Daycare Cost Calculator
Estimate how much you'll pay for daycare based on your location, child's age, and type of care. Our data reflects current average costs across the U.S.
Enter Your Details
Infant (0-12 months)
Part-time (10h)Full-time (40h+)
Estimated Costs
Select a state to see estimated costs
Understanding Daycare Costs
Daycare costs vary significantly across the United States. Major factors that affect pricing include:
- Location: Urban areas typically have higher costs than rural areas. States like Massachusetts and Washington D.C. have some of the highest daycare costs in the country.
- Child's age: Infant care is the most expensive because of lower child-to-staff ratio requirements. Costs typically decrease as children get older.
- Type of facility: Daycare centers often cost more than home-based providers, but offer different benefits like structured curriculum and multiple caregivers.
- Hours of care: Full-time care (40+ hours) typically has a lower per-hour rate than part-time care.
Ways to Reduce Daycare Costs
- Use a Dependent Care FSA through your employer (up to $5,000 pre-tax)
- Claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit on your taxes
- Ask about sibling discounts for multiple children
- Consider home-based providers, which are often less expensive
- Look into employer childcare benefits or subsidies
- Check if you qualify for state childcare assistance programs