Daycare Costs by State 2026: Complete Guide to Childcare Prices Nationwide

Looking for daycare in 2026? You're probably wondering how much you'll actually pay—and how your state compares to others.

The reality: childcare costs have increased 5-8% since 2024, continuing a decade-long trend. The average American family now spends $1,230 per month on infant daycare, making childcare one of the largest household expenses after housing.

But costs vary dramatically by state. A family in Mississippi might pay $650/month while a family in Massachusetts pays $2,100/month for the same quality of care.

This guide breaks down 2026 daycare costs for every state, helping you understand what to expect and how to budget.

2026 Daycare Cost Overview

Here's what families are paying across the country:

| Care Type | National Average (Monthly) | Annual Cost | |-----------|---------------------------|-------------| | Infant Center Care | $1,230 | $14,760 | | Toddler Center Care | $1,050 | $12,600 | | Preschool Center Care | $925 | $11,100 | | Family Home Care (all ages) | $850 | $10,200 |

Now let's see how your state compares.

Most Expensive States for Daycare in 2026

1. Massachusetts - $2,100/month (Infant)

Massachusetts consistently ranks as the most expensive state for childcare. Boston-area families pay even more—often exceeding $2,500/month for infant care.

• Infant center care: $2,100/month ($25,200/year)
• Toddler center care: $1,850/month ($22,200/year)
• Preschool: $1,650/month ($19,800/year)

Why so expensive? Strict staff-to-child ratios (1:3 for infants vs. 1:4 in most states), high cost of living, and extensive training requirements for caregivers.

2. California - $1,890/month (Infant)

California's childcare crisis is well-documented. Bay Area families face the highest costs, while Central Valley families pay significantly less.

• Infant center care: $1,890/month ($22,680/year)
• Toddler center care: $1,460/month ($17,520/year)
• Preschool: $1,275/month ($15,300/year)

City variations: San Francisco ($2,800+), Los Angeles ($1,800), Sacramento ($1,400), Fresno ($1,100)

3. Connecticut - $1,850/month (Infant)

Connecticut's proximity to New York City drives up costs, especially in Fairfield County.

• Infant center care: $1,850/month ($22,200/year)
• Toddler center care: $1,625/month ($19,500/year)
• Preschool: $1,475/month ($17,700/year)

4. New York - $1,790/month (Infant)

New York City and its suburbs dominate the averages, but upstate New York offers more affordable options.

• Infant center care: $1,790/month ($21,480/year)
• Toddler center care: $1,580/month ($18,960/year)
• Preschool: $1,420/month ($17,040/year)

NYC specifically: Expect $2,200-$3,000/month for quality infant care in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

5. Washington D.C. - $1,780/month (Infant)

The nation's capital has childcare costs that rival major metro areas.

• Infant center care: $1,780/month ($21,360/year)
• Toddler center care: $1,575/month ($18,900/year)
• Preschool: $1,400/month ($16,800/year)

Most Affordable States for Daycare in 2026

1. Mississippi - $650/month (Infant)

Mississippi offers the lowest childcare costs in the nation, though availability can be limited in rural areas.

• Infant center care: $650/month ($7,800/year)
• Toddler center care: $575/month ($6,900/year)
• Preschool: $525/month ($6,300/year)

2. Arkansas - $700/month (Infant)

Arkansas families benefit from low costs of living and operation.

• Infant center care: $700/month ($8,400/year)
• Toddler center care: $625/month ($7,500/year)
• Preschool: $575/month ($6,900/year)

3. Louisiana - $725/month (Infant)

Louisiana's childcare costs are among the lowest, though quality varies significantly.

• Infant center care: $725/month ($8,700/year)
• Toddler center care: $650/month ($7,800/year)
• Preschool: $600/month ($7,200/year)

4. Kentucky - $750/month (Infant)

Kentucky offers affordable care with a growing quality rating system.

• Infant center care: $750/month ($9,000/year)
• Toddler center care: $675/month ($8,100/year)
• Preschool: $625/month ($7,500/year)

5. South Carolina - $775/month (Infant)

South Carolina balances affordability with its expanding quality improvement initiatives.

• Infant center care: $775/month ($9,300/year)
• Toddler center care: $700/month ($8,400/year)
• Preschool: $650/month ($7,800/year)

Complete State-by-State Comparison

Here's how all 50 states rank for infant center care in 2026:

| Rank | State | Monthly Infant Cost | Annual Cost | |------|-------|--------------------| ------------| | 1 | Massachusetts | $2,100 | $25,200 | | 2 | California | $1,890 | $22,680 | | 3 | Connecticut | $1,850 | $22,200 | | 4 | New York | $1,790 | $21,480 | | 5 | Washington D.C. | $1,780 | $21,360 | | 6 | Colorado | $1,675 | $20,100 | | 7 | Washington | $1,650 | $19,800 | | 8 | Minnesota | $1,625 | $19,500 | | 9 | New Jersey | $1,580 | $18,960 | | 10 | Maryland | $1,550 | $18,600 | | 11 | Oregon | $1,475 | $17,700 | | 12 | Illinois | $1,425 | $17,100 | | 13 | Pennsylvania | $1,350 | $16,200 | | 14 | Virginia | $1,325 | $15,900 | | 15 | New Hampshire | $1,300 | $15,600 | | 16 | Vermont | $1,275 | $15,300 | | 17 | Rhode Island | $1,250 | $15,000 | | 18 | Wisconsin | $1,225 | $14,700 | | 19 | Maine | $1,200 | $14,400 | | 20 | Hawaii | $1,175 | $14,100 | | 21 | Delaware | $1,150 | $13,800 | | 22 | Nevada | $1,125 | $13,500 | | 23 | Alaska | $1,100 | $13,200 | | 24 | Arizona | $1,075 | $12,900 | | 25 | Florida | $1,050 | $12,600 | | 26 | Michigan | $1,025 | $12,300 | | 27 | North Carolina | $1,000 | $12,000 | | 28 | Ohio | $975 | $11,700 | | 29 | Texas | $950 | $11,400 | | 30 | Georgia | $925 | $11,100 | | 31 | Tennessee | $900 | $10,800 | | 32 | Utah | $900 | $10,800 | | 33 | Iowa | $875 | $10,500 | | 34 | Missouri | $875 | $10,500 | | 35 | Indiana | $850 | $10,200 | | 36 | Kansas | $850 | $10,200 | | 37 | Nebraska | $825 | $9,900 | | 38 | New Mexico | $825 | $9,900 | | 39 | Montana | $800 | $9,600 | | 40 | Idaho | $800 | $9,600 | | 41 | Wyoming | $800 | $9,600 | | 42 | North Dakota | $775 | $9,300 | | 43 | South Dakota | $775 | $9,300 | | 44 | Oklahoma | $775 | $9,300 | | 45 | West Virginia | $750 | $9,000 | | 46 | South Carolina | $775 | $9,300 | | 47 | Kentucky | $750 | $9,000 | | 48 | Alabama | $725 | $8,700 | | 49 | Louisiana | $725 | $8,700 | | 50 | Arkansas | $700 | $8,400 | | 51 | Mississippi | $650 | $7,800 |

Data sources: Child Care Aware of America, state licensing agencies, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why Daycare Costs Vary So Much

Several factors explain the dramatic differences between states:

1. Staff-to-Child Ratios

States with stricter ratios have higher costs. For infant care:

• Massachusetts: 1 teacher per 3 infants
• Texas: 1 teacher per 4 infants
• Mississippi: 1 teacher per 5 infants

More staff per child = higher operating costs = higher prices for parents.

2. Staff Wages and Cost of Living

Daycare centers must pay competitive wages. In San Francisco, a lead teacher might earn $55,000/year. In rural Mississippi, the same role pays $25,000/year.

3. Real Estate Costs

Childcare centers need significant space. Commercial rent in Manhattan can exceed $80/sq ft, while the same space in Memphis costs $15/sq ft.

4. State Regulations

Training requirements, licensing fees, and inspection frequency all affect operating costs—and ultimately, what parents pay.

How to Reduce Your Daycare Costs

Regardless of your state, here are proven strategies to lower your childcare expenses:

1. Use the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

The federal tax credit covers up to $3,000 in expenses for one child ($6,000 for two or more). This translates to $600-$1,200 in tax savings for most families.

2. Check for State Subsidies

Most states offer childcare assistance for working families. Income limits vary but typically range from 150% to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Check your state's subsidy program.

3. Consider a Dependent Care FSA

If your employer offers it, you can set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax for childcare expenses, saving $1,000-$2,000 in taxes.

4. Explore Family Home Daycare

Licensed family childcare homes typically cost 20-30% less than daycare centers while offering smaller group sizes.

5. Ask About Sibling Discounts

Many daycare centers offer 5-15% discounts for a second child. Always ask—it's often not advertised.

6. Look Into Part-Time or Shared Care

Some centers offer 3-day-per-week options at 60-70% of full-time rates. Nanny-sharing with another family can also reduce costs.

2026 Childcare Trends to Watch

Universal Pre-K Expansion

More states are rolling out free pre-K for 4-year-olds. In 2026, watch for expanded access in:

• Colorado (new universal pre-K program)
• New Mexico (expanded income eligibility)
• Michigan (increased funding)

Employer Childcare Benefits

Post-pandemic, more companies are offering childcare stipends or backup care benefits. Ask your HR department about available support.

Subsidy Expansion

Several states have raised income limits for childcare assistance. Check if your family now qualifies for help you couldn't get before.

The Bottom Line

Childcare in 2026 remains one of the largest expenses for American families. What you'll pay depends heavily on where you live, the age of your children, and the type of care you choose.

Use our daycare cost calculator to estimate your specific costs based on your location and needs.

And remember: while cost matters, quality matters more. A cheaper daycare that doesn't meet your child's needs isn't actually a savings. Use our choosing daycare guide to evaluate options beyond just price.

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Last updated: December 2025. Costs reflect 2026 projections based on 2024-2025 trends and state data.