Daycare Cost in Washington State 2025: Seattle & Statewide Pricing Guide

Washington State has some of the highest childcare costs in the nation, particularly in the Seattle metro area where infant care rivals San Francisco prices. Understanding these costs—and the substantial assistance programs available—is essential for Puget Sound families.

Quick Answer: Washington Daycare Costs in 2025

Here's what Washington parents typically pay:

| Age Group | Seattle | Eastside | Other Areas | |-----------|---------|----------|-------------| | Infant (0-12 months) | $450-600/week | $420-550/week | $280-400/week | | Toddler (1-2 years) | $380-520/week | $350-480/week | $240-350/week | | Preschool (3-5 years) | $320-450/week | $300-420/week | $200-300/week |

Annual costs range from $10,400 to $31,200 depending on age and location.

Seattle Metro Area: Neighborhood Breakdown

The Greater Seattle area dominates Washington's childcare costs.

Seattle Neighborhoods

| Neighborhood | Infant Weekly | Preschool Weekly | |--------------|---------------|------------------| | Capitol Hill | $500-620 | $400-480 | | Queen Anne | $480-600 | $380-460 | | Ballard | $450-580 | $360-450 | | Fremont/Wallingford | $460-580 | $370-450 | | University District | $400-520 | $320-400 | | West Seattle | $420-540 | $340-420 | | Central District | $400-500 | $320-400 | | Columbia City | $420-540 | $340-420 |

Eastside Communities

| Area | Infant Weekly | Preschool Weekly | |------|---------------|------------------| | Bellevue | $480-600 | $380-480 | | Kirkland | $450-560 | $360-440 | | Redmond | $440-550 | $350-430 | | Sammamish | $460-570 | $360-450 | | Woodinville | $420-520 | $340-420 | | Issaquah | $430-540 | $350-430 | | Bothell | $400-500 | $320-400 |

Greater Puget Sound

| Area | Infant Weekly | Preschool Weekly | |------|---------------|------------------| | Tacoma | $340-440 | $280-350 | | Everett | $350-450 | $290-360 | | Olympia | $320-420 | $260-340 | | Bremerton | $300-400 | $250-320 | | Federal Way | $340-430 | $280-350 | | Kent | $350-450 | $290-360 | | Auburn | $340-430 | $280-350 |

Beyond the Puget Sound

Eastern Washington

| City | Infant Weekly | Preschool Weekly | |------|---------------|------------------| | Spokane | $280-380 | $220-300 | | Spokane Valley | $270-360 | $210-290 | | Richland/Kennewick | $260-350 | $200-280 | | Yakima | $240-320 | $190-260 | | Walla Walla | $250-330 | $200-270 |

Other Regions

| City | Infant Weekly | Preschool Weekly | |------|---------------|------------------| | Vancouver (SW WA) | $320-420 | $260-340 | | Bellingham | $340-440 | $280-360 | | Wenatchee | $280-370 | $220-300 | | Tri-Cities | $260-350 | $200-280 |

Why Washington Childcare Costs So Much

Regulatory Standards

Washington has stricter requirements than many states:

| Requirement | Washington | National Average | |-------------|------------|------------------| | Infant Ratio | 1:4 | 1:4-6 | | Toddler Ratio | 1:7 | 1:6-8 | | Preschool Ratio | 1:10 | 1:10-12 | | Lead Teacher Credential | Required | Often not required | | MERIT Registration | Mandatory | N/A |

Cost Drivers in Seattle

The Seattle Premium:

• Commercial real estate among highest in nation
• $17.25/hour minimum wage (Seattle)
• High cost of living for teachers
• Competition with tech industry for workers
• Limited available space for new centers

Washington's Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)

Washington offers one of the better subsidy programs in the country.

Eligibility Requirements

| Requirement | Details | |-------------|---------| | Income | 60% of State Median Income (~$60,000 for family of 4) | | Activity | Working, in school, or approved training | | Child Age | 0-12 years (13+ with special needs) | | Residency | Washington State resident |

What WCCC Covers

WCCC pays providers based on rate tiers:

| Provider Type | Payment Level | |---------------|---------------| | Licensed, Early Achievers Level 3-5 | Highest rates | | Licensed, Early Achievers Level 2 | Mid-level rates | | Licensed, not in Early Achievers | Base rates | | License-exempt | Lowest rates |

Family Copay Structure

| Income Level | Approximate Copay | |--------------|-------------------| | Under 82% FPL | $0 | | 82-137% FPL | $15-65/month | | 137-200% FPL | $65-200/month | | Above 200% FPL | Graduated increase |

Applying for WCCC

1. Online: Apply at DCYF website
2. Phone: 1-844-626-8687
3. In-Person: Local DCYF office

Processing Time: 2-4 weeks typically; no current waitlist

Early Achievers: Washington's Quality Rating

Early Achievers is Washington's quality rating and improvement system.

Rating Levels

| Level | What It Means | |-------|---------------| | Level 1 | Enrolled, gathering baseline data | | Level 2 | Meeting standards, implementing quality practices | | Level 3 | Implementing curriculum, teacher-child interactions | | Level 4 | Strong quality across all areas | | Level 5 | Highest quality, exceptional practices |

Why Early Achievers Matters

• Higher WCCC rates: Providers at Level 3+ receive higher subsidy payments
• Quality assurance: Rated programs meet research-based standards
• Professional development: Staff engage in ongoing training
• Better outcomes: Children in rated programs show improved readiness

Find Rated Programs: Child Care Aware Washington

ECEAP: Washington's Pre-K Program

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) offers free preschool for income-eligible families.

Eligibility

| Requirement | Details | |-------------|---------| | Age | 3-4 years old | | Income | 110% FPL (expanding) | | Other factors | Developmental concerns, foster care, homelessness |

Program Options

| Type | Hours | Meals | |------|-------|-------| | Part-Day | 2.5 hours | Snack | | School-Day | 6 hours | Breakfast + Lunch | | Working-Day | 10 hours | Full meals |

Coverage

ECEAP is expanding but not yet universal. Slots are limited, so apply early:

• Priority given to 4-year-olds
• Expanding to more 3-year-olds each year
• Targeted for universal access by 2026

Apply: Contact your local ECEAP contractor or DCYF

Head Start in Washington

Free comprehensive services for income-eligible families:

| Program | Ages | Income Limit | |---------|------|--------------| | Early Head Start | 0-3 | 100% FPL | | Head Start | 3-5 | 100% FPL | | Migrant/Seasonal Head Start | 0-5 | Migrant/seasonal workers | | Tribal Head Start | 0-5 | AI/AN children |

Find Programs: WA State Head Start Association

Saving Money on Washington Childcare

1. Maximize Tax Benefits

Dependent Care FSA:

• Contribute up to $5,000 pre-tax
• Common among Seattle tech employers
• Use for daycare, preschool, summer care

Child and Dependent Care Credit:

• Federal: 20-35% of expenses (up to $3,000)
• Washington has no state income tax (no state credit)

2. Employer Benefits

Seattle-area employers often offer childcare benefits:

| Benefit | Examples | |---------|----------| | On-site daycare | Amazon, Microsoft, Google | | Backup care | Many tech companies | | FSA match | Adds to your pre-tax contribution | | Subsidies | Direct payments toward childcare |

Ask HR about:

• Dependent Care FSA
• Backup care programs (Bright Horizons, Care.com)
• On-site or near-site care
• Childcare subsidies or stipends

3. Alternative Care Options

| Option | Cost Comparison | |--------|-----------------| | Family Childcare Home | 20-30% less than centers | | Nanny Share | 30-40% less per family | | Part-Time Care | 40-60% less | | Relative Care | Often free | | Cooperative | Reduced cost, parent participation |

4. Timing and Enrollment

• Summer start: Some programs offer reduced rates
• Multi-child discount: 5-15% typically
• Prepay discount: Some centers offer annual payment savings
• Scholarship programs: Many centers have need-based aid

Seattle's Best Value Neighborhoods

If location is flexible, some areas offer better value:

More Affordable Seattle Areas

1. South Seattle (Rainier Valley, Georgetown): 20-30% below Capitol Hill
2. North Seattle (Lake City, Northgate): Moderate savings
3. West Seattle: Slightly below central Seattle
4. White Center: More affordable, improving options

Eastside Value Options

1. South King County (Renton, Tukwila): 15-25% below Bellevue
2. Snohomish County (Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace): 10-20% less
3. Kitsap County (Bremerton, Silverdale): 30-40% less

Hidden Costs to Budget

Beyond tuition, plan for these expenses:

| Expense | Typical Cost | |---------|--------------| | Registration Fee | $100-300 (annual) | | Supply Fee | $50-150 (annual) | | Activity Fee | $25-100 (varies) | | Late Pickup Fee | $1-5 per minute | | Diaper/Formula | $50-100/month if not included | | Meals (if separate) | $50-75/week | | Field Trip Fees | $10-50 (varies) |

Year-by-Year Cost Projection

Seattle Family Budget Example

| Year | Age | Care Type | Est. Annual Cost | |------|-----|-----------|------------------| | 1 | Infant | Full-time center | $28,600 | | 2 | Toddler | Full-time center | $24,700 | | 3 | 2-year-old | Full-time center | $22,100 | | 4 | 3-year-old | Full-time center | $20,800 | | 5 | 4-year-old | ECEAP + wrap | $8,500 | | Total | | | $104,700 |

With WCCC Subsidy (Income Eligible)

| Year | Age | Family Copay | Est. Annual Cost | |------|-----|--------------|------------------| | 1 | Infant | $50/month | $600 | | 2 | Toddler | $50/month | $600 | | 3 | 2-year-old | $50/month | $600 | | 4 | 3-year-old | ECEAP | $0 | | 5 | 4-year-old | ECEAP | $0 | | Total | | | $1,800 |

Waitlists and Timing

Seattle-area childcare often has significant waitlists.

Typical Wait Times

| Area | Infant Wait | Toddler Wait | |------|-------------|--------------| | Capitol Hill/Central Seattle | 6-18 months | 3-12 months | | Eastside (Bellevue, Kirkland) | 6-18 months | 3-12 months | | South Seattle | 3-6 months | 1-3 months | | Tacoma | 1-3 months | Weeks | | Eastern Washington | Usually immediate | Usually immediate |

Waitlist Strategies

1. Add names early: Many parents waitlist while pregnant
2. Multiple lists: Apply to 5-10 programs
3. Consider start date flexibility: May open more options
4. Explore family childcare: Often shorter waits
5. Ask about summer/winter openings: Transitions happen

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Seattle daycare compare to other expensive cities?

Seattle ranks in the top 5 most expensive U.S. cities for childcare, comparable to San Francisco, Boston, and NYC boroughs. Infant care often exceeds $30,000/year at quality centers. The Eastside can be even higher than Seattle proper. However, Washington's WCCC program and lack of state income tax somewhat offset costs for eligible families.

Is there a waitlist for Working Connections (WCCC)?

Currently, there's no waitlist for WCCC in Washington. Eligible families can typically start receiving benefits within 2-4 weeks of approval. This is a significant advantage compared to states with long subsidy waitlists. Apply early to have benefits in place when you need care.

Should I choose a center or family childcare home in Seattle?

Both can offer excellent care. Centers have more regulatory oversight and typically follow curricula like Creative Curriculum or HighScope. Family childcare homes offer smaller groups, often more flexibility, and may be 20-30% cheaper. Look for Early Achievers rating in either setting. Many Seattle families prefer centers for infants and family childcare for flexibility.

What's the difference between ECEAP and Head Start?

Both are free preschool programs but differ in funding and structure. ECEAP is state-funded with 110% FPL income limit. Head Start is federally funded with 100% FPL limit. Both offer comprehensive services including education, health, and family support. You cannot enroll in both simultaneously. Apply to both and see which accepts your child first.

How do I find an Early Achievers-rated provider?

Search the Child Care Aware Washington database at childcareawarewa.org. You can filter by location, ages served, and Early Achievers rating. Providers at Level 3 and above meet research-based quality standards and receive higher WCCC payments, incentivizing quality. Level 5 is the highest rating.

Are there enough infant care slots in Seattle?

No. Infant care is the biggest shortage in Seattle-area childcare. Many parents waitlist while pregnant. Family childcare homes may have more infant availability. Some families use nannies or nanny shares for the first year, then transition to centers. Plan 6-12 months ahead for infant care in Seattle.

Can grandparents receive payment through WCCC?

License-exempt relatives (including grandparents) can be paid through WCCC, but at lower rates than licensed providers. They must complete a background check and orientation. This option works well for families who prefer relative care. The grandparent becomes your child's official childcare provider.

What happens to childcare costs when minimum wage increases?

Seattle's minimum wage increases affect childcare costs directly since labor is 80%+ of costs. When minimum wage increases, tuition typically rises proportionally. Seattle's minimum wage is $17.25/hour (2024) and increases annually with inflation. Expect 3-5% annual tuition increases in Seattle.

Is it cheaper to live outside Seattle and commute for childcare?

Living in South King County (Kent, Auburn) or Snohomish County (Everett, Lynnwood) can reduce childcare costs by 15-25%. However, factor in commute time, childcare logistics with long commutes, and whether you'd use childcare near home or work. Many families choose childcare near work for faster pickup response.

How do tech company childcare benefits work?

Major Seattle tech employers (Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta) often offer: on-site or near-site subsidized care (limited slots, waitlisted), backup care programs (10-20 days/year), Dependent Care FSA with company match, and sometimes direct childcare subsidies. Ask HR about all available benefits during onboarding.

The Bottom Line

Washington—especially the Seattle metro—has among the highest childcare costs in the nation. However, the state also offers strong support programs that can dramatically reduce costs for eligible families.

Key strategies for Washington families:

• Apply for WCCC if your income is under ~$60,000 (no waitlist!)
• Target ECEAP for free pre-K starting at age 3
• Choose Early Achievers-rated programs for quality assurance
• Consider family childcare for 20-30% savings
• Plan ahead—waitlists in Seattle can be 6-18 months for infants
• Maximize tax benefits through Dependent Care FSA

Start planning early, explore all assistance options, and remember that quality matters more than location or price. Washington's childcare costs are high, but the support systems are there if you know where to look.