In-Home Daycare Cost in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (2026)
Average family childcare home prices for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area
An in-home daycare (licensed family childcare home) in Minneapolis-St. Paul costs $13,500 per year ($1,125/month) for an infant — about 23% cheaper than a traditional daycare center in the same metro. That's 23% above the national average for home-based care.
Family childcare homes keep prices lower by operating out of a provider's residence, with smaller group sizes (typically 4–8 kids) and lower overhead. Parents in Minneapolis-St. Paul save approximately $4,000/year on infant care vs. a licensed daycare center. Use our calculator with zip code 55401 to see your personalized estimate.
Minneapolis-St. Paul In-Home Daycare Cost by Age (2026)
| Age Group | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost | Weekly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–1) | $13,500 | $1,125 | $260 |
| Toddler (1–3) | $12,000 | $1,000 | $231 |
| Preschool (3–5) | $10,500 | $875 | $202 |
| School-Age (5–12) | $8,000 | $667 | $154 |
Costs are averages for licensed family childcare homes in Minneapolis-St. Paul, full-time (5 days/week). Unlicensed providers may charge less but typically aren't eligible for Dependent Care FSA reimbursement. Sources: Care.com 2024 Cost of Care Survey, DOL National Database of Childcare Prices.
In-Home Daycare vs. Daycare Center in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Family childcare homes are typically 23% cheaper than daycare centers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, with the tradeoff of smaller group sizes and less structured curriculum:
| Care Type | Infant/yr | Toddler/yr | Preschool/yr | School-Age/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Daycare | $13,500 | $12,000 | $10,500 | $8,000 |
| Daycare Center | $17,500 | $15,500 | $13,500 | $9,500 |
| Annual savings | $4,000 | $3,500 | $3,000 | $1,500 |
What You Get for $1,125/Month in Minneapolis-St. Paul
A licensed family childcare home in Minneapolis-St. Paul typically includes:
- Small group size: 4–8 children total (vs. 60+ at a center), with mixed ages and siblings welcomed
- Home environment: Meals cooked in the home, nap time in a quiet room, outdoor play in a backyard
- Lower infant ratios: Usually no more than 2–4 infants per caregiver
- Flexible schedules: Many providers accommodate part-time, early drop-off, or evening pickup better than centers
- Licensing + background checks: Provider has passed Minnesota licensing, CPR/first aid training, and criminal background checks
- FSA/tax credit eligible: Licensed providers qualify for Dependent Care FSA and the Child & Dependent Care Credit
In-Home Daycare vs. Other Childcare in Minneapolis-St. Paul
| Care Type | Annual (Infant) | Monthly | vs. In-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Daycare | $13,500 | $1,125 | — |
| Daycare Center | $17,500 | $1,458 | +$4,000 |
| Nanny Share | $19,000 | $1,583 | +$5,500 |
| Au Pair | $22,000 | $1,833 | +$8,500 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $33,000 | $2,750 | +$19,500 |
In-home daycare is usually the most affordable licensed childcare option in Minneapolis-St. Paul. See our in-home daycare guide for how to find and vet a licensed provider.
How to Find In-Home Daycare in Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R): Free service that lists licensed providers near you with openings
- Check the license status: Minnesota's licensing division publishes inspection reports and any complaints online
- Visit during operating hours: Observe the group size, cleanliness, and how the provider interacts with the kids
- Ask about backup care: Home daycares close when the provider is sick — ask what happens on those days
- Confirm FSA eligibility: Request the provider's Tax ID (EIN or SSN) so you can claim Dependent Care FSA and tax credit reimbursement
- Minnesota subsidies: Most state childcare assistance programs cover licensed in-home providers — see our Minnesota Subsidies Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does in-home daycare cost in Minneapolis-St. Paul?
In-home daycare in Minneapolis-St. Paul averages $13,500/year ($1,125/month) for infants, $12,000/year for toddlers, $10,500/year for preschoolers, and $8,000/year for school-age care. That's about 23% cheaper than a daycare center in the same metro.
Is in-home daycare cheaper than a daycare center in Minneapolis-St. Paul?
Yes. In-home daycare averages $13,500/year for infant care in Minneapolis-St. Paul, while a licensed daycare center averages $17,500/year — a savings of $4,000/year. See daycare center costs in Minneapolis-St. Paul for comparison.
How many kids are in an in-home daycare in Minnesota?
Most licensed family childcare homes in Minnesota care for 4–8 children at a time, including the provider's own kids if under a certain age. Large family childcare homes may have up to 12 children with an assistant. Infant ratios are typically capped at 1:4.
Can I use a Dependent Care FSA for in-home daycare in Minneapolis-St. Paul?
Yes, as long as the provider is licensed and can provide a Tax ID. You can reimburse up to $5,000/year of in-home daycare costs from a Dependent Care FSA, saving roughly $1,400–$2,000/year in taxes. Unlicensed or under-the-table providers are generally not FSA-eligible.
Get Your Personalized Minneapolis-St. Paul Childcare Estimate
These are Minneapolis-St. Paul metro averages for licensed family childcare homes. Your exact cost depends on your zip code, child's age, and the specific provider.
Calculate Your Costs (Zip: 55401)