Childcare Costs in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area
Childcare in Minneapolis-St. Paul is 21% above the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $13,500/year ($1,125/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $33,000/year ($2,750/month) before employer taxes.
Families in Minnesota 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 55401 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
How Minneapolis-St. Paul Childcare Costs Compare
Minneapolis-St. Paul's infant daycare price of $17,500/year places it #13 of the 44 metros in our dataset, on the costlier side of the national range. Infant daycare here runs 21% above the national average of $14,500.
The cheapest regulated choice for a Minneapolis-St. Paul infant is an in-home daycare at $13,500/year; a private nanny is the priciest at $33,000/year, a $19,500 difference. A flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) costs about $4,500 more than a Minneapolis-St. Paul daycare center but $11,000 less than a full-time nanny.
Families with two children in care feel it most: an infant plus a toddler in daycare runs about $33,000/year in Minneapolis-St. Paul before any sibling discount (centers commonly offer 5–15% off the second child). On a weekly basis, infant care alone is roughly $337.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $17,500 | $15,500 | $13,500 | $9,500 |
| In-Home Daycare | $13,500 | $12,000 | $10,500 | $8,000 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $33,000 | $31,000 | $29,000 | $25,000 |
| Nanny Share | $19,000 | $17,500 | $16,500 | $14,500 |
| 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 Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
Monthly Childcare Costs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Here's what families in Minneapolis-St. Paul can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in Minneapolis-St. Paul
- 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.
- Check Minnesota state tax benefits — Minnesota offers additional childcare tax benefits. Use our calculator to see your specific state savings.
- Consider a nanny share — In Minneapolis-St. Paul, a nanny share costs roughly $19,000/year vs. $33,000/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $14,000/year.
- Check Minnesota subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
Minnesota Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Minnesota CCAP provides subsidies to families earning below 67% of the State Median Income. The state is known for strong childcare quality standards and above-average provider reimbursement rates.
State Tax Benefits
Minnesota offers a refundable Child and Dependent Care Credit for families earning under $52,710. The credit can be worth significantly more than the federal credit for lower-income families.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or see our full Minnesota Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the Minneapolis-St. Paul 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: 55401)