Childcare Costs in Austin, TX (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the Austin metro area
Childcare in Austin is 3% above the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $12,000/year ($1,000/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $31,000/year ($2,583/month) before employer taxes.
Families in Texas may also qualify for state-specific tax credits and childcare subsidy programs that can reduce these costs by $2,000–$6,000+ annually. Use our free calculator with zip code 78701 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
How Austin Childcare Costs Compare
At $15,000/year for infant daycare, Austin ranks #21 of 44 major U.S. metros we track — on the costlier side of the national range. Infant daycare here runs 3% above the national average of $14,500.
A licensed in-home daycare ($12,000/year) is the lowest-cost regulated option in Austin, while a full-time nanny ($31,000/year) sits at the top — a $19,000 gap for the same infant. A flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) costs about $7,000 more than a Austin daycare center but $9,000 less than a full-time nanny.
Families with two children in care feel it most: an infant plus a toddler in daycare runs about $28,500/year in Austin before any sibling discount (centers commonly offer 5–15% off the second child). On a weekly basis, infant care alone is roughly $288. Within Texas, infant daycare ranges from $12,500 in San Antonio to $15,000 in Austin, making Austin the most expensive of the 4 Texas metros we track.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Austin
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $15,000 | $13,500 | $12,000 | $8,500 |
| In-Home Daycare | $12,000 | $10,500 | $9,500 | $7,000 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $31,000 | $29,000 | $27,000 | $23,000 |
| Nanny Share | $18,000 | $16,500 | $15,500 | $13,500 |
| Au Pair | $22,000/year (flat rate per household) | |||
Costs are annual estimates for full-time care (5 days/week). Part-time schedules reduce costs proportionally. Nanny costs do not include employer payroll taxes (~10.25% additional). Sources: Care.com, DOL, EPI 2024 data adjusted for Austin metro area.
Monthly Childcare Costs in Austin
Here's what families in Austin can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in Austin
- Max out your Dependent Care FSA — Save $1,480+ annually by contributing $5,000 pre-tax. This benefit is available regardless of which state you live in.
- Claim the federal Child & Dependent Care Credit — Get 20–35% of up to $6,000 in childcare expenses back as a tax credit.
- Texas has no state income tax — While you won't get state-level tax deductions, your take-home pay is higher, and all federal benefits still apply.
- Consider a nanny share — In Austin, a nanny share costs roughly $18,000/year vs. $31,000/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $13,000/year.
- Check Texas subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
Texas Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services
Texas provides childcare subsidies through local Workforce Development Boards. Eligible families include those receiving TANF, transitioning from TANF, and low-income working families. Income limits vary by board area but generally align with 85% of the State Median Income.
State Tax Benefits
Texas has no state income tax, so there are no state childcare tax credits. However, Texas families benefit from relatively lower childcare costs compared to coastal metros.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or see our full Texas Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the Austin metro area. Your actual costs depend on your specific location, number of children, ages, and schedule. Our free calculator gives you a personalized breakdown including tax savings.
Calculate Your Costs (Zip: 78701)