Toddler Daycare Cost in Minnesota
2026 Average Rates for 1-2 years Childcare
Last updated: 2026
Weekly Cost
$225
Full-time daycare center
Monthly Cost
$974
Average in Minnesota
Annual Cost
$11,691
Per year estimate
State Ranking
#12
of 50 states
Toddler Daycare Costs in Minnesota: What Parents Pay in 2026
Parents in Minnesota pay an average of $225 per week ($974/month) for full-time toddler daycare center care. This makes Minnesota 19% more expensive than the national average for toddler childcare.
Toddler care (ages 1-2) costs slightly less than infant care as ratios increase to around 1:4 or 1:5. In Minnesota, this translates to approximately $11,691 annually for center-based care. Over the 3 years until kindergarten, Minnesota families can expect to spend around $35,073 on toddler care alone.
Minnesota ranks #12 out of 50 states for toddler daycare costs.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | vs. Daycare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $974 | $11,688 | Base rate |
| Family Daycare | $779 | $9,348 | -20% |
| Nanny (Shared) | $1,461 | $17,532 | +50% |
| Exclusive Nanny | $2,436 | $29,232 | +150% |
| State | Weekly | Monthly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (current) | $225 | $974 | , |
| Iowa | $145 | $628 | $346 less |
| South Dakota | $145 | $628 | $346 less |
| North Dakota | $160 | $693 | $281 less |
| Wisconsin | $185 | $801 | $173 less |
How much does toddler daycare cost in Minnesota?
The average toddler daycare cost in Minnesota is $225 per week or $974 per month for full-time center-based care. This makes Minnesota around average cost for toddler care nationally, ranking #12 out of 50 states.
Is Minnesota expensive for toddler childcare?
Yes, Minnesota is 19% above the national average for toddler care. You can expect to pay around $974/month compared to the national average of $818/month.
What's cheaper: daycare center or family daycare for toddlers in Minnesota?
Family daycare is typically 20% cheaper than daycare centers in Minnesota. For toddlers, family daycare averages $779/month compared to $974/month for center-based care.
How much will I spend on toddler care in Minnesota until kindergarten?
Based on current Minnesota rates, you can expect to spend approximately $35,073 total on toddler care until your child reaches kindergarten (about 3 years from 1-2 years).
What factors affect toddler daycare costs in Minnesota?
Key factors include: (1) Location within Minnesota - urban areas cost 20-40% more than rural; (2) Care type - nannies cost 50-150% more than centers; (3) Hours needed - part-time may not be proportionally cheaper; (4) Provider quality and accreditation; (5) Whether meals and supplies are included.
How can I reduce toddler daycare costs in Minnesota?
To reduce costs: Use a Dependent Care FSA (up to $5,000/year tax-free), claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (up to $3,000), consider a nanny share with another family, look for employer childcare benefits, or explore Minnesota's childcare assistance programs if you qualify.
What's the caregiver-to-child ratio for toddlers in Minnesota?
For toddlers in Minnesota, the typical ratio is 1:4 to 1:6, which allows for slightly lower costs than infant care while still ensuring proper supervision.
When should I start looking for toddler daycare in Minnesota?
Start your search 3-6 months in advance for toddler care in Minnesota. Quality providers fill up quickly, especially for the fall school year start.
Calculate Your Exact Costs
Get a personalized estimate based on your specific hours, care type, and location within Minnesota.
Use Interactive Calculator- Use Dependent Care FSA ($5,000/yr tax-free)
- Claim Child Care Tax Credit (up to $3,000)
- Consider nanny share to split costs 50%
- Check Minnesota childcare assistance programs
- Look for employer childcare benefits
Budget Impact
Toddler care in Minnesota represents approximately 19% of median household income.
What you actually have to buy before day one
Tuition is only part of the cost. Centres in Minnesota send a supply list with enrolment, and these four are on nearly every one of them.
Makemake Organics Organic Cotton Nap MatGOTS-certified with a removable, washable cover, which is what decides whether a mat survives a year of daily use.
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Skip Hop Sparks Kid's BackpackSized for a preschooler rather than a school-age child, so it actually fits a classroom cubby.
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Yumbox Original Bento Lunch BoxLeakproof compartments a small child can open without a teacher, which is the whole test for a daycare lunch.
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Name Bubbles Custom Name Labels (95 Labels)Every centre requires everything labelled. Ninety-five waterproof labels covers a full year in one go.
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Cost estimates are based on 2024-2025 state averages and may vary by specific location, provider, and services included. Contact local providers for accurate current pricing. Updated 2026.