How Much Does Daycare Cost?
By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-07-04
Daycare cost varies widely by your child’s age, hours, location, and setting. Infant care costs the most (it needs the most staff per child), and center-based daycare usually costs more than a home daycare. It’s one of the biggest expenses for young families.
What drives the price
- Age — infants need the lowest ratios, so they cost the most
- Hours — full-time vs part-time
- Setting — a daycare center vs a smaller home daycare
- Location — cost tracks the local cost of living
Ways to lower it
Look into child-care subsidies, a Dependent Care FSA or tax credit, home daycare, and employer benefits. And compare the true price — see how daycare stacks up against preschool in preschool vs. daycare vs. pre-K.
Frequently asked questions
How much does daycare cost?
It varies widely by the child’s age, hours, location, and whether it’s a center or a home daycare. Infant care is the most expensive; center-based usually costs more than home daycare.
How much is daycare a week?
Weekly cost depends heavily on your area and your child’s age — infant care runs highest. Get quotes from a few local providers to compare.
Why is infant daycare so expensive?
Infants need very low caregiver-to-child ratios (more staff per baby), which drives up the cost of care for the youngest children.
Can I get help paying for daycare?
Yes — child-care subsidies, a Dependent Care FSA, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and employer programs can all lower the real cost.
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