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Childcare Costs and Options in Zaragoza: The Real Deal (Not the Brochure)

@Lucas Grant2/8/2026blog
Childcare Costs and Options in Zaragoza: The Real Deal (Not the Brochure)

so here's the thing about childcare in Zaragoza-it's not like those glossy expat brochures make it seem. I moved here last year with my two-year-old, thinking "sure, Spain, how hard can it be?" Spoiler: harder than expected, but also kinda wonderful once you figure it out.

let me break it down like i'm telling you over a caña at el tubo. Public childcare (guardería) starts around 200-350€/month depending on your income and the centro's prestige. Private options? anywhere from 400-800€/month. Yeah, that's a big spread. The public ones have waitlists longer than my last relationship, so if you're pregnant or planning, get on those lists NOW.

*here's the messy truth no one tells you: the best spots aren't always the fanciest. I visited one "luxury" place with more cameras than a celebrity wedding, but the staff looked miserable. Ended up at a smaller centro infantil where the abuelas actually hug the kids and nobody minds when my daughter comes home covered in paint and hummus.

the neighborhood factor



your zona matters more than you think. In las delicias, you'll find more affordable options but fewer english-speaking staff. In el casco histórico, everything costs more but you're walking distance from playgrounds and the river. I live in actur because the guarderías there have better outdoor spaces, and honestly, Zaragoza's weather is mild enough that kids are outside half the day anyway.

cost breakdown (because numbers don't lie)



- public guardería: 200-350€/month (subsidized)
- private daycare: 400-800€/month
- nanny share (popular here): 6-8€/hour per family
- au pair: 80-120€/week + room/board
- babysitting night rate: 10-15€/hour

brown concrete building near body of water during daytime

overheard at the park (aka real talk from locals)



> "the best guardería in Zaragoza isn't the most expensive-it's the one where the teachers stay for years. High turnover means trouble."

> "if you work 9-5, don't bother with the public options. They close at 5pm sharp, and good luck with holidays."

> "everyone loves to hate on the private international schools, but their guarderías are actually more affordable than you'd think."

the hidden costs nobody mentions



- registration fees: 100-200€ one-time
- uniforms (yes, even for toddlers): 50-100€/year
- extra hours: 5-10€/hour beyond contracted time
- summer camps: 150-300€/week when regular care closes

Zaragoza's job market is growing, especially in logistics and tech, which means more dual-income families needing reliable childcare. The city's safety rating is solid (crime's low, but watch your purse in the mercado central), and rent is still reasonable compared to barcelona or madrid.

a river running through a city next to a tall building

pro tips from someone who's been through the wringer



- visit at pickup time: you'll see the real vibe when parents and kids reunite
- ask about teacher turnover: high turnover = red flag
- check outdoor space: Zaragoza's sunshine is precious, kids should be outside
- verify hours carefully: some close for siesta, others have weird holiday schedules
- network with other parents: the best recommendations come from people living it

alternatives worth considering



nanny shares are huge here-find 2-3 families and split a nanny. It's cheaper than private daycare and way more flexible. Check the Zaragoza Parents Facebook group or the Zaragoza Living subreddit for connections.

family daycare (guardería familiar) is another option-smaller, homier, usually 200-300€/month. They're licensed but feel more like someone watching your kid in their actual home.

last-minute care* exists through apps like Gudog (yes, the dog app-they do babysitting too) or local Facebook groups. Not ideal for regular use, but lifesaver when your kid's sick or you're in a pinch.

the weather factor (because it affects everything)



Zaragoza gets hot-like 35-40°C in summer hot. Good childcare centers have proper air conditioning and water play. In winter, it's crisp but not freezing, so outdoor time still happens. The Ebro River breeze helps, but don't underestimate the summer heat when choosing a place.

what's nearby



valencia and barcelona are just a few hours away if you need a weekend escape from parenting. The Pyrenees are closer than you think for hiking when grandparents visit to help with childcare. And madrid's only 90 minutes by train if you need big-city amenities.

final messy thoughts



finding childcare in Zaragoza isn't impossible, but it requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to go with the flow. The system isn't perfect, but the people often are. My daughter's guardería teachers know her favorite color, her best friend's name, and how she likes her tomato (yes, spanish toddlers have tomato preferences).

start early, visit multiple places, and trust your gut. The perfect option probably doesn't exist, but something that works for your family definitely does. And if all else fails, there's always the village your in-laws live in two hours away-they'll watch the kids for free if you visit on weekends.

Check current childcare prices on idealista | Join Zaragoza expat groups on Facebook | Read parent reviews on Foro Coches Net

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About the author: Lucas Grant

Curious about everything from AI to Zoology.

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