Wicklow Stay-at-Home Parents Now Worth Over €60,000 a Year

A decade-long study reveals that the unpaid work of Wicklow’s stay-at-home parents carries a market value exceeding €60,000 annually, highlighting a major gap in public recognition.

The value of stay-at-home parents in Ireland has soared to an estimated €60,112 per year, according to Royal London Ireland, yet most people continue to underestimate the contribution of these everyday heroes.

The 10th edition of the Royal London Ireland Stay-at-Home Parent Survey reveals that more than eight in ten adults nationwide fail to recognise the true financial worth of full-time caregivers. On average, respondents guessed the value at just €34,477 – a shortfall of over €25,000 compared to the actual calculated cost.

For families across Wicklow, from Bray to Arklow and Glendalough to Greystones, stay-at-home parents juggle a staggering variety of roles. From childcare, meal preparation, and household management, to taxiing children to school, sports, and music lessons, the daily workload is immense. If these responsibilities were outsourced, the annual cost would now exceed €60,000.

Karen O’Flaherty, Senior Propositions Executive at Royal London Ireland, said:

“Stay-at-home parents carry out an enormous amount of daily responsibilities. In Wicklow, where childcare costs and travel logistics can be significant, the contribution of parents managing these tasks full-time is especially vital. These roles are not optional; they are the backbone of family life.”

Awareness Gap Remains

Despite the clear financial estimate, many in Ireland continue to undervalue this work. The survey showed:

• One in five adults in Leinster, including Wicklow residents, correctly estimated the value at over €50,000.

• 24% believed the cost of replacing a stay-at-home parent would be only €20,000–€30,000.

• A small but notable 6% thought it could be less than €10,000.

The study highlights that age and life stage strongly influence perception. Adults aged 35–44, many of whom are raising young children, were most likely to estimate the value correctly.

The Rising Cost Over a Decade

Royal London Ireland has tracked the financial value of stay-at-home parents since 2015.

In just ten years, the estimated annual equivalent has risen by nearly 50%, from €40,560 to €60,112 in 2025.

A breakdown of the weekly cost shows just how many roles a stay-at-home parent covers:

Total Weekly Cost: €1,156 | Annual Cost: €60,112

Supporting Wicklow Families

O’Flaherty stresses the importance of financial protection for families:

“Although no amount of money can replace a parent, having Life Cover or Serious Illness Cover can provide vital support if the unexpected occurs. Families in Wicklow should consider these options to safeguard their household.”

With rising living costs and a growing awareness of the value of home-based care, Wicklow families are being reminded that the unseen work of stay-at-home parents is worth far more than many realise.