Pre-K Daycare Cost in Tennessee
2026 Average Rates for 4-5 years Childcare
Last updated: 2026
Weekly Cost
$125
Full-time daycare center
Monthly Cost
$541
Average in Tennessee
Annual Cost
$6,495
Per year estimate
State Ranking
#45
of 50 states
Pre-K Daycare Costs in Tennessee: What Parents Pay in 2026
Parents in Tennessee pay an average of $125 per week ($541/month) for full-time pre-k daycare center care. This makes Tennessee 23% 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 Tennessee, this translates to approximately $6,495 annually for center-based care. Over the 1.5 years until kindergarten, Tennessee families can expect to spend around $9,743 on pre-k care alone.
Tennessee ranks #45 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 | $541 | $6,492 | Base rate |
| Family Daycare | $433 | $5,196 | -20% |
| Nanny (Shared) | $812 | $9,744 | +50% |
| Exclusive Nanny | $1,353 | $16,236 | +150% |
| State | Weekly | Monthly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $125 | $541 | — |
| Kentucky | $115 | $498 | $43 less |
| Alabama | $125 | $541 | Same |
| Georgia | $140 | $606 | $65 more |
| North Carolina | $150 | $650 | $109 more |
| Virginia | $180 | $779 | $238 more |
How much does pre-k daycare cost in Tennessee?
The average pre-k daycare cost in Tennessee is $125 per week or $541 per month for full-time center-based care. This makes Tennessee one of the most affordable for pre-k care nationally, ranking #45 out of 50 states.
Is Tennessee expensive for pre-k childcare?
Tennessee is actually 23% below the national average for pre-k care, making it a relatively affordable state for childcare at $541/month.
What's cheaper: daycare center or family daycare for pre-ks in Tennessee?
Family daycare is typically 20% cheaper than daycare centers in Tennessee. For pre-ks, family daycare averages $433/month compared to $541/month for center-based care.
How much will I spend on pre-k care in Tennessee until kindergarten?
Based on current Tennessee rates, you can expect to spend approximately $9,743 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 Tennessee?
Key factors include: (1) Location within Tennessee - 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee's childcare assistance programs if you qualify.
What's the caregiver-to-child ratio for pre-ks in Tennessee?
Preschool-age children in Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Start your search 3-6 months in advance for pre-k care in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee.
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 Tennessee childcare assistance programs
- Look for employer childcare benefits
Budget Impact
Pre-K care in Tennessee represents approximately 11% 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.