How Much Does Daycare Cost in New York in 2025? NYC & Statewide Guide

New York has some of the highest childcare costs in America—and nowhere is that more true than New York City, where infant daycare can cost more than college tuition.

The statewide average is $1,775 per month ($21,300 per year) for infant care. But that number masks the extreme variation: Manhattan parents might pay $3,500/month while families in Buffalo pay $1,200/month for similar quality care.

Whether you're in the five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, or upstate, here's exactly what you'll pay for childcare in New York.

New York Daycare Costs at a Glance

Statewide averages for 2025:

| Age Group | Weekly Cost | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|--------------|-------------| | Infant (0-18 months) | $410 | $1,775 | $21,300 | | Toddler (18-36 months) | $370 | $1,603 | $19,240 | | Preschool (3-5 years) | $325 | $1,408 | $16,900 | | School-age | $265 | $1,148 | $13,780 |

New York ranks #4 nationally for childcare costs, behind only D.C., Massachusetts, and California. Costs are heavily concentrated in the NYC metro area.

New York City Daycare Costs

Manhattan: The Most Expensive Childcare in America

Manhattan has the highest childcare costs in the United States—often exceeding both coasts' averages.

Manhattan (Tribeca / West Village / Upper West Side):

• Infant daycare center: $2,800 - $3,800/month
• Toddler daycare center: $2,400 - $3,200/month
• Preschool: $2,200 - $2,900/month

Manhattan (Upper East Side / Midtown):

• Infant daycare center: $2,600 - $3,400/month
• Toddler daycare center: $2,200 - $3,000/month
• Preschool: $2,000 - $2,700/month

Manhattan (Harlem / Washington Heights):

• Infant daycare center: $2,000 - $2,600/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,700 - $2,300/month
• Preschool: $1,500 - $2,000/month

Premium programs in Tribeca and the West Village can exceed $45,000 per year for infant care.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn's childcare costs vary dramatically by neighborhood.

Brooklyn Heights / DUMBO / Park Slope:

• Infant daycare center: $2,400 - $3,200/month
• Toddler daycare center: $2,100 - $2,800/month
• Preschool: $1,900 - $2,500/month

Williamsburg / Greenpoint:

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

Bed-Stuy / Crown Heights:

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

Bay Ridge / Sunset Park:

• Infant daycare center: $1,500 - $2,000/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,300 - $1,750/month
• Preschool: $1,150 - $1,550/month

Queens

Queens offers more affordable options than Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Astoria / Long Island City:

• Infant daycare center: $2,000 - $2,600/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,700 - $2,300/month
• Preschool: $1,500 - $2,000/month

Forest Hills / Flushing:

• Infant daycare center: $1,600 - $2,200/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,400 - $1,900/month
• Preschool: $1,200 - $1,650/month

Jamaica / Far Rockaway:

• Infant daycare center: $1,300 - $1,750/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,150 - $1,550/month
• Preschool: $1,000 - $1,350/month

The Bronx

The Bronx has the most affordable childcare costs in NYC.

South Bronx / Mott Haven:

• Infant daycare center: $1,200 - $1,650/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,050 - $1,450/month
• Preschool: $900 - $1,250/month

Riverdale / Kingsbridge:

• Infant daycare center: $1,600 - $2,100/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,400 - $1,850/month
• Preschool: $1,200 - $1,600/month

Staten Island

Staten Island:

• Infant daycare center: $1,400 - $1,900/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,200 - $1,650/month
• Preschool: $1,050 - $1,450/month

NYC Metro Suburbs

Long Island

Nassau County (Garden City / Great Neck):

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

Suffolk County:

• Infant daycare center: $1,800 - $2,400/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,550 - $2,100/month
• Preschool: $1,350 - $1,850/month

Westchester County

Southern Westchester (Yonkers / New Rochelle):

• Infant daycare center: $2,000 - $2,600/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,750 - $2,300/month
• Preschool: $1,550 - $2,000/month

Northern Westchester (White Plains / Scarsdale):

• Infant daycare center: $2,300 - $3,000/month
• Toddler daycare center: $2,000 - $2,600/month
• Preschool: $1,800 - $2,300/month

Upstate New York

Upstate New York offers significantly more affordable childcare than the NYC metro area.

Albany Area

Albany:

• Infant daycare center: $1,300 - $1,700/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,150 - $1,500/month
• Preschool: $1,000 - $1,300/month

Buffalo

Buffalo:

• Infant daycare center: $1,100 - $1,450/month
• Toddler daycare center: $950 - $1,250/month
• Preschool: $850 - $1,100/month

Rochester

Rochester:

• Infant daycare center: $1,150 - $1,500/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,000 - $1,300/month
• Preschool: $900 - $1,150/month

Syracuse

Syracuse:

• Infant daycare center: $1,050 - $1,400/month
• Toddler daycare center: $925 - $1,225/month
• Preschool: $825 - $1,075/month

Upstate families typically pay 40-60% less than NYC metro families for equivalent care.

New York Staff Ratio Requirements

New York requires strict staff-to-child ratios:

| Age | Required Ratio | |-----|---------------| | Infants (0-18 months) | 1 teacher : 4 children | | Toddlers (18-36 months) | 1 teacher : 5 children | | Preschool (3 years) | 1 teacher : 7 children | | Preschool (4 years) | 1 teacher : 8 children | | School-age | 1 teacher : 10 children |

New York's toddler ratio (1:5) is stricter than many states, which contributes to higher costs.

Daycare Center vs. Home Daycare in New York

Licensed home-based (family daycare) is typically 20-30% cheaper in New York.

| Care Type | Infant (Monthly) | Toddler (Monthly) | Preschool (Monthly) | |-----------|------------------|-------------------|---------------------| | NYC Center | $2,400 | $2,100 | $1,850 | | NYC Family Daycare | $1,800 | $1,600 | $1,400 | | Upstate Center | $1,300 | $1,150 | $1,000 | | Nanny (NYC) | $4,500+ | $4,500+ | $4,500+ |

Family daycare is particularly popular in NYC, where it offers smaller group sizes and more personal attention at a lower cost than centers.

Financial Help for New York Families

New York has several strong programs to help families afford childcare.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Administered by: New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), through local social services districts

Who qualifies:

• Families earning up to 85% of State Median Income (approximately $83,000 for a family of 4 in NYC)
• Parents must be working, in school, or seeking employment

How much help: Subsidies can cover 80-100% of childcare costs depending on income. Families pay a sliding-scale weekly copay.

How to apply:

• NYC: Apply through NYC ACS Access NYC
• Upstate: Contact your local Department of Social Services

Wait lists: NYC generally has no wait list; upstate counties vary.

NYC Free Pre-K and 3-K

New York City offers free, full-day Pre-K for all 4-year-olds and 3-K (for 3-year-olds) in many districts—regardless of income.

• 3-K for All: Free full-day program for 3-year-olds (expanding citywide)
• Pre-K for All: Universal free Pre-K for all 4-year-olds

Apply through MySchools NYC starting in late winter for the following fall.

This represents approximately $25,000-$40,000 in savings per child compared to private preschool.

NYS Excelsior Childcare

New York's state Pre-K program outside NYC provides free part-day or full-day pre-K for 4-year-olds in many school districts. Contact your local school district for availability.

Dependent Care FSA

Set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax for childcare. This saves New York families approximately $1,800-2,500 in federal and state taxes—more than most states due to NY's high income tax rates.

Use our Tax Savings Calculator to estimate your savings.

New York State Child Care Tax Credit

New York offers a state child care tax credit equal to a percentage of the federal credit. Lower-income families can receive up to 110% of the federal credit amount—meaning the state credit can actually exceed the federal one.

Tips to Save on New York Daycare

1. Apply for NYC 3-K and Pre-K immediately

If you're in NYC, apply for 3-K and Pre-K through MySchools. These free programs can save $25,000+ per year.

2. Explore outer borough and suburb options

If you work remotely or have commuting flexibility, daycares in the Bronx, Eastern Queens, or inner Long Island can be 30-40% cheaper than Manhattan.

3. Consider family daycare

Licensed family daycare providers offer quality care at 20-30% less than centers. Many NYC parents prefer the smaller, home-like environment.

4. Apply for CCAP early

The Child Care Assistance Program has income limits that include many middle-class NYC families. Apply before your baby is born.

5. Ask about sibling discounts

Most New York daycares offer 10-15% off for a second child. Always ask—and negotiate at independent centers.

6. Use your FSA strategically

With NY's high state income tax, the Dependent Care FSA is even more valuable here than in most states. You'll save $2,000+ in taxes.

New York Childcare Licensing

All licensed childcare in New York is regulated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

Before enrolling:

1. Verify the license at OCFS Child Care Lookup
2. Check inspection reports for violations
3. Review complaint history
4. Call OCFS at 1-518-474-9454 with questions

New York childcare facilities must meet standards for:

• Staff background checks (including fingerprinting)
• Staff-to-child ratios
• Health and safety requirements
• Staff education and training
• Outdoor play space requirements

Calculate Your New York Daycare Budget

Use our New York Daycare Cost Calculator to get personalized estimates based on:

• Your specific borough or county
• Your child's age
• Full-time vs. part-time
• Center vs. family daycare

The calculator includes tax savings estimates to show your real after-tax cost.

Wait Lists and Availability in New York

New York's daycare wait list situation varies dramatically by location.

NYC Wait List Reality

| Borough/Area | Typical Infant Wait | Notes | |--------------|---------------------|-------| | Manhattan (below 96th) | 12-18 months | Start searching during pregnancy | | Brooklyn (gentrified) | 9-15 months | Park Slope, DUMBO especially competitive | | Brooklyn (outer) | 3-6 months | Bay Ridge, Sunset Park have more availability | | Queens | 3-9 months | Varies widely by neighborhood | | The Bronx | 1-3 months | Generally more availability | | Staten Island | 1-4 months | Many options available |

Strategies for NYC Families

1. Apply during first trimester for Manhattan/Brooklyn spots
2. Get on multiple wait lists (5-10 is common in competitive areas)
3. Consider family daycare while waiting for center spot
4. Look at adjacent neighborhoods where commute is manageable
5. Check back regularly as situations change

Upstate Availability

Upstate New York generally has shorter wait times:

• Albany: 1-3 months typical
• Buffalo: Often immediate availability
• Rochester: 2-4 weeks typical
• Syracuse: Often immediate availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYC daycare really more expensive than private college?

For infant care at premium Manhattan centers, yes. At $40,000-$45,000 per year for high-end infant programs, this exceeds the average private college tuition of approximately $38,000. Most NYC families pay $25,000-$35,000 annually, which is still comparable to in-state public university costs.

Can I get help paying for daycare if I make $100,000?

Potentially yes, especially in NYC. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) income limits in NYC reach approximately $83,000 for a family of 4 (85% of State Median Income). Single parents have proportionally adjusted limits. Apply and let them determine eligibility—many middle-class families are surprised they qualify.

How do NYC 3-K and Pre-K programs work?

NYC offers free, full-day programs for 3-year-olds (3-K) and 4-year-olds (Pre-K) regardless of income. Apply through MySchools starting in late winter for the following fall. You rank your preferred programs, and placement is determined by a lottery system. These programs save families $25,000-$40,000 per year compared to private preschool.

Is it worth commuting to a cheaper borough for daycare?

Consider the math carefully. If you save $800/month by using a Bronx daycare instead of Manhattan, that's $9,600/year. But factor in commute time, emergency pickup logistics, and daily stress. Many families find that choosing care near home or work (wherever you spend more time) is worth the premium.

Why is there such a huge price difference between Manhattan and the Bronx?

Several factors: Manhattan real estate is 3-4x more expensive (centers pay this rent), Manhattan residents have higher incomes (market can charge more), and many premium programs cluster in wealthy areas. The Bronx has lower real estate costs and serves a different income demographic, allowing centers to charge less while remaining viable.

Should I use a nanny or daycare in NYC?

For one child, costs are similar (nanny $4,000-6,000/month vs. infant daycare $2,400-3,500/month). For two children, a nanny often becomes more economical. Consider: nannies offer personalized care and flexibility but require backup plans when sick; daycare offers socialization and reliable coverage but less flexibility. Many families use nannies for infants, then transition to daycare for socialization benefits.

How do I find licensed family daycare in NYC?

Search the OCFS database at ocfs.ny.gov or contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency. Family daycare in NYC typically costs 20-30% less than centers and offers smaller, home-like environments many infants thrive in.

When should I start looking for NYC daycare?

For Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn: during your first trimester or as soon as you know you're pregnant. For outer boroughs: second trimester is usually sufficient. For upstate: third trimester is fine. These timelines are for infant care; toddler and preschool spots are easier to find.

Do NYC daycares close in summer?

Most year-round daycares operate continuously, though they may have reduced capacity during summer months. School-based pre-K programs typically follow the school calendar (September-June). Some centers close for 1-2 weeks around holidays. Always clarify the annual schedule before enrolling.

What if I can't afford daycare and don't qualify for subsidies?

Explore these options: (1) Family daycare (significantly cheaper than centers), (2) Nanny shares (split costs with another family), (3) Au pairs (can be cost-effective for families with multiple children), (4) Family member care (grandparents, relatives), (5) Staggered parent schedules to minimize care hours needed, (6) Part-time programs combined with family help.

Bottom Line

New York childcare is expensive—but costs vary enormously by location. Here's what to budget:

• Manhattan families: Budget $2,600-3,500/month for infant care
• Brooklyn/Queens families: Budget $1,600-2,800/month for infant care
• Bronx/Staten Island families: Budget $1,300-2,000/month for infant care
• Westchester families: Budget $2,000-2,800/month for infant care
• Upstate families: Budget $1,100-1,500/month for infant care

Apply for 3-K and Pre-K as early as possible (these free programs are life-changing for NYC parents), explore CCAP subsidies even if you think you earn too much, and don't overlook quality family daycare providers as a more affordable alternative to centers.

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Related Resources:

• New York State Directory - Find daycares by city
• NYC MySchools - Apply for free 3-K and Pre-K
• Daycare Cost Calculator - Estimate your costs
• Questions to Ask When Touring - Be prepared for visits