Toddler Daycare Cost in Mississippi
2026 Average Rates for 1-2 years Childcare
Last updated: 2026
Weekly Cost
$115
Full-time daycare center
Monthly Cost
$498
Average in Mississippi
Annual Cost
$5,975
Per year estimate
State Ranking
#50
of 50 states
Toddler Daycare Costs in Mississippi: What Parents Pay in 2026
Parents in Mississippi pay an average of $115 per week ($498/month) for full-time toddler daycare center care. This makes Mississippi 39% more affordable 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 Mississippi, this translates to approximately $5,975 annually for center-based care. Over the 3 years until kindergarten, Mississippi families can expect to spend around $17,926 on toddler care alone.
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for toddler 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 | $498 | $5,976 | Base rate |
| Family Daycare | $398 | $4,776 | -20% |
| Nanny (Shared) | $747 | $8,964 | +50% |
| Exclusive Nanny | $1,245 | $14,940 | +150% |
How much does toddler daycare cost in Mississippi?
The average toddler daycare cost in Mississippi is $115 per week or $498 per month for full-time center-based care. This makes Mississippi one of the most affordable for toddler care nationally, ranking #50 out of 50 states.
Is Mississippi expensive for toddler childcare?
Mississippi is actually 39% below the national average for toddler care, making it a relatively affordable state for childcare at $498/month.
What's cheaper: daycare center or family daycare for toddlers in Mississippi?
Family daycare is typically 20% cheaper than daycare centers in Mississippi. For toddlers, family daycare averages $398/month compared to $498/month for center-based care.
How much will I spend on toddler care in Mississippi until kindergarten?
Based on current Mississippi rates, you can expect to spend approximately $17,926 total on toddler care until your child reaches kindergarten (about 3 years from 1-2 years).
What factors affect toddler 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 toddler 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 toddlers in Mississippi?
For toddlers in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi?
Start your search 3-6 months in advance for toddler 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
Toddler care in Mississippi represents approximately 10% 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.