In-Home Daycare Cost: 2026 Family Daycare Prices by City
Family daycare — where a provider cares for a small group in their home — typically costs 20–40% less than a daycare center. Here's what you'll pay across 15 cities, and what to look for in a quality home daycare.
In-Home Daycare Cost by City (2026)
Monthly tuition for full-time care at a licensed family daycare home:
| City | Infant (monthly) | Toddler (monthly) | Preschool (monthly) | vs. Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $1,800–$2,200 | $1,500–$1,900 | $1,300–$1,700 | -25% |
| New York City | $1,700–$2,100 | $1,400–$1,800 | $1,200–$1,600 | -30% |
| Boston | $1,600–$1,900 | $1,300–$1,600 | $1,100–$1,400 | -25% |
| Seattle | $1,500–$1,800 | $1,200–$1,500 | $1,000–$1,300 | -25% |
| Washington, DC | $1,500–$1,800 | $1,200–$1,500 | $1,000–$1,300 | -28% |
| Hartford (CT) | $1,350–$1,650 | $1,100–$1,400 | $950–$1,200 | -27% |
| Chicago | $1,200–$1,500 | $1,000–$1,250 | $850–$1,100 | -28% |
| Denver | $1,100–$1,400 | $900–$1,200 | $800–$1,050 | -30% |
| Los Angeles | $1,200–$1,500 | $1,000–$1,250 | $850–$1,100 | -25% |
| Austin | $1,000–$1,300 | $850–$1,100 | $750–$950 | -28% |
| Milwaukee | $1,000–$1,250 | $850–$1,100 | $750–$950 | -30% |
| Atlanta | $950–$1,200 | $800–$1,050 | $700–$900 | -30% |
| Dallas | $900–$1,150 | $750–$1,000 | $650–$850 | -30% |
| Houston | $850–$1,100 | $700–$950 | $600–$800 | -32% |
| Memphis | $700–$900 | $600–$800 | $525–$700 | -30% |
Ranges reflect licensed home daycares. Unlicensed care is typically 15–25% cheaper but carries more regulatory risk. Meals may or may not be included — always ask.
In-Home Daycare vs. Daycare Center: Key Differences
| Factor | Home Daycare | Daycare Center |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 20–40% less than centers | Higher; more overhead |
| Group size | 4–8 children total | 10–30+ per classroom |
| Caregiver ratio | 1:4–6 (all ages mixed) | 1:3–4 infants; 1:8–12 older |
| Hours | Often flexible; 7am–6pm typical | Fixed hours; often 6:30am–6:30pm |
| Sick day coverage | May close when provider is sick | Other staff available |
| Curriculum | Provider-defined; varies widely | Structured curriculum common |
| Stability | Lower — provider may close | Higher institutional stability |
| Waitlist | Shorter — often 1–3 months | Longer — up to 12–18 months in top cities |
What's Usually Included in Home Daycare Tuition
Typically included
- Full-day care (usually 7am–5:30pm or 6pm)
- Snacks (lunch and snacks may or may not be included — always confirm)
- Basic educational activities and outdoor play
- Nap time with a cot or mat
- Daily communication with parents
Often extra or not included
- Diapers and wipes (most providers ask parents to supply)
- Formula or breast milk storage
- Transportation to preschool or activities
- Field trips (uncommon but possible)
- Care during provider vacations or sick days
How to Find a Licensed Home Daycare
- Check your state's licensing database. Every state has a public database of licensed childcare providers. Search by zip code to find licensed home daycares in your area. Avoid any provider who cannot produce a current license.
- Ask for references. A quality home daycare should readily provide 2–3 parent references. Call them and ask about communication, sick day policies, and how long their child has been enrolled.
- Visit in person. Schedule a visit before enrolling. Look for a clean, childproofed environment, age-appropriate toys and books, outdoor space, and a warm provider-child relationship.
- Ask about backup plans. What happens when the provider is sick or on vacation? A provider with a clear backup plan (e.g., a licensed substitute) is far preferable to one who simply closes.
- Confirm the group size and ages. State licensing limits the number of children per provider. Ask how many children are currently enrolled and their ages to gauge how much attention your child will receive.
- Use Care.com or Sittercity. Both platforms list licensed home daycare providers and allow you to read reviews and verify background checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does in-home daycare cost?
In-home daycare (family daycare) costs $800–$1,600/month on average in 2026, which is 20–40% less than daycare centers in the same area. Infant care in home daycares runs $950–$1,600/month; toddler and preschool care is $800–$1,350/month. Rates vary significantly by city and whether the provider is licensed.
What is the difference between in-home daycare and a daycare center?
In-home daycare (also called family daycare or home daycare) is run by a provider in their own home, typically caring for 4–8 children. Daycare centers are commercial facilities with multiple classrooms and staff. Home daycares are usually 20–40% less expensive, have lower child-to-caregiver ratios for small groups, and offer more flexible hours — but have less oversight, higher provider turnover, and may close when the provider is sick.
Is in-home daycare licensed?
Most states require home daycares that care for more than 1–2 unrelated children to be licensed, though thresholds vary by state. A licensed home daycare has passed state inspections for safety, health standards, and caregiver background checks. Always verify licensing through your state's childcare licensing database before enrolling. Unlicensed providers may be lower cost but carry more risk.
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