Daycare Cost Projection
See how daycare costs will change as your child grows from infant through kindergarten age. Plan ahead for the full picture.
Your Details
Newborn4 years
California Rates
Infant$375/week
Toddler$325/week
Preschool$300/week
Cost Projection Until Kindergarten
Total Estimated Daycare Cost
$84,432
Until age 5 (kindergarten)
Infant Stage
12 months @ $1624/mo
$19,488
Toddler Stage
24 months @ $1407/mo
$33,768
Preschool Stage
24 months @ $1299/mo
$31,176
Year by Year
Year 1
$19.5k
Year 2
$16.9k
Year 3
$16.9k
Year 4
$15.6k
Year 5
$15.6k
Planning Tips
- 1.Start a Dependent Care FSA early—$5,000/year in tax savings adds up.
- 2.Costs drop significantly after the infant stage—plan for the highest expenses first.
- 3.Consider a 529 plan for education savings—some states offer state tax deductions.