Most Affordable States for Childcare (2026)
Childcare costs swing by more than $12,000/year between states. Here's where infant daycare is cheapest — and most expensive — in 2026.
Cheapest States for Childcare
Average infant daycare ranges from about $12,500/year in the most affordable states to over $23,500/year in District of Columbia. The South and parts of the Mountain West and Midwest are generally the most budget-friendly; the Northeast and West Coast are the most expensive.
| Rank | State | Avg Infant Daycare/yr | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nevada | $12,500 | $1,042 |
| #2 | Oklahoma | $12,500 | $1,042 |
| #3 | Tennessee | $12,750 | $1,063 |
| #4 | Michigan | $13,000 | $1,083 |
| #5 | Arizona | $13,000 | $1,083 |
| #6 | Ohio | $13,000 | $1,083 |
| #7 | Indiana | $13,000 | $1,083 |
| #8 | Kentucky | $13,000 | $1,083 |
| #9 | Missouri | $13,250 | $1,104 |
| #10 | North Carolina | $13,500 | $1,125 |
| #11 | Utah | $13,500 | $1,125 |
| #12 | Texas | $13,750 | $1,146 |
| #13 | Florida | $14,000 | $1,167 |
| #14 | Georgia | $14,500 | $1,208 |
| #15 | Pennsylvania | $15,250 | $1,271 |
| #16 | Virginia | $15,500 | $1,292 |
| #17 | Wisconsin | $16,500 | $1,375 |
| #18 | Oregon | $17,000 | $1,417 |
| #19 | Maryland | $17,000 | $1,417 |
| #20 | Minnesota | $17,500 | $1,458 |
| #21 | Illinois | $18,000 | $1,500 |
| #22 | Colorado | $18,000 | $1,500 |
| #23 | New York | $20,750 | $1,729 |
| #24 | Connecticut | $21,000 | $1,750 |
| #25 | Washington | $21,500 | $1,792 |
| #26 | California | $21,700 | $1,808 |
| #27 | Massachusetts | $23,000 | $1,917 |
| #28 | District of Columbia | $23,500 | $1,958 |
Ranked from most to least affordable by average infant daycare cost across the metros we track in each state. Sources: Care.com, U.S. DOL, EPI.
Affordability Is About More Than Price
A low sticker price doesn't always mean childcare is easy on the budget — what matters is cost relative to local wages. A state with $12,000 daycare and modest incomes can feel as tight as a high-cost state with strong salaries. When you compare, weigh local pay, your subsidy eligibility, and state tax credits, which vary widely.
Lower Your Cost in Any State
- Check your state's subsidy program and tax benefits.
- Use a Dependent Care FSA (available nationwide via employers).
- Compare local prices near you and consider lower-cost care types.
- See the cheapest individual cities too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state has the cheapest childcare?
Among the states we track, Nevada has one of the lowest average infant daycare costs at about $12,500/year. Southern and Mountain-West states generally have the most affordable childcare, while the Northeast and West Coast are the most expensive.
What state has the most expensive childcare?
District of Columbia has the highest average infant daycare cost in our data at about $23,500/year. Massachusetts, California, New York, and Washington are also consistently among the priciest.
Why does childcare cost so much more in some states?
The biggest driver is the local cost of living and wages, since caregiver pay makes up most of tuition. State licensing ratios, real estate costs, and supply-and-demand for childcare slots also push prices up in high-cost states.
Is it cheaper to move to a low-cost state for childcare?
Rarely worth it for childcare alone, since lower-cost states often have lower wages too. Affordability depends on cost relative to your income, plus subsidies and tax credits. Compare your specific situation rather than the sticker price alone.
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