How much does daycare cost per month in the US?

The average cost of daycare in the US ranges from $800 to $2,500 per month, depending on location, type of care, and child's age. Urban areas and infant care tend to be more expensive, with some major cities exceeding $3,000 monthly. The national average is approximately $1,230 per month for center-based care.

Is daycare or a nanny more expensive?

A nanny is typically more expensive than daycare, costing $2,500 to $4,500+ per month for full-time care compared to $800-$2,500 for daycare centers. However, for families with multiple children, a nanny may become more cost-effective since the rate doesn't usually double per child. Nannies also offer personalized care and schedule flexibility.

What is the average cost of infant daycare?

Infant daycare (ages 0-12 months) is the most expensive childcare option, averaging $1,300 to $2,000+ per month nationally. Infants require lower caregiver-to-child ratios and more specialized care, which increases costs. In high-cost states like Massachusetts and California, infant daycare can exceed $2,500 monthly.

How can I reduce daycare costs?

You can reduce daycare costs by: using a Dependent Care FSA (save up to $7,500 pre-tax annually for 2026, per IRS Publication 15-B), claiming the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (up to $3,000 per child), choosing family daycare over centers (typically 20-30% cheaper), asking about sibling discounts, exploring employer childcare benefits, and considering part-time schedules or nanny shares with other families.

What's included in daycare costs?

Daycare costs typically include supervision, age-appropriate activities, meals and snacks, basic supplies, and liability insurance. Additional fees may apply for registration, late pickup, diapers/wipes, field trips, and extracurricular activities. Always ask for a complete fee schedule before enrolling to understand the true total cost.

At what age does daycare become less expensive?

Daycare costs generally decrease as children get older. Infant care (0-12 months) is most expensive, followed by toddler care (1-2 years), and then preschool age (3-5 years). The cost reduction occurs because older children require lower staff-to-child ratios. Expect a 10-20% decrease in costs as your child moves from infant to toddler care, and another reduction at preschool age.

Daycare Cost Calculator

Compare childcare costs by state and care type

Last updated: June 2026

250K+ costs calculated

50 states covered

2026 data

Enter your information to calculate daycare costs

Money-Saving Tips

Use Dependent Care FSA ($7,500/yr tax-free for 2026)
Claim Child Care Tax Credit (up to $3,000)
Consider nanny share to split costs
Look for employer childcare benefits

This calculator provides estimated childcare costs for educational planning purposes. Costs vary significantly by location, facility quality, and specific provider rates.

Note: These are approximate state averages. Actual costs in your area may vary. Contact local providers for accurate pricing.

Related Tools

First Year Costs Calculator

Estimate all expenses for baby's first year

Nanny Rate Calculator

Calculate fair nanny wages by location

Babysitter Cost Calculator

Estimate babysitter rates in your area

Daycare Start Kit

The full daycare supply list, picked and priced in one pass

The companion book

The Childcare Decision Workbook

by Casey Morgan

Compare daycare, nanny, nanny share, au pair, and family care by cost and fit, with tour checklists, interview questions, tax worksheets, and a budget planner. A fill-in workbook, so it is printed paperback only.

Paperback on Amazon

FROM CHILDCAREPATH.COM

Childcare Cost Planner Toolkit

17 tools: spreadsheets, tax calculators, 50-state daycare cost data & negotiation scripts, $29

See What's Inside

Top Parenting Essentials

#1 Pharmacist Recommended

Nature Made Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA

Support your baby's development with complete prenatal vitamins including folic acid and DHA.

View on Amazon

Best No-WiFi

HelloBaby No WiFi Baby Monitor (5" Screen)

30-hour battery, night vision, 2-way talk, and 1000ft range. No WiFi or app required - completely private.

View on Amazon

Best Overall

Pampers Pure Protection Baby Diapers

Up to 100% leakproof protection with hypoallergenic, plant-based materials for your baby's delicate skin.

View on Amazon

Best Overall

Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Ultra-space-saving 3-in-1 design: rear-facing, forward-facing, and highback booster. Safety-certified from birth to 100 lbs.

Under $250View on Amazon

Best Comfort

Momcozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (57")

Support your back, belly, and hips with this full-body pregnancy pillow designed for side sleepers. Includes cooling cover.

View on Amazon

Best Overall

Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles (4-Pack)

Natural Response nipples designed to mimic breastfeeding for easy bottle transition. Wide neck for easy cleaning.

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Related Tools

First Year Costs Calculator

Nanny Rate Calculator

Babysitter Cost Calculator

Daycare Start Kit

The Childcare Decision Workbook

Top Parenting Essentials

Nature Made Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA

HelloBaby No WiFi Baby Monitor (5" Screen)

Pampers Pure Protection Baby Diapers

Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Momcozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (57")

Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles (4-Pack)

Planning childcare costs? Run the numbers in a spreadsheet