Childcare Guides for Parents
In-depth guides to help you compare childcare options, hire providers, maximize tax savings, and find financial assistance.
Calculators & Tools
Cost Comparisons & Overviews
Childcare Cost by Income
% of your paycheck by income level
Average Cost of Daycare
Monthly, weekly & by state (2026)
Childcare Cost Near Me
Find local prices by city & state
Cost of Raising a Child
Full breakdown by category & age
How Much Does Childcare Cost?
Complete 2026 guide by type, age & location
Childcare Cost by State
All states ranked by average cost
Part-Time Daycare Costs
2, 3 & 4-day schedules by city
Daycare vs. Nanny
Cost, pros & cons compared
Nanny vs. Au Pair
Which is right for your family?
Preschool vs. Daycare
Cost, hours & what's best for your child
Nanny vs. Daycare for Infants
Which is better for babies?
Babysitter Rates
How much to pay by city & experience
Nanny Hourly Rate by City
$18–$35/hr — 2026 rates for 20 cities
In-Home Daycare Cost
Family daycare — 20–40% less than centers
How to Budget for Childcare
What to spend & how to reduce costs
Reduce Childcare Costs
15 proven ways to save
Childcare Statistics (2026)
Costs, usage & industry data
Au Pair vs. Daycare
Full cost & feature comparison (2026)
Why Is Childcare So Expensive?
6 reasons — and how to pay less
Hiring & Finding Care
Nanny Salary by State
Average pay & hourly rates (2026)
How to Hire a Nanny
Search, interview & onboard
How to Find Daycare
Tour checklist & red flags
How to Choose a Daycare
Quality checklist, ratios & red flags
Nanny Contract Template
What to include & free checklist
Daycare Safety Checklist
What to look for & red flags
Head Start Program
Free preschool for eligible families
Money & Tax Savings
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Up to $2,100 back — how it works
Childcare Tax Benefits
DCFSA, credits & state programs
Nanny Taxes & Payroll
Household employer obligations
Work vs. Stay Home Calculator
Is childcare worth the cost?
Employer Childcare Benefits
What to ask for & how to use them
DCFSA vs Child Care Credit
Which saves more? Use both together
How to Find Childcare Subsidies
Step-by-step guide for all 50 states
Free Childcare Programs
Head Start, Pre-K & vouchers
Dependent Care FSA 2026
$5,000 limit, rules & how to maximize savings
Get Personalized Cost Estimates
Our free calculator compares all 5 care types for your zip code, including tax savings.
Open the Calculator