<prompt> Human: DINK couple 29 and 28 years old currently making 300k combined, but living in NYC so doesnt go far. We are planning to move in next 12-18 months and considering either SFBay Area where we have close family or Chicago, where we dont. Comparable housing is about 250-350k difference between the two cities ie, the houses wed buy in Bay Area are 1-1.1MM; in Chicago are 700-850k. Will have 20 down payment for Chicago house saved in a few months, and for Bay Area within 18 months. What Im having trouble with is valuing the help well get from family with childcare over the next 20 years. Our parents have essentially offered near full time nannyingbaby sitting service. As both of us work extremely long hours with unpredictable schedules, in Chicago we would need a full time nanny. Any insight in thinking through how to value the parent-provided childcare as opposed to an extra 1,750 a month in increased housing costs? I can do the math on just the cost of a nanny during babytoddler years which comes out about equal, but how should I think about costs later in childrens lives daily baby sitting after school, taking kids so we can go on vacation, etc.? Any suggestions in how to think this through?  <response>: Being close to family and having your parents have a close relationship with their grandkids is priceless. 