Daycare Cost Calculator
Estimate daycare, nanny, and childcare costs based on your location and needs. Get accurate weekly, monthly, and annual cost estimates.
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Infant (0-12 months)
4 hours8 hours (typical)12 hours
Estimated Costs
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Tips to Reduce Childcare Costs
- Use a Dependent Care FSA through your employer (up to $5,000 pre-tax savings)
- Claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on your federal taxes
- Ask about sibling discounts if you have multiple children
- Consider a nanny share to split costs with another family
- Look into state childcare assistance programs (CCAP) if income-eligible
- Check if your employer offers childcare benefits or subsidies
- Compare in-home daycare providers, which are often 10-15% less expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
Daycare costs vary significantly by location and child's age. On average, infant daycare costs $1,400-$2,400/month, toddler care costs $1,200-$2,100/month, and preschool costs $1,000-$1,800/month. Urban areas and states like California, New York, and Massachusetts tend to have higher costs.
Generally, a nanny is more expensive than daycare for one child. However, a nanny can become cost-effective for families with 2+ children since you pay the same rate regardless of how many kids are cared for. A nanny share—where two families share a nanny—offers a middle-ground option.
A nanny share is when two families hire one nanny to care for their children together, typically at one family's home. Each family pays about 60-70% of a full nanny salary, saving money while still getting personalized care. It works best when children are similar ages.
Infant care costs more because state regulations require lower caregiver-to-child ratios (often 1:3 or 1:4 for infants vs 1:10+ for older children). Infants also need more individual attention, specialized equipment, and trained caregivers.
You can reduce childcare costs by: using a Dependent Care FSA (saves up to $2,000/year in taxes), claiming the Child Care Tax Credit, asking about sibling discounts, considering in-home daycare providers, exploring nanny shares, and checking eligibility for state assistance programs.
Yes, significantly. States like Massachusetts, Washington DC, California, and New York have the highest childcare costs (15-35% above national average), while states like Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas have lower costs (10-15% below average).
In-home (family) daycare is typically 10-20% less expensive than daycare centers. In-home providers have lower overhead costs and smaller group sizes. Centers often offer more structured programs, multiple caregivers, and longer hours, which contributes to higher costs.
Plan for childcare to be 10-25% of household income depending on location. Budget for the full cost plus 5-10% for registration fees, supplies, and rate increases. Factor in tax benefits (FSA and tax credits) which can reduce net costs by $1,000-$2,000/year.