What Is the Average Cost of Daycare in the United States? Daycare Costs in the U.S.

The average cost of center-based daycare in the United States is $11,666 per year for infants and $10,158 per year for toddlers. Prices range from $5,760 to $20,880 a year. Location matters for costs. Parents in cities like New York or Seattle may report higher costs.

These expenses allow new daycares to deliver quality care at reduced prices. Childcare costs exceed university tuition in most states. The 2022 Care.com survey has insights from parents. States have taken steps to lower costs through measures like tax credits.

State Comparisons and Factors Affecting Prices

How States Compare in Child-Care Costs:

  • Infant care costs as a share of median family income.
  • Infant care costs as a share of minimum wage earnings.

Daycares are less costly than nannies or after-school sitters. Costs vary widely by state. The best states for affordability are North Dakota and Utah.

Factors Affecting Daycare Prices:

  • Type of care
  • Age of child
  • Hours needed
  • Cost of living

Newborn care can cost $5,000 more per year. Additional services like preschool and transportation also increase costs.

Monthly and Annual Expenses

Cost Per Month:

  • Infants: around $917
  • Toddlers: around $860

Average Annual Costs:

  • Full-time care: about $9,000
  • Childcare for babies and toddlers in daycare centers: over $10,000
  • Cost of a nanny per week (historical vs. current): ~$565 vs. ~$700

Employment in Daycare

If you want to work as a daycare provider, you should be aware of the regulations you must meet.

Daycare Worker Income:

  • Average Income: around $26,000 per year
  • Highest Income: around $40,000 annually

997 daycare websites in Los Angeles were analyzed to create a cost guide for 2023, to give an idea of full-time and part-time prices for various age groups in child care.

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