Pre-K Daycare Cost in Mississippi
2026 Average Rates for 4-5 years Childcare
Last updated: 2026
Weekly Cost
$105
Full-time daycare center
Monthly Cost
$455
Average in Mississippi
Annual Cost
$5,456
Per year estimate
State Ranking
#50
of 50 states
Pre-K Daycare Costs in Mississippi: What Parents Pay in 2026
Parents in Mississippi pay an average of $105 per week ($455/month) for full-time pre-k daycare center care. This makes Mississippi 36% more affordable than the national average for pre-k childcare.
Pre-kindergarten care prepares children for elementary school with higher child-to-teacher ratios. In Mississippi, this translates to approximately $5,456 annually for center-based care. Over the 1.5 years until kindergarten, Mississippi families can expect to spend around $8,184 on pre-k care alone.
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for pre-k daycare costs. This makes it one of the more affordable options in the Southeast region.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | vs. Daycare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $455 | $5,460 | Base rate |
| Family Daycare | $364 | $4,368 | -20% |
| Nanny (Shared) | $682 | $8,184 | +50% |
| Exclusive Nanny | $1,137 | $13,644 | +150% |
How much does pre-k daycare cost in Mississippi?
The average pre-k daycare cost in Mississippi is $105 per week or $455 per month for full-time center-based care. This makes Mississippi one of the most affordable for pre-k care nationally, ranking #50 out of 50 states.
Is Mississippi expensive for pre-k childcare?
Mississippi is actually 36% below the national average for pre-k care, making it a relatively affordable state for childcare at $455/month.
What's cheaper: daycare center or family daycare for pre-ks in Mississippi?
Family daycare is typically 20% cheaper than daycare centers in Mississippi. For pre-ks, family daycare averages $364/month compared to $455/month for center-based care.
How much will I spend on pre-k care in Mississippi until kindergarten?
Based on current Mississippi rates, you can expect to spend approximately $8,184 total on pre-k care until your child reaches kindergarten (about 1.5 years from 4-5 years).
What factors affect pre-k daycare costs in Mississippi?
Key factors include: (1) Location within Mississippi - 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 pre-k daycare costs in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi's childcare assistance programs if you qualify.
What's the caregiver-to-child ratio for pre-ks in Mississippi?
Preschool-age children in Mississippi benefit from ratios around 1:8 to 1:10, making this the most affordable age for daycare as one caregiver can supervise more children.
When should I start looking for pre-k daycare in Mississippi?
Start your search 3-6 months in advance for pre-k care in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi.
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 Mississippi childcare assistance programs
- Look for employer childcare benefits
Budget Impact
Pre-K care in Mississippi represents approximately 9% of median household income.
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.