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Live-in nanny vs Live-out (daily) nanny for families

Families moving to Bali with young kids often weigh a live-in nanny against a live-out, daily nanny. A live-in nanny has her own room in your home and is part of daily life around the clock, while a live-out nanny works set hours each day and goes home in the evening. Both are common in Bali's expat communities, and the right fit depends on your family's routine, house size, and how much privacy you want at home.

By the Knowmads Bali family — parents on the ground in Bali · Updated 18 August 2026

Live-in nannyLive-out (daily) nanny
Daily coverageAvailable across the day and often into the evening, useful for parents working irregular hours or traveling for short stints.Covers a fixed shift, typically daytime hours, so evenings and weekends usually fall back to the parents unless extra hours are arranged.
Home privacyAnother adult lives in the house full time, which means less alone time as a family and a room needs to be set aside for her.The nanny leaves at the end of her shift, so the home reverts to just the family each evening.
Flexibility for travelEasier to bring along or lean on for early flights, late arrivals, or weekend trips since she is already part of the household.Requires more planning around her set hours if travel falls outside the normal shift, and she is not usually expected to travel with the family.
Relationship with kidsSpending most hours in the home tends to build a close, consistent bond, especially with babies and toddlers on irregular schedules.Still builds a strong bond over regular daily hours, though the relationship is shaped more around a set routine than round the clock presence.
Household fitWorks best in a home with a spare room and a family comfortable sharing daily life with someone who also lives there.Works in any size home since no extra room is needed, which suits families in smaller villas or apartments.
Cost levelGenerally the higher-cost option, since pay usually reflects round the clock availability plus room and board.Generally the lower-cost option, since pay is tied to set hours worked each day.

Choose Live-in nanny if…

Choose a live-in nanny if you want round the clock support, travel often or keep unpredictable hours, and have a spare room to offer.

Choose Live-out (daily) nanny if…

Choose a live-out, daily nanny if you want to keep evenings and weekends as family time, have a smaller home, or prefer paying only for set hours worked.

Still weighing it up for your family?

Ask the Knowmads family guide