How Much Does Daycare Cost in Texas in 2025? City-by-City Guide

Looking for daycare in the Lone Star State? Texas offers more affordable childcare than the coasts—but costs still add up fast, especially in booming metros like Austin and Dallas.

The average Texas family pays $1,100 per month ($13,200 per year) for infant care at a licensed daycare center. That's about 30% less than California but still represents a major household expense—often the second-largest after housing.

Here's exactly what you'll pay across Texas's major cities, plus how to access the state's childcare assistance programs.

Texas Daycare Costs at a Glance

Statewide averages for 2025:

| Age Group | Weekly Cost | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|--------------|-------------| | Infant (0-17 months) | $254 | $1,100 | $13,200 | | Toddler (18-35 months) | $213 | $923 | $11,076 | | Preschool (3-5 years) | $185 | $802 | $9,620 | | School-age | $150 | $650 | $7,800 |

Texas is more affordable than coastal states, but costs vary significantly by metro area. Austin and Dallas cost 30-40% more than smaller cities like El Paso or Lubbock.

Daycare Costs by Texas City

Austin: The Priciest in Texas

Austin's tech boom has driven up childcare costs dramatically over the past decade.

Austin Metro:

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

Cedar Park / Round Rock:

• Infant daycare center: $1,300 - $1,700/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,100 - $1,450/month
• Preschool: $950 - $1,250/month

Premium centers in downtown Austin or West Lake Hills can exceed $2,200/month for infants—approaching California prices.

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

The DFW area is Texas's largest metro with wide cost variation between neighborhoods.

Dallas (Central/Uptown):

• Infant daycare center: $1,350 - $1,800/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,150 - $1,500/month
• Preschool: $950 - $1,300/month

Plano / Frisco / McKinney:

• Infant daycare center: $1,250 - $1,650/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,050 - $1,400/month
• Preschool: $900 - $1,200/month

Fort Worth:

• Infant daycare center: $1,100 - $1,450/month
• Toddler daycare center: $950 - $1,250/month
• Preschool: $800 - $1,100/month

Arlington / Grand Prairie:

• Infant daycare center: $950 - $1,300/month
• Toddler daycare center: $850 - $1,150/month
• Preschool: $750 - $1,000/month

Houston Metro Area

Houston offers more affordable options than Austin or Dallas, with significant variation between inner-loop and suburbs.

Houston (Inner Loop / Galleria):

• Infant daycare center: $1,200 - $1,600/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,050 - $1,400/month
• Preschool: $900 - $1,200/month

The Woodlands / Sugar Land:

• Infant daycare center: $1,150 - $1,500/month
• Toddler daycare center: $1,000 - $1,300/month
• Preschool: $850 - $1,150/month

Katy / Cypress:

• Infant daycare center: $1,050 - $1,400/month
• Toddler daycare center: $900 - $1,200/month
• Preschool: $800 - $1,050/month

Pasadena / Baytown:

• Infant daycare center: $900 - $1,200/month
• Toddler daycare center: $800 - $1,050/month
• Preschool: $700 - $950/month

San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the more affordable major Texas cities for childcare.

San Antonio:

• Infant daycare center: $950 - $1,300/month
• Toddler daycare center: $850 - $1,150/month
• Preschool: $750 - $1,000/month

Alamo Heights / Stone Oak:

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

Other Texas Cities

El Paso:

• Infant daycare center: $750 - $1,050/month
• Toddler daycare center: $650 - $900/month
• Preschool: $550 - $800/month

Corpus Christi:

• Infant daycare center: $800 - $1,100/month
• Toddler daycare center: $700 - $950/month
• Preschool: $600 - $850/month

Lubbock:

• Infant daycare center: $750 - $1,000/month
• Toddler daycare center: $650 - $875/month
• Preschool: $550 - $775/month

McAllen / Rio Grande Valley:

• Infant daycare center: $650 - $900/month
• Toddler daycare center: $575 - $800/month
• Preschool: $500 - $725/month

The Rio Grande Valley offers the lowest childcare costs in Texas—often 40-50% less than Austin.

Why Do Texas Daycare Costs Vary So Much?

Several factors create the huge price gaps across Texas:

1. Local Cost of Living

Austin's median home price exceeds $500,000, while El Paso's is under $250,000. Daycare centers in expensive areas pay more for rent and staff wages.

2. Staff Ratios

Texas requires specific staff-to-child ratios that affect costs:

| Age | Texas Required Ratio | |-----|---------------------| | Infants (0-17 months) | 1 teacher : 4 children | | Toddlers (18-35 months) | 1 teacher : 9 children | | Preschool (3 years) | 1 teacher : 15 children | | Preschool (4 years) | 1 teacher : 18 children | | School-age | 1 teacher : 22 children |

More children per teacher means lower costs for older kids.

3. Center Quality and Accreditation

Texas Rising Star-rated centers (the state's quality rating system) often charge 10-20% more than non-rated centers but offer enhanced curriculum, staff training, and safety measures.

Daycare Center vs. Home Daycare in Texas

Licensed home-based childcare is typically 15-25% cheaper than centers in Texas.

| Care Type | Infant (Monthly) | Toddler (Monthly) | Preschool (Monthly) | |-----------|------------------|-------------------|---------------------| | Daycare Center | $1,100 | $923 | $802 | | Family Home Daycare | $880 | $750 | $650 | | Nanny (Full-time) | $2,800+ | $2,800+ | $2,800+ |

Texas has a strong network of licensed family home providers, especially in suburban areas. Many parents find this option offers more flexible hours and a home-like environment at a lower cost.

How Texas Compares Nationally

Texas ranks in the middle for childcare costs nationally—more affordable than coastal states but pricier than the Deep South.

| State | Infant Annual Cost | Rank | |-------|-------------------|------| | Washington D.C. | $24,700 | 1 | | Massachusetts | $22,100 | 2 | | California | $19,500 | 3 | | New York | $20,800 | 4 | | Texas | $13,200 | 26 | | Mississippi | $5,400 | 50 | | National Average | $11,500 | - |

Texas families pay 15% more than the national average for infant care.

Financial Help for Texas Families

Texas offers several programs to help families afford childcare.

Child Care Services (CCS) Program

Administered by: Texas Workforce Commission through local workforce development boards

Who qualifies:

• Families earning up to 85% of State Median Income (approximately $52,000 for a family of 4)
• Parents must be working, in job training, or in school

How much help: Subsidies cover most or all of childcare costs depending on income. Families pay a copay based on income level.

How to apply: Contact your local Workforce Solutions office or call 2-1-1.

Wait lists: Wait times vary significantly by region. Urban areas like Houston and Dallas often have shorter waits (3-6 months) than rural areas.

Texas Rising Star Quality Rating

Texas Rising Star is the state's quality rating system for childcare providers. Benefits of choosing a Texas Rising Star-rated provider:

• Enhanced curriculum standards
• Better-trained staff with ongoing professional development
• Lower staff turnover
• Enhanced health and safety measures

Find rated providers at Texas Rising Star website.

Public Pre-K in Texas

Texas offers free public Pre-K for eligible 4-year-olds. Eligibility includes:

• Income below 185% of federal poverty level
• Limited English proficiency
• Homeless, foster care, or military family
• Child of active military killed, injured, or MIA

Many districts also offer Pre-K for 3-year-olds. Contact your local school district for availability.

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 Texas families $1,200-1,800 in federal and state taxes.

Use our Tax Savings Calculator to estimate your 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). Texas has no state income tax, so there's no state childcare credit—but the FSA savings are particularly valuable.

Tips to Save on Texas Daycare

1. Apply for CCS early

If you think you might qualify, apply before your baby is born. Many regions have wait lists, and getting on the list early is crucial.

2. Consider home-based care

Licensed family home providers are typically 20% cheaper than centers with similar quality. Many are Texas Rising Star-rated.

3. Ask about sibling discounts

Most Texas daycares offer 5-15% off for a second child. Always negotiate—especially at smaller, independent centers.

4. Look for employer benefits

Some Texas employers—especially in tech hubs like Austin—offer childcare stipends or backup care. Ask HR about available benefits.

5. Consider part-time options

If you or your partner has flexible work, 3-day programs cost significantly less than full-time care. Many Texas centers offer half-day options too.

6. Plan for Public Pre-K

If your family qualifies for public Pre-K, that's free full-day care starting at age 4. Factor this into your budget planning.

Texas Childcare Licensing: What to Know

All licensed childcare in Texas is regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

Before enrolling your child:

1. Verify the license at HHSC Child Care Search
2. Check inspection reports for any violations or complaints
3. Look for Texas Rising Star rating for quality assurance
4. Call HHSC at 1-800-862-5252 with questions

Texas requires facilities to meet minimum standards for:

• Staff background checks
• Staff-to-child ratios
• Health and safety protocols
• Emergency procedures
• Outdoor play requirements

Calculate Your Texas Daycare Budget

Ready to see what you'll actually pay? Use our Texas Daycare Cost Calculator to estimate costs based on:

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

The calculator shows personalized estimates and potential tax savings.

Bottom Line

Texas daycare costs range dramatically—from under $700/month in the Rio Grande Valley to nearly $2,000/month in Austin. Here's what to budget:

• Austin families: Budget $1,400-1,900/month for infant care
• Dallas-Fort Worth families: Budget $1,100-1,800/month for infant care
• Houston families: Budget $1,050-1,600/month for infant care
• San Antonio families: Budget $950-1,300/month for infant care
• Smaller cities: Budget $650-1,100/month for infant care

Apply for CCS assistance early if you think you'll qualify, explore Texas Rising Star-rated providers for quality assurance, and don't forget to plan for public Pre-K to reduce costs when your child turns 4.

Texas Daycare Wait Lists by Region

Texas generally has better childcare availability than coastal states, but wait times vary significantly:

| Region | Typical Infant Wait | |--------|-------------------| | Downtown Austin | 6-12 months | | West Austin/Lake Travis | 8-12 months | | Uptown Dallas | 4-8 months | | Houston Heights/Montrose | 4-8 months | | The Woodlands | 3-6 months | | Most suburbs | 1-4 months | | Smaller cities/rural | Immediate - 2 weeks |

Tips for Texas wait lists:

• Start looking 4-6 months before needed in Austin
• Houston and Dallas suburbs often have availability
• Family daycare homes typically have shorter waits
• New developments (common in Texas) bring new centers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Texas a good state for childcare affordability?

Texas is moderate—cheaper than California, New York, and New England, but more expensive than the Deep South. Texas ranks 26th nationally, meaning it's less expensive than half the states. The lack of state income tax means your take-home pay goes further, and FSA savings are more impactful.

What is Texas Rising Star?

Texas Rising Star is the state's quality rating system for childcare providers. Centers earn 2, 3, or 4 stars based on staff qualifications, curriculum, and environment. Higher-rated centers typically cost 10-20% more but offer measurable quality improvements. Find rated providers at texasrisingstar.org.

How do I apply for subsidized childcare in Texas?

Contact your local Workforce Solutions office or call 2-1-1. You'll need to provide proof of income, work/school status, and residency. Income must be below 85% of State Median Income (about $52,000 for a family of 4). Many regions have wait lists, so apply early.

Does Texas have universal Pre-K?

No, Texas Pre-K is not universal. However, free public Pre-K is available for 4-year-olds who meet eligibility requirements (income-based, limited English, homeless, military, etc.). Many families qualify. Contact your local school district in January/February to register for the following fall.

Why is Austin so much more expensive than other Texas cities?

Austin's tech boom has driven up wages, real estate, and cost of living faster than childcare supply has grown. Competition for quality providers is intense. Moving to suburbs like Round Rock, Cedar Park, or Pflugerville can save 20-30%.

Are nannies affordable in Texas?

Compared to coastal states, yes. A full-time nanny in Texas typically costs $2,500-3,500/month including taxes, compared to $4,000-5,500 in San Francisco or New York. Texas's lower cost of living means qualified caregivers accept lower wages.

How do I verify a Texas daycare license?

Use the HHSC Child Care Search to verify licenses and view inspection history. This public database shows current licensing status, recent inspections, and any violations or complaints.

What should I look for in a Texas daycare?

Beyond licensing, look for:

• Texas Rising Star rating (2-4 stars)
• Low staff turnover (ask directly)
• Clean inspection history
• Appropriate ratios (or better than state minimums)
• Engaged, warm staff interactions
• Outdoor play space (important in Texas heat)
• Climate control (essential in Texas summers)

Do Texas daycares close for weather?

Most Texas daycares remain open during normal weather but may close for severe weather events (ice storms, flooding, extreme heat advisories). Ask about their weather policy during tours. Many offer notifications via app.

Is childcare quality lower in Texas because of higher ratios?

Not necessarily. Texas allows higher ratios than some states (especially for older children), which is why costs are lower. However, quality depends on implementation, not just ratios. Texas Rising Star-rated centers maintain higher standards. Focus on observing actual caregiver engagement during your tour.

Texas-Specific Resources

By Region

• Austin/Central Texas: Workforce Solutions Capital Area
• Houston: Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast
• Dallas-Fort Worth: Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
• San Antonio: Workforce Solutions Alamo

State Resources

• HHSC Child Care Licensing: 1-800-862-5252
• Texas Rising Star: texasrisingstar.org
• Provider Search: HHSC Child Care Search
• CCS Assistance: Dial 2-1-1 or contact local Workforce Solutions

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Related Resources:

• Texas State Directory - Find daycares by city
• Daycare Cost Calculator - Estimate your costs
• Texas Rising Star - Find quality-rated providers
• Questions to Ask When Touring - Be prepared for visits