The cost of a public nursery is 1500 PLN, and the cost of a preschool is 250 PLN. How much do parents pay for childcare in other European countries?

Monday, Dec 22, 2025

Gazeta Wyborcza

Polish childcare costs vary by public/private status, while international comparisons show diverse fee structures and challenges.

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In Poland, childcare costs differ between public and private facilities. Public nurseries have a monthly fee of 1500 PLN per child starting October 2024 under the “Active Parent” program. Public kindergartens offer five free hours daily, with additional hourly charges and meal supplements bringing the estimated monthly cost to around 250 PLN for an eight-hour day. Private kindergartens can cost several thousand PLN monthly, varying by specialization and city; in Warsaw, prices range from 1250 PLN to 4000 PLN plus food costs. Other major cities like Krakow have lower average prices. Beyond cost, Polish kindergartens face demographic decline, with some areas facing school closures. Internationally, childcare costs vary: Irish parents pay around 760 euros monthly on average, though some are facing fee increases due to subsidy withdrawal. In Italy, city nurseries in Rome and Milan can cost up to 524 and 669 euros monthly respectively, but the main issue is a severe shortage of spots. French childcare fees are income-based; lower earners pay significantly less than higher earners for the same service.

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