What is the average cost of daycare in the United States in 2026?

The national average for full-time center-based daycare is approximately $1,300 per month for toddlers. Infant care averages $1,500–$1,700/month due to required lower ratios. Costs range from around $600/month in the lowest-cost states to over $3,500/month in high-cost metro areas like San Francisco, Boston, and New York City.

Which states have the most expensive daycare?

Massachusetts, Washington D.C., California, New York, and Minnesota consistently rank as the most expensive states for childcare. In Massachusetts, full-time infant daycare averages $2,500–$3,500/month. In contrast, Mississippi, Arkansas, and South Carolina are among the most affordable, averaging $600–$900/month for toddler care.

Can I use the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to offset daycare costs?

Yes. The federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit allows you to claim 20–35% of up to $3,000 in care expenses for one child (or $6,000 for two or more children). At 20%, that's up to $600 for one child or $1,200 for two. Many states also offer their own childcare tax credits that can add another $500–$2,000 in annual savings.

Why does infant daycare cost more than preschool daycare?

State regulations require lower adult-to-child ratios for infants — typically 1:3 or 1:4 — compared to 1:8 or 1:10 for preschoolers. More caregivers per child means higher staffing costs, which get passed on to parents. Infant rooms also require specialized equipment, more frequent diaper changes, and feeding support.

Is a daycare cheaper than a nanny?

On average, yes. A full-time nanny in a major metro area costs $40,000–$70,000 per year, not counting employer taxes (about 10% extra). Center-based daycare for one child runs $15,000–$35,000 annually depending on location. For two or more children, however, a nanny often becomes cost-competitive since daycare charges per child.

Daycare Cost by State 2026: What Parents Are Actually Paying

April 25, 2026

Why Childcare Costs Vary So Dramatically

The price you pay for full-time daycare depends on five core factors: state regulations (which set required staffing ratios), local cost of living (which drives teacher wages and rent), program type (home-based vs. center), the child's age (infant care always costs more), and whether the center is nonprofit, for-profit, or publicly subsidized.

Understanding these drivers helps you evaluate whether you're getting good value — or being overcharged — relative to your local market.

Average Monthly Daycare Costs by State (2026)

The figures below reflect center-based, full-time infant and toddler care. Home-based family daycares typically run 20–40% less than center-based care in the same area.

Massachusetts: $2,800–$3,500/month (infant), $2,200–$2,800/month (toddler)
California: $2,000–$3,200/month (infant), $1,600–$2,500/month (toddler)
New York: $1,800–$3,000/month (infant), $1,500–$2,400/month (toddler)
Washington: $1,700–$2,400/month (infant), $1,400–$2,000/month (toddler)
Illinois: $1,400–$2,000/month (infant), $1,100–$1,700/month (toddler)
Texas: $1,000–$1,600/month (infant), $800–$1,300/month (toddler)
Florida: $900–$1,500/month (infant), $750–$1,200/month (toddler)
Georgia: $900–$1,400/month (infant), $700–$1,100/month (toddler)
Ohio: $900–$1,300/month (infant), $700–$1,000/month (toddler)
Mississippi: $500–$800/month (infant), $450–$700/month (toddler)

Infant vs. Toddler vs. Preschool: Why the Gap

Infant care costs 20–40% more than preschool care at the same center. The reason is staffing. State-mandated ratios for infants are typically 1:3 or 1:4. By the time a child reaches preschool age, that ratio widens to 1:8 or 1:10. More caregivers per child means more labor cost — and that cost flows directly to tuition.

If you're planning ahead financially, budget for a significant rate drop around your child's second birthday as they transition out of the infant room. The decrease can be $300–$600/month at the same center.

How to Reduce Your Childcare Costs

Dependent Care FSA

A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) lets you set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax per household ($2,500 if married filing separately). At a 22% federal tax bracket, that's up to $1,100 in annual tax savings. Many employers offer this benefit — check your open enrollment options.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

The federal credit covers 20–35% of up to $3,000 in care expenses for one child, or $6,000 for two or more children. Lower-income families qualify for the higher 35% rate. This credit cannot be combined with your FSA on the same dollars, so use your FSA first for maximum benefit.

Sliding Scale and Subsidized Programs

Many nonprofit and Head Start programs charge on a sliding scale based on income. Families earning up to 85% of the state median income typically qualify for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy program. Wait lists can run 6–18 months, so apply early — even before your child is born.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time Enrollment

Part-time enrollment (typically 3 days per week) costs 55–70% of full-time rates at most centers. If your work schedule allows flexibility, this is one of the fastest ways to reduce your monthly childcare bill. Read our guide on full-time vs. part-time daycare to weigh the tradeoffs.

What to Do If You Can't Afford Local Rates

If center-based care is out of reach in your area, consider: licensed home-based family daycares (often 20–35% less expensive), nanny-share arrangements (splitting a nanny's cost with one other family brings the per-child cost close to center rates), or employer childcare benefits (some large employers offer on-site care or childcare subsidy programs worth $1,000–$5,000/year).

Browse licensed daycares in your city to compare pricing: search by city and filter by full-time or part-time availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of daycare in the United States in 2026?: The national average for full-time center-based daycare is approximately $1,300 per month for toddlers. Infant care averages $1,500–$1,700/month due to required lower ratios. Costs range from around $600/month in the lowest-cost states to over $3,500/month in high-cost metro areas like San Francisco, Boston, and New York City.
Which states have the most expensive daycare?: Massachusetts, Washington D.C., California, New York, and Minnesota consistently rank as the most expensive states for childcare. In Massachusetts, full-time infant daycare averages $2,500–$3,500/month. In contrast, Mississippi, Arkansas, and South Carolina are among the most affordable, averaging $600–$900/month for toddler care.
Can I use the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to offset daycare costs?: Yes. The federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit allows you to claim 20–35% of up to $3,000 in care expenses for one child (or $6,000 for two or more children). At 20%, that's up to $600 for one child or $1,200 for two. Many states also offer their own childcare tax credits that can add another $500–$2,000 in annual savings.
Why does infant daycare cost more than preschool daycare?: State regulations require lower adult-to-child ratios for infants — typically 1:3 or 1:4 — compared to 1:8 or 1:10 for preschoolers. More caregivers per child means higher staffing costs, which get passed on to parents. Infant rooms also require specialized equipment, more frequent diaper changes, and feeding support.
Is a daycare cheaper than a nanny?: On average, yes. A full-time nanny in a major metro area costs $40,000–$70,000 per year, not counting employer taxes (about 10% extra). Center-based daycare for one child runs $15,000–$35,000 annually depending on location. For two or more children, however, a nanny often becomes cost-competitive since daycare charges per child.