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Second tier cities (Atlanta, Austin) do pay less, but cost of living is much much less, and you can hire staff here.

Even if you end up paying them 1/2 your takehome: You triple your free time, the most valuable resource you have.

On the other hand, if you live in a first-tier city, this makes the au pair program that much of a better deal (see my other comment on au pairs), as you get a first-tier salary, and their pay is federal minimum wage. It's too bad for the au pairs, but that is how the program works, and they are getting free room and board, plus some cash, in a first-tier city.

I'd say a house big enough for a au pair to live in as well, you might find it better hire a nanny.

If you live in a first-tier city (like New York City) and can afford an extra room for an au pair, then you probably don't need to worry about the cost of childcare.

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