How Much Does Daycare Cost in California in 2025? City-by-City Breakdown

If you're a California parent searching for daycare, you're probably wondering: how much will this actually cost?

The short answer: California has some of the highest childcare costs in the nation. The average California family pays $1,625 per month ($19,500 per year) for infant care at a daycare center. That's more than the average rent in many states.

But costs vary dramatically depending on where you live, the age of your child, and the type of care you choose. A family in San Francisco might pay $2,800/month while a family in Fresno pays $1,100/month for the same quality of care.

Let's break down exactly what you'll pay, city by city.

California Daycare Costs at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here are the statewide averages for 2025:

| Age Group | Weekly Cost | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|--------------|-------------| | Infant (0-18 months) | $375 | $1,625 | $19,500 | | Toddler (18 months - 3 years) | $325 | $1,408 | $16,900 | | Preschool (3-5 years) | $300 | $1,300 | $15,600 |

These are averages across the state. Now let's see how your city compares.

Daycare Costs by California City

San Francisco Bay Area: The Most Expensive

The Bay Area has the highest childcare costs in California—and among the highest in the entire country.

San Francisco:

• Infant daycare center: $2,500 - $3,200/month
• Toddler daycare center: $2,200 - $2,800/month
• Preschool: $1,800 - $2,400/month

San Jose:

• Infant daycare center: $2,200 - $2,800/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,900 - $2,400/month
• Preschool: $1,600 - $2,100/month

Oakland:

• Infant daycare center: $2,000 - $2,600/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,700 - $2,200/month
• Preschool: $1,500 - $1,900/month

Why so expensive? The Bay Area's high cost of living affects everything—including the wages daycare centers must pay staff to compete with tech companies. Real estate costs also drive up facility expenses.

Los Angeles Area

LA childcare is expensive, but generally 15-25% less than San Francisco.

Los Angeles (Central/West):

• Infant daycare center: $1,800 - $2,400/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,500 - $2,000/month
• Preschool: $1,300 - $1,700/month

Santa Monica / Westside:

• Infant daycare center: $2,200 - $2,800/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,900 - $2,400/month
• Preschool: $1,600 - $2,100/month

Long Beach:

• Infant daycare center: $1,500 - $1,900/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,300 - $1,700/month
• Preschool: $1,100 - $1,500/month

Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino):

• Infant daycare center: $1,200 - $1,600/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,000 - $1,400/month
• Preschool: $900 - $1,200/month

San Diego Area

San Diego falls between LA and the Bay Area in cost.

San Diego:

• Infant daycare center: $1,600 - $2,100/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,400 - $1,800/month
• Preschool: $1,200 - $1,600/month

Sacramento Area

The capital region is more affordable than coastal cities.

Sacramento:

• Infant daycare center: $1,400 - $1,800/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,200 - $1,500/month
• Preschool: $1,000 - $1,300/month

Central Valley

California's most affordable daycare is in the Central Valley.

Fresno:

• Infant daycare center: $1,000 - $1,400/month
• Toddler daycare center: $900 - $1,200/month
• Preschool: $800 - $1,100/month

Bakersfield:

• Infant daycare center: $950 - $1,300/month
• Toddler daycare center: $850 - $1,150/month
• Preschool: $750 - $1,050/month

What's Included in California Daycare Tuition?

Understanding what's included helps you compare apples to apples:

Typically included:

• Meals and snacks (most centers provide breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack)
• Basic supplies (art materials, toys, learning materials)
• Diapers and wipes (at some centers)
• Outdoor play and structured activities
• Parent communication app access

Often extra:

• Diapers and wipes ($50-100/month if you provide)
• Sunscreen
• Registration/enrollment fees ($100-300 one-time)
• Late pickup fees ($1-5 per minute)
• Field trips
• Specialty programs (yoga, music, foreign language)

Pro tip: Ask for a complete breakdown of all fees before enrolling. Some centers have lower tuition but higher additional fees.

Why Does Infant Care Cost More?

You'll notice infant care costs 20-30% more than preschool. Here's why:

1. Lower staff ratios: California requires one caregiver for every 4 infants, compared to one caregiver for every 12 preschoolers. More staff = higher costs.

2. Specialized equipment: Cribs, changing tables, and infant-specific supplies add expense.

3. More intensive care: Infants need feeding, diaper changes, and constant supervision—it's labor-intensive work.

4. Specialized training: Infant caregivers need specific certifications in safe sleep, infant CPR, and developmental milestones.

5. Limited capacity: Infant rooms can only serve a small number of children, limiting revenue per classroom.

Daycare Center vs. Home Daycare: Cost Comparison

Home-based family childcare is typically 15-25% less expensive than daycare centers in California.

| Care Type | Infant (Monthly) | Toddler (Monthly) | Preschool (Monthly) | |-----------|------------------|-------------------|---------------------| | Daycare Center | $1,625 | $1,408 | $1,300 | | Family Childcare Home | $1,300 | $1,125 | $1,040 | | Nanny (Full-time) | $3,500+ | $3,500+ | $3,500+ |

A licensed family childcare home can be a great option if you want smaller group sizes and a home-like environment at a lower cost.

How California Compares to Other States

California ranks as the 3rd most expensive state for childcare, behind only Massachusetts and Washington D.C.

| State | Infant Annual Cost | Rank | |-------|-------------------|------| | Washington D.C. | $24,700 | 1 | | Massachusetts | $22,100 | 2 | | California | $19,500 | 3 | | New York | $20,800 | 4 | | Colorado | $18,200 | 5 | | National Average | $11,500 | - |

California families pay 70% more than the national average for infant care.

Financial Help for California Families

The good news: California has several programs to help families afford childcare.

California Child Care Subsidy Programs

Who qualifies: Families earning up to 85% of State Median Income (approximately $75,000 for a family of 4).

How much help: Subsidies can cover 50-100% of childcare costs depending on your income.

How to apply: Contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency or call 1-800-543-7793.

Important: Many counties have wait lists ranging from 6-24 months. Apply early—even before your baby is born.

Transitional Kindergarten (Free Pre-K)

California is expanding Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to all 4-year-olds by the 2025-26 school year. This is free, full-day public school for 4-year-olds.

If your child turns 4 by September 1, they may qualify for TK at your local public school. This can save families $15,000+ per year in preschool costs.

California State Preschool Program (CSPP)

Free or low-cost preschool for 3 and 4-year-olds from lower-income families. Priority given to families below 100% of State Median Income.

Dependent Care FSA

If your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, you can set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax for childcare. This saves most California families $1,500-2,000 in taxes.

Use our Tax Savings Calculator to see your potential savings.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

The federal tax credit covers 20-35% of up to $3,000 in childcare expenses ($6,000 for two or more children). California also has a state credit for lower-income families.

Tips to Reduce California Daycare Costs

1. Apply for subsidies early

Don't wait until you need care. Many programs have 12-18 month wait lists. Apply during pregnancy.

2. Consider family childcare homes

Licensed home-based providers are typically 15-25% cheaper with smaller group sizes.

3. Look into employer benefits

Some California employers offer childcare stipends, backup care, or on-site childcare. Ask your HR department.

4. Ask about sibling discounts

Most daycares offer 5-15% off for a second child. Always ask.

5. Compare part-time options

If you or your partner works part-time or has family help, 3-day programs cost significantly less than 5-day.

6. Plan for Transitional Kindergarten

If your child is 3, start planning for free TK at age 4. This one change can save $15,000+.

California Daycare Licensing: Verify Before You Enroll

All licensed daycares in California are regulated by the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD).

Before enrolling, you should:

1. Verify the license at CCLD's facility search
2. Check inspection reports for any violations
3. Call the licensing office at 1-844-538-8766 with questions

California daycares must meet these staff ratio requirements:

| Age | Staff Ratio | |-----|-------------| | Infants (0-18 months) | 1 teacher : 4 children | | Toddlers (18-36 months) | 1 teacher : 6 children | | Preschool (3-5 years) | 1 teacher : 12 children |

When touring, count the children and staff to ensure they're meeting these ratios.

California Daycare Waitlists: What to Expect

Waitlists are common in California, especially for infant care. Here's what to expect by region:

| Region | Typical Infant Waitlist | Best Time to Apply | |--------|------------------------|-------------------| | San Francisco | 6-18 months | During pregnancy | | Bay Area suburbs | 3-12 months | 6+ months ahead | | Los Angeles | 3-9 months | 6+ months ahead | | San Diego | 2-6 months | 4-6 months ahead | | Sacramento | 1-4 months | 3-4 months ahead | | Central Valley | 0-2 months | 2-3 months ahead |

Waitlist tips:

• Apply to multiple facilities simultaneously
• Be responsive to calls and emails
• Ask about your waitlist position regularly
• Inquire about priority policies (siblings often get preference)
• Have backup plans in place

Calculate Your California Daycare Budget

Ready to see exactly what you'll pay? Use our California Daycare Cost Calculator to estimate costs based on your specific situation:

• Your city
• Your child's age
• Full-time vs. part-time
• Center vs. home care

The calculator also shows how California compares to the national average and estimates your annual costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is California childcare so expensive?

California's high daycare costs result from multiple factors: strict licensing requirements and low mandated staff ratios, high cost of living affecting wages and rent, strong labor market competition (especially in tech hubs), and comprehensive regulations that increase operating costs. While these regulations ensure quality, they also drive up prices.

Is it cheaper to hire a nanny in California?

Generally no. A full-time nanny in California costs $3,500-5,500+/month (including employer taxes). This is more than most daycare centers unless you have multiple children. However, nannies offer flexibility and sick-child care that centers don't provide.

How do I get on a California subsidy waitlist?

Contact your local Resource & Referral agency at 1-800-543-7793 or visit rrnetwork.org. Apply as early as possible—many counties have 12-24 month waitlists. You can apply during pregnancy.

When should I start looking for California daycare?

Start your search 6-12 months before you need care. Quality centers, especially for infants, often have waitlists. In competitive areas like San Francisco, some parents register during pregnancy.

Do California daycares accept part-time enrollment?

Many do, but part-time rates are often higher per-day than full-time. Expect to pay 60-70% of full-time tuition for 3-day programs. Some centers don't offer part-time for infants due to high demand.

How can I verify a California daycare is licensed?

Use the California Community Care Licensing facility search to verify licenses and view inspection reports. This is free and public information.

What's the difference between CalWORKs childcare and other subsidies?

CalWORKs childcare is specifically for families receiving CalWORKs (California's welfare program) benefits or transitioning off welfare. Other subsidy programs (Alternative Payment, General Child Care) serve broader populations based on income eligibility. CalWORKs participants typically have priority access.

Are Bay Area childcare costs tax-deductible?

Childcare costs aren't directly deductible, but you can reduce taxes through: (1) Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax), (2) Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (federal), and (3) California's state childcare tax credit (for lower incomes). Combined, these can save $2,000-3,500 annually.

What if I'm moving to California from another state?

Start your childcare search before moving—wait lists can be 6-18 months in competitive areas. Research costs for your specific destination (they vary dramatically). Apply for subsidies using your California address once you have one. Plan for higher costs than most other states.

Do California daycares require immunizations?

Yes. California has strict immunization requirements for children in licensed childcare. Medical exemptions are available but personal belief exemptions were eliminated in 2016. Ensure your child's immunizations are current before enrollment.

Is summer daycare more or less expensive in California?

Rates typically stay the same year-round at full-time daycares. However, summer camps and programs for school-age children have separate pricing. Some centers offer summer-only enrollment at slightly higher per-month rates due to shorter commitment.

How do California costs compare to nearby states?

California is significantly more expensive than neighboring states. Nevada and Arizona daycares typically cost 25-40% less than California equivalents. Oregon is similar to California's more affordable regions. If you live near state borders, checking out-of-state options might make sense—though consider the commute logistics.

Do employers in California offer childcare benefits?

Many large California employers offer childcare benefits: Google, Meta, Apple, and other tech companies often provide on-site childcare or substantial subsidies. Even smaller employers may offer Dependent Care FSA, backup care programs, or childcare stipends. Always ask HR about available benefits during hiring or benefits enrollment.

What's the best strategy for twin or multiple births in California?

Twins dramatically increase childcare costs. Strategies include: (1) Family daycare often offers better multi-child rates, (2) Negotiate aggressively on sibling discounts (15-20% possible), (3) Consider a nanny—with twins, nanny costs become more comparable to center care, (4) Look into au pairs for maximum savings with multiples, (5) Apply for subsidies immediately—twins increase your eligibility.

Bottom Line

California daycare is expensive—there's no way around it. But understanding the real costs helps you plan:

• Bay Area families: Budget $2,200-3,000/month for infant care
• LA families: Budget $1,500-2,400/month for infant care
• San Diego families: Budget $1,600-2,100/month for infant care
• Sacramento families: Budget $1,400-1,800/month for infant care
• Central Valley families: Budget $1,000-1,400/month for infant care

Apply for subsidies early, explore all your options (including family childcare homes), and plan ahead for Transitional Kindergarten to reduce costs when your child turns 4. With proper planning and knowledge of available resources, you can find quality care that works for your family's budget.

Start your search early, apply for every discount and subsidy you might qualify for, and remember that quality care exists at many price points. Your perfect daycare match is out there—you just need to find it.

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Related Resources:

• California State Directory - Find daycares by city
• Daycare Cost Calculator - Estimate your costs
• Questions to Ask When Touring - Be prepared for visits
• Understanding Staff Ratios - What the numbers mean