What state has the cheapest daycare?

Mississippi has the lowest average childcare costs at $650/month for infant care. Other affordable states include Arkansas ($700), Alabama ($730), Oklahoma ($700), and Kansas ($750). Southern states generally have lower costs due to lower cost of living and lower average wages.

What state has the most expensive daycare?

Washington DC has the highest childcare costs at $2,700/month for infant care. Other expensive markets: Massachusetts ($2,400), New York ($2,200), Connecticut ($1,900), New Jersey ($2,000), and California ($2,100). Urban areas within states often cost 20-40% more than state averages.

How much is daycare for an infant vs. a toddler?

Infant care is the most expensive childcare type, typically 15-20% more than toddler programs. This is because infants require lower staff ratios (1:3-4 vs 1:4-6), more specialized care, and higher staffing costs. Nationally, infant care averages $1,230/month vs. $1,050/month for toddlers.

How can I reduce my childcare costs?

Four main ways: (1) CCAP/childcare assistance — income-based subsidy covering part or all costs for qualifying families; (2) Dependent Care FSA — save up to $5,000/year pre-tax through your employer; (3) Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit — claim 20-35% of qualifying expenses on your federal taxes; (4) Head Start — free comprehensive program for income-eligible families.

Does daycare cost more than college tuition?

In many states, yes. According to Child Care Aware, full-time infant care costs more than in-state college tuition in 33 US states. Massachusetts infant care ($2,400/month = $28,800/year) far exceeds the in-state tuition at UMass Amherst ($16,015/year). This is a major driver of families seeking subsidies and flexible work arrangements.

How much does before and after school care cost?

Before/after school care (school-age children 5-12) averages $200-700/month nationally. YMCA and Boys & Girls Club programs tend to be on the lower end ($150-400/month). Private center-based school-age care averages $300-600/month. Summer day camp programs cost significantly more — typically $1,000-2,500/month for full-day programs.

How much does a nanny cost vs. daycare?

A full-time nanny typically costs $2,500-5,000+/month in most US markets, significantly more than daycare. However, for families with two or more young children, a nanny can be cost-competitive since daycare costs per child. A nanny share (sharing with another family) typically costs $1,500-2,500/month, bringing costs closer to daycare rates.

Do childcare costs vary by neighborhood within a city?

Yes, significantly. In major cities, childcare in affluent neighborhoods can cost 30-50% more than in working-class neighborhoods. A Manhattan daycare may charge $3,500+/month while a Queens daycare serving the same age group charges $1,200-1,800/month. Family daycare homes are often more affordable than centers in the same neighborhood and can offer equivalent or better quality care.

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2026 COST GUIDE

Childcare Cost Calculator & Average Prices by State

Q: Is childcare tax deductible?

You can claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on IRS Form 2441. The credit is 20-35% of qualifying expenses (up to $3,000 for one child, $6,000 for two+). This is a tax credit (not a deduction), meaning it directly reduces your tax bill. You can also use a Dependent Care FSA to pay childcare with pre-tax dollars (up to $5,000/year), which is separate from the tax credit.

Full-time infant care averages $1,230/month nationally — but ranges from $650 in Mississippi to $2,700 in DC. Use the calculator below to estimate your costs, then see how subsidies can help.

$14,760

Avg. annual infant care
Child Care Aware, 2025

33 states

Where infant care costs more
than in-state college tuition

$5,000

Max pre-tax FSA savings
per family per year

$0/mo

Head Start for families
at or below poverty level

Estimate Your Monthly Childcare Cost

Select your state and your child's age group to see the estimated monthly cost.

Your State

Child's Age Group

↑ Select your state to see estimated costs

Average Monthly Childcare Costs by Age Group

Infant care is the most expensive childcare type — low required ratios (1:3-4) mean high staffing costs. Costs drop as children age and ratios improve. School-age care is the most affordable since it only covers a few hours per day.

Infant Care (0–12 mo)

$1,000–$2,500

per month

National avg: $1,230/mo
Staff ratio: 1:3–4 required

Toddler (1–3 years)

$900–$2,000

per month

National avg: $1,050/mo
Staff ratio: 1:4–6

Preschool (3–5 years)

$700–$1,500

per month

National avg: $860/mo
Staff ratio: 1:8–10

School-Age (5–12 years)

$200–$700

per month

National avg: $350/mo
Before/after school only

Average Childcare Costs by State (2026)

Monthly estimates for center-based full-time care. Actual costs vary by city, accreditation, and program type.

State	Infant/mo	Preschool/mo	School-Age/mo	Annual (infant)
Alabama	$730	$510	$330	$8,760
Alaska	$1,100	$770	$495	$13,200
Arizona	$900	$630	$405	$10,800
Arkansas	$700	$490	$315	$8,400
California	$2,100	$1,470	$945	$25,200
Colorado	$1,500	$1,050	$675	$18,000
Connecticut	$1,900	$1,330	$855	$22,800
Delaware	$1,200	$840	$540	$14,400
Washington DC	$2,700	$1,890	$1,215	$32,400
Florida	$1,050	$735	$473	$12,600
Georgia	$880	$616	$396	$10,560
Hawaii	$1,500	$1,050	$675	$18,000
Idaho	$750	$525	$338	$9,000
Illinois	$1,400	$980	$630	$16,800
Indiana	$800	$560	$360	$9,600
Iowa	$800	$560	$360	$9,600
Kansas	$750	$525	$338	$9,000
Kentucky	$760	$532	$342	$9,120
Louisiana	$750	$525	$338	$9,000
Maine	$900	$630	$405	$10,800
Maryland	$1,550	$1,085	$698	$18,600
Massachusetts	$2,400	$1,680	$1,080	$28,800
Michigan	$1,000	$700	$450	$12,000
Minnesota	$1,350	$945	$608	$16,200
Mississippi	$650	$455	$293	$7,800
Missouri	$850	$595	$383	$10,200
Montana	$780	$546	$351	$9,360
Nebraska	$850	$595	$383	$10,200
Nevada	$1,000	$700	$450	$12,000
New Hampshire	$1,350	$945	$608	$16,200
New Jersey	$2,000	$1,400	$900	$24,000
New Mexico	$750	$525	$338	$9,000
New York	$2,200	$1,540	$990	$26,400
North Carolina	$950	$665	$428	$11,400
North Dakota	$850	$595	$383	$10,200
Ohio	$950	$665	$428	$11,400
Oklahoma	$700	$490	$315	$8,400
Oregon	$1,350	$945	$608	$16,200
Pennsylvania	$1,100	$770	$495	$13,200
Rhode Island	$1,450	$1,015	$653	$17,400
South Carolina	$780	$546	$351	$9,360
South Dakota	$750	$525	$338	$9,000
Tennessee	$900	$630	$405	$10,800
Texas	$1,100	$770	$495	$13,200
Utah	$900	$630	$405	$10,800
Vermont	$1,100	$770	$495	$13,200
Virginia	$1,300	$910	$585	$15,600
Washington	$1,750	$1,225	$788	$21,000
West Virginia	$680	$476	$306	$8,160
Wisconsin	$1,050	$735	$473	$12,600
Wyoming	$750	$525	$338	$9,000

Sources: Child Care Aware of America 2025 report; state cost data. Center-based full-time averages. Actual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and program quality.

How to Reduce Your Childcare Costs

Four programs can dramatically cut your childcare bill — and they stack. A family using all four can reduce a $1,500/month bill to $200-400/month in some cases.

CCAP — Child Care Assistance Program

Income-based subsidy covering the difference between a small co-pay and the full cost. A family in California earning $60,000 might pay only $200/month for $1,800/month infant care. Eligibility varies by state — many families earning up to $80,000+ qualify.

Full CCAP guide + how to apply →

💵

Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit

Claim 20–35% of up to $3,000 (one child) or $6,000 (two+) in childcare expenses as a federal tax credit. Available to all working parents regardless of income. Saves $600–$2,100/year. Claim on IRS Form 2441.

Full tax credit guide →

🏦

Dependent Care FSA (pre-tax savings)

Contribute up to $5,000/year pre-tax through your employer. At a 22% tax bracket, this saves $1,100/year automatically. Available during open enrollment — check with your HR department.

Full FSA guide →

Head Start (Free for Eligible Families)

Completely free for families at or below the federal poverty level. Serves 1.3M+ children ages 0–5. Includes health, nutrition, and family services — not just childcare. Apply early; waitlists are common.

Head Start eligibility guide →

What Drives Childcare Costs?

Understanding why childcare costs what it does helps you evaluate whether a program is appropriately priced — or whether you're overpaying for brand names.

1. Staff-to-Child Ratios

Lower ratios = more staff = higher costs. Infant rooms require 1 adult per 3-4 babies. Preschool rooms allow 1 per 8-10 children. This is the single biggest driver of cost differences across age groups.

2. Location & Cost of Living

Urban centers in high-wage states pay teachers more and have higher rent. A center in Manhattan faces rent 5-10x higher than a center in rural Ohio. This flows directly to parent fees.

3. Accreditation & Quality

NAEYC-accredited programs typically charge 15-30% more than non-accredited centers. Montessori programs tend to cost 20-40% more than standard daycare. Higher quality often, but not always, costs more.

4. Program Type & Hours

Full-day (8-10 hours) costs significantly more than part-day (3-5 hours). Family daycare homes typically charge 10-30% less than center-based programs, with similar or better quality for infants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about childcare costs.

How much does daycare cost per month on average?

The national average for full-time center-based infant care is $1,230/month. Toddler programs average $1,050/month, preschool $860/month, and school-age before/after care $350/month. Costs range from $650/month in Mississippi to $2,700/month in Washington DC for infant care.

Is childcare tax deductible?

You can claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (IRS Form 2441) for 20-35% of qualifying expenses up to $3,000 (one child) or $6,000 (two+). This is a credit, not a deduction — it directly reduces your tax bill. You can also use a Dependent Care FSA for up to $5,000/year in pre-tax childcare spending through your employer.

Does daycare really cost more than college?

In many states, yes. Child Care Aware data shows infant care costs more than in-state college tuition in 33 states. Massachusetts infant care averages $2,400/month ($28,800/year) vs. UMass Amherst tuition of $16,015/year. This cost disparity is a major reason policymakers and families are pushing for expanded subsidy access.

How can I find affordable licensed daycare near me?

Use DaycareHub to search 26,000+ licensed centers near you. Apply for CCAP subsidies immediately — waitlists can be months long. Check if your employer offers a Dependent Care FSA. Look into family daycare homes, which are often 10-30% less expensive than centers while offering similar quality care.

What is Head Start and is it really free?

Yes, Head Start is completely free for qualifying families (income at or below the federal poverty level). Early Head Start serves ages 0-3; Head Start serves ages 3-5. The program includes education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support. Over 1.3 million children are served annually. Apply through headstart.gov — waitlists are common, so apply early.

Find Affordable Daycare Near You

Browse 26,000+ licensed centers and filter by subsidy acceptance in your area.

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Last updated: April 5, 2026 · Sources: Child Care Aware of America 2025 Annual Report; state licensing agencies; IRS Publication 503