Daycare Costs by State: Complete 2024 Guide
How much does daycare cost in your state? Compare average daycare costs across all 50 states, learn what factors affect pricing, and find ways to save.
Daycare costs vary dramatically depending on where you live. A family in Mississippi might pay half what a family in Massachusetts pays for similar care. Understanding these regional differences is essential for budgeting.
National Overview
The national average cost for center-based daycare is approximately $1,100 per month for an infant, though this number masks huge regional variation. Let's break it down by state.
Most Expensive States for Daycare
These states have the highest average weekly daycare costs for infant care:
- Washington D.C. - $475/week (~$24,700/year)
- Massachusetts - $425/week (~$22,100/year)
- New York - $400/week (~$20,800/year)
- California - $375/week (~$19,500/year)
- Washington - $375/week (~$19,500/year)
In these high-cost areas, daycare can exceed the cost of in-state college tuition.
Most Affordable States for Daycare
These states offer the lowest average weekly costs:
- Mississippi - $150/week (~$7,800/year)
- Arkansas - $165/week (~$8,580/year)
- Alabama - $175/week (~$9,100/year)
- Louisiana - $175/week (~$9,100/year)
- South Carolina - $175/week (~$9,100/year)
Even in affordable states, daycare represents a significant portion of family income.
What Affects Daycare Costs?
Age of Child
Infant care (0-12 months) is the most expensive because:
- Lower child-to-staff ratios are required
- More hands-on care is needed
- Specialized equipment and training
Costs typically decrease as children age:
- Infants: Highest cost
- Toddlers: 10-15% less than infant care
- Preschool: 15-25% less than infant care
Type of Care
- Daycare centers: Generally more expensive
- Home-based care: Often 15-20% less expensive
- Nannies: Most expensive option (not included in these averages)
Urban vs. Rural
Cities typically cost 20-40% more than rural areas within the same state.
Full-time vs. Part-time
Part-time care has a higher per-hour rate, but lower total cost.
How to Save on Daycare
Tax Benefits
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: Up to $3,000 per child
- Dependent Care FSA: Up to $5,000 pre-tax dollars
Other Strategies
- Ask about sibling discounts (10-15% off additional children)
- Consider home-based providers
- Check employer childcare benefits
- Look into state subsidy programs if you qualify
Use Our Calculator
Want to see exactly what you'll pay in your state? Our Daycare Cost Calculator lets you estimate costs based on your specific situation—state, child's age, type of care, and hours needed.
Finding Affordable Quality Care
Lower cost doesn't have to mean lower quality. When evaluating options:
- Always verify current licensing
- Check inspection reports
- Tour during operating hours
- Ask about staff qualifications and turnover
- Talk to other parents
Read our complete guide on how to choose the right daycare for more evaluation tips.
Cost data is based on 2024 state averages and may vary by specific location, facility, and program type.