Long Read

Childcare Costs and Options in Fès: A Freelance Photographer's Take

@Mia Sinclair2/8/2026blog
Childcare Costs and Options in Fès: A Freelance Photographer's Take

so, i'm sitting here in fès, trying to figure out how to balance work and keeping an eye on my little one. it's not easy, let me tell you. first off, the safety here is actually pretty good. fès is chill, you know? crime rates are low, which is a big plus. but let's talk money.

childcare is no joke here. public daycares, yeah, they exist, but spots are like gold dust. if you're looking at private options, get ready to shell out around 2,000-3,000 MAD per month ($200-$300 USD). ouch. and that's just for a part-time slot.

rents aren't cheap either. i'm talking 4,000-6,000 MAD ($400-$600 USD) for a decent place. and don't even get me started on utilities. but hey, the weather is amazing right now. it's that perfect balance between warm and not too hot, you know? just the right vibe for chasing light with my camera.

as for neighbors, the only ones i really know are just a short flight away in morocco. they're cool folks, always ready to lend a hand. speaking of which, i overheard some drunk advice from a local barfly on how to navigate the childcare scene. "stick to the family-owned places," he slurred. "they're more flexible and way less stuffy than those corporate joints." not sure i trust his judgment, but it's something to consider.

drunk advice aside, a local mom i met at the souk gave me the lowdown on some great community resources. she mentioned a place called Madrasa Bou Inania, which has some daycare options. it's a bit out of the way, but the atmosphere is incredible, and the kids seem happy. just don't rely on google maps too much; the streets here are a maze.

another place that came up in conversation was
this reddit thread about local childcare co-ops. seems like a bunch of parents got together and started their own thing. sounds risky, but hey, the community here is tight-knit, so it might just work.

and get this, i even found a
yelp review for a place called La Citadelle. it's this fancy-pants hotel that also offers daycare. yeah, i know, who needs that kind of luxe? but if you're into that sort of thing, it's an option.

anyway, enough of my rambling. fès is a cool place, but it's not for the faint-hearted. if you're thinking of moving here, do your homework and maybe bring a map. or better yet, a local friend who knows the lay of the land.


aerial view of washing area
aerial photography of buildings


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About the author: Mia Sinclair

Quietly plotting to make the world a slightly better place.

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