what you pay for baby care and so they’ve stared at you in disbelief.

• The sticker shock is actual — and because it seems, it is worse than in most different locations, a brand new survey reveals.

The most recent: In 2021, Washington state was the most costly state for hiring a nanny, in response to a brand new survey from Care.com.

Why it issues: Excessive baby care prices burden households and might make it tough for some dad and mom to work — particularly if all or most of their earnings would go towards paying for the care.

By the numbers: In keeping with the survey, hiring a nanny in Washington state price $840 every week in 2021.

• That is 21% greater than the nationwide common.
• The one place with greater prices was Washington, D.C., the place a nanny is estimated to be $855 per every week.
• Day care additionally was costlier in Washington than elsewhere, costing about 35% greater than the nationwide common.
• That makes Washington the second costliest state for baby care facilities, trailing solely Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.

Between the traces: The survey reported statewide information from throughout Washington, fairly than a metropolis by metropolis breakdown.

• Meaning it is attainable that baby care prices in Seattle itself really outpace prices in Washington, D.C.

Our thought bubble: The typical charge listed for a day care middle in Washington, D.C. — $419 per week — is about two-thirds what Melissa pays for a modest day care middle in Seattle.

• That makes us suppose that, in the event you in contrast Seattle and Washington, D.C., instantly, Seattle’s baby care prices would possibly eclipse the nation’s capital.