How Much Does Preschool Cost? (And How to Compare the Real Price)

By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-07-01

Preschool prices swing enormously — even two schools on the same block can differ by hundreds a month. The sticker price isn’t the whole story; here’s how to read the real cost.

What drives the price

Hours: full-day costs far more than half-day or part-week.
Age: younger classrooms need higher staff ratios, so they cost more.
Type: private and Montessori tend to run highest; co-ops, faith-based, and community programs are often lower.
Location: cost tracks the local cost of living closely.

Hidden costs to ask about

Registration / enrollment fees (often non-refundable)
Supply, activity, or materials fees
A deposit to hold the spot
Charges for extended hours, lunch, or field trips

Compare the true price, not the headline

Add tuition + fees, then divide by the hours you’ll actually use. A “cheaper” half-day program can cost more per hour than a full-day one once you add wrap-around care.

Free & lower-cost options worth checking

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or state pre-K — free public options for eligible ages in many states.
Head Start — free, income-eligible.
Child-care subsidies and employer or sliding-scale programs.

First Cubby shows each school’s cost band next to hours and distance, so you can compare the real trade-offs side by side.

Frequently asked questions