How much does child care cost? Average prices and what to expect

Child care is one of the biggest expenses for families — and one of the hardest to plan for. Costs vary widely depending on your location, your child’s age, and whether you choose a daycare center, home-based care, or a private caregiver. 

Understanding typical price ranges and what affects them can help you budget confidently and compare your options more effectively. This guide breaks down the latest national averages, key cost factors, and ways to find reliable, high-quality child care that fits your family’s needs.

Key takeaways

• Average cost of child care: Full-time care for one child typically costs $10,000–$15,000 per year, with infant care reaching $20,000+ in many high-cost states.
  
  
• Costs vary widely by location and age: Infant care is always the most expensive, and prices range from under $7,000 in low-cost states to $25,000–$28,000 in the most expensive areas.
  
  
• Care type matters: Center-based programs and private preschools tend to cost more, while home-based providers and alternative arrangements are often more affordable.

How much does child care cost? 

Child care is essential for working families across the United States, but finding reliable and affordable care can be difficult — especially in high-cost urban areas. Understanding the typical price ranges in your state, as well as nationwide trends, can help you budget confidently and compare your options.

Recent data from the Economic Policy Institute found that, on average, full-time center-based child care for one child costs $10,000–$15,000 per year in many states. But costs vary widely: infant care ranges from about $7,000 in lower-cost states to over $25,000–$28,000 in the most expensive areas, such as Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and parts of the Northeast and West Coast.

It’s no doubt an expensive endeavor — the same study found that childcare is more expensive than rent in 17 states, and costs more than public college tuition in 38 states. 

In the sections below, we break down child care costs by state, age group, and care type — along with the key factors that influence price and tips for finding more affordable options.

Child care prices: The average cost of childcare by state 

Child care costs vary dramatically across the country, and where you live plays one of the biggest roles in what you’ll pay. Some states offer relatively affordable options for infant and preschool care, while others have yearly costs that rival — or even exceed — college tuition. Looking at state averages can give you a clearer sense of how your local prices compare and what’s typical nationwide.

The table below highlights the most recent data for infant care, preschool-age care, and median family income, giving you a quick snapshot of how childcare affordability differs from state to state.

‍

Hourly rates for top child care options 

Child care pricing is highly variable, and hourly rates can look very different depending on where you live, who provides the care, and what type of setting you choose. A center in a low-cost state may charge half of what a similar center costs in a major metro area — even if they offer the same services. Franchise and private preschool operators also set their own tuition, which is why many don’t publish rates publicly and require families to tour before sharing pricing.

Adding to the complexity, two families in the same classroom may pay different hourly rates depending on subsidies, sliding-scale programs, sibling discounts, employer benefits, or the number of days per week they attend. Because of these differences, the “hourly rate” for child care is rarely straightforward.

For most families, comparing hourly cost means evaluating:

• Center-based care (charged weekly or monthly, but often broken down by hours attended)
  
  
• Private preschools (typically the highest hourly cost due to curriculum and lower ratios)
  
  
• Home-based providers (often more affordable with flexible hours)
  
  
• Nannies and in-home caregivers (hourly labor rates that vary widely by region)
  
  

To find the most accurate rate for your budget, it’s best to contact several providers directly, ask for a detailed breakdown of fees, and compare the true hourly cost against alternatives such as hiring a nanny, sharing a nanny with another family, or blending center-based care with help from relatives.

Hidden child care costs to plan for

Even after you’ve budgeted for monthly tuition or caregiver rates, most families encounter additional fees that can add hundreds (or even thousands) to their yearly child care budget. These costs vary by provider, but being aware of them upfront makes it easier to compare options and avoid surprises later.

Some common additional costs to keep an eye out for include:

‍

‍

How to avoid unexpected costs

To get ahead of unexpected costs, always clarify what is and isn’t included in your chosen child care option. 

• Ask for a complete tuition sheet before enrolling
  
  
• Clarify what’s included: meals? diapers? supplies? field trips?
  
  
• Look for centers with longer included hours if your schedule varies
  
  
• Ask about sibling discounts or sliding-scale options
  
  
• Review closures and holiday schedules so you can plan backup care

How many hours of child care is the average?

Most families use 30–40 hours of child care per week, roughly aligning with the standard full-time work schedule. Center-based programs tend to operate on full-day models, so enrolled children often attend the higher end of that range.

Families who use home-based providers, part-time care, or support from relatives generally log fewer hours per week. As children get older — especially once they enter preschool or kindergarten — the number of hours needed usually decreases, shifting many families from full-time care to part-time or after-school programs.

Your family’s total hours will depend on work schedules, availability of alternative caregivers, and whether you need extended hours, early drop-off, or weekend care.

What’s included in child care?

Child care programs vary widely in what they offer, but most licensed centers include a mix of supervision, early learning, and daily care routines. The more training, structure, or specialized programming a center provides, the higher the tuition tends to be.

Many providers offer age-based classrooms, low child-to-staff ratios, and structured learning activities to support early development. Others may offer premium features like language immersion, extended outdoor play, or enhanced security — all of which can increase costs.

Meals, supplies, and hours of coverage also differ between providers. Some centers include snacks and lunch in the weekly rate, while others require families to pack food daily. Parents who need early drop-off, late pickup, or weekend coverage should expect additional fees.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included — and what may cost extra.

Comparing the cost of different child care options

Child care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each type of care — from daycare centers to nannies — comes with different price ranges, levels of structure, and benefits. Below is a deeper look at the most common options and what you can typically expect to pay for each.

Center-based daycare (the most common option)

Center-based care is the most widely used child care option, offering structured classrooms, licensed staff, and early-learning curriculum. Pricing varies widely by state, but center-based infant care is often the most expensive due to lower child-to-teacher ratios.

Typical cost:

• Infants: $10,000–$20,000+ per year
  
  
• Toddlers & preschoolers: $8,000–$15,000 per year
  
  

What you get:

• Age-based classrooms
  
  
• Licensed caregivers and regulated staff ratios
  
  
• Curriculum supporting motor, literacy, and social development
  
  
• Outdoor play and group activities
  
  
• Set hours and a predictable schedule
  
  

What drives the cost:

• Lower infant ratios
  
  
• Staff qualifications
  
  
• Curriculum enhancements
  
  
• Large facilities and overhead
  
  
• Major metropolitan location
  
  

Best for: Families who want structured days, predictable hours, and a school-like setting.

Private preschool (curriculum-focused programs)

Private preschools offer specialized early education programs such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, language immersion, and STEAM-based learning. They typically cost more than standard daycare because of advanced curriculum and lower ratios.

Typical cost:

• $12,000–$20,000+ per year
  
  
• Elite or specialty schools may exceed $25,000 in major metros
  
  

What you get:

• Certified early-education teachers
  
  
• Structured, enrichment-focused curriculum
  
  
• Smaller class sizes
  
  
• More advanced communication tools and materials
  
  

What drives the cost:

• Specialty curriculum (Montessori materials, bilingual programs)
  
  
• Teacher credentials
  
  
• Premium facilities and extended enrichment programs
  
  

Best for: Families prioritizing early learning outcomes and structured academics.

Home-based daycare (small group, lower cost)

Home-based daycare (sometimes called family childcare homes) is run by licensed providers in a residential setting. These programs are often more affordable and offer a more relaxed, home-like environment.

Typical cost:

• $7,000–$12,000 per year, depending on location and hours
  
  

What you get:

• Small group sizes
  
  
• Flexible routines and mixed-age interactions
  
  
• Lower cost than centers
  
  
• More individualized attention
  
  

What drives the cost:

• Licensing requirements by state
  
  
• Provider experience
  
  
• Group size and operating hours
  
  

Best for: Families wanting a warm, home-like setting with lower tuition.

Home-based daycare (small group, lower cost)

Home-based daycare (sometimes called family childcare homes) is run by licensed providers in a residential setting. These programs are often more affordable and offer a more relaxed, home-like environment.

Typical cost:

• $7,000–$12,000 per year, depending on location and hours
  
  

What you get:

• Small group sizes
  
  
• Flexible routines and mixed-age interactions
  
  
• Lower cost than centers
  
  
• More individualized attention
  
  

What drives the cost:

• Licensing requirements by state
  
  
• Provider experience
  
  
• Group size and operating hours
  
  

Best for: Families wanting a warm, home-like setting with lower tuition.

Nanny share (splitting costs between families)

A nanny share involves two families hiring one nanny together and splitting the cost. Children are usually cared for in one home or alternating homes.

Typical cost:

• $10–$18/hour per family
  
  
• More affordable than a solo nanny, but more expensive than most daycare centers
  
  

What you get:

• Small group care
  
  
• Personalized routines
  
  
• Lower cost per family compared to a traditional nanny
  
  
• Built-in socialization for children
  
  

What drives the cost:

• Number of children
  
  
• Location and nanny experience
  
  
• Agreement between families on schedules and responsibilities
  
  

Best for: Families wanting nanny-level care on a reduced budget.

Babysitters & part-time in-home caregivers

Babysitters cover short-term or flexible needs such as after-school care, date nights, or a few hours per week.

Typical cost:

• $15–$25/hour, depending on age and experience
  
  

What you get:

• Flexible, short-term coverage
  
  
• Help with basic routines, homework, or bedtime
  
  
• No long-term contract
  
  

What drives the cost:

• Time of day (evenings and weekends cost more)
  
  
• Number of children
  
  
• Local market rates
  
  

Best for: Families who need occasional or part-time support.

After-school & school-age programs

These programs cover the gap between school dismissal and the end of a parent’s workday.

Typical cost:

• $200–$600/month
  
  
• Specialty programs (STEM clubs, sports) may cost more
  
  

What you get:

• Homework help
  
  
• Supervised play
  
  
• Snacks
  
  
• Safe care until 5pm or 6pm
  
  

What drives the cost:

• Program type (recreation vs specialty)
  
  
• Staff certifications
  
  
• Hours covered
  
  

Best for: Families with school-aged children needing coverage after 3pm.

How can I save money on child care?

Many daycare centers require a tour in order to receive pricing information, rather than responding to email or phone calls. To find the most affordable daycare, you may need to tour multiple daycare centers in your area, including locations that are less convenient. Some families use social media to crowdsource approximate pricing to help with budgeting and to explore their options.

Comparing reviews for local childcare centers or nannies/weekly babysitters on a platform like care.com can help families find more affordable options. Some families also combine part-time childcare with a babysitter or family member to reduce the number of hours that a child needs center-based daycare (which tends to be the most expensive option in many areas.) Claiming child tax credit or utilizing employer discounts on childcare can help with the overall costs of childcare as well. 

Is child care worth the cost?

The overall value of childcare costs is often a long-term consideration. If both parents are able to continue their careers due to childcare, then childcare lessens the opportunity cost of having a child. This opportunity cost often affects mothers more significantly if they leave the workforce to care for their child for a few years and then are not able to return to their same career path successfully. The cost of childcare also tends to decrease as children age, since they need less hands-on care.

Early childhood education is also an important way to prepare children for their future schooling. This preparation is especially important for low-income families or families with disabled children. The cost of childcare comes with many long-term considerations for families.

Child care cost FAQs

How much does daycare cost per week?
Most families pay $200–$350 per week, depending on the state, age group, and whether the program is full-time or part-time.

How much does childcare cost in CA?
In California, full-time care averages about $21,900 per year for infants and $13,000 for preschoolers, though major metro areas may cost more.

What is the average cost of childcare in TN?
Tennessee families typically pay about $12,200 per year for infant care and around $8,500 for 4-year-old care.

What is the average cost of daycare in IL?
In Illinois, infant care averages about $16,100 per year, while care for a 4-year-old averages around $10,900.

Is it cheaper to have a nanny or daycare?
Daycare is usually cheaper. Nannies can cost $20–$30+ per hour, while center-based care averages $200–$350 per week.

How much is child care per day?
Daily rates typically fall between $40–$70 per day, depending on the state, hours, and the child’s age.

Why is child daycare so expensive?
Costs are driven by staffing ratios, licensing rules, curriculum, space requirements, and rising labor costs, all of which increase operating expenses.

What to do when you can’t afford childcare?
Look into state subsidies, employer benefits, tax credits, part-time programs, family support, or nanny-share arrangements to lower costs.