In-Home Daycare Cost in San Diego, CA (2026)
Average family childcare home prices for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children in the San Diego metro area
An in-home daycare (licensed family childcare home) in San Diego costs $14,500 per year ($1,208/month) for an infant — about 22% cheaper than a traditional daycare center in the same metro. That's 32% 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 San Diego save approximately $4,000/year on infant care vs. a licensed daycare center. Use our calculator with zip code 92101 to see your personalized estimate.
San Diego In-Home Daycare Cost by Age (2026)
| Age Group | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost | Weekly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–1) | $14,500 | $1,208 | $279 |
| Toddler (1–3) | $13,000 | $1,083 | $250 |
| Preschool (3–5) | $11,500 | $958 | $221 |
| School-Age (5–12) | $8,500 | $708 | $163 |
Costs are averages for licensed family childcare homes in San Diego, 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 San Diego
Family childcare homes are typically 22% cheaper than daycare centers in San Diego, 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 | $14,500 | $13,000 | $11,500 | $8,500 |
| Daycare Center | $18,500 | $16,000 | $14,000 | $10,000 |
| Annual savings | $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,500 | $1,500 |
What You Get for $1,208/Month in San Diego
A licensed family childcare home in San Diego 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 California 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 San Diego
| Care Type | Annual (Infant) | Monthly | vs. In-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Daycare | $14,500 | $1,208 | — |
| Daycare Center | $18,500 | $1,542 | +$4,000 |
| Nanny Share | $20,000 | $1,667 | +$5,500 |
| Au Pair | $22,000 | $1,833 | +$7,500 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $35,000 | $2,917 | +$20,500 |
In-home daycare is usually the most affordable licensed childcare option in San Diego. See our in-home daycare guide for how to find and vet a licensed provider.
How to Find In-Home Daycare in San Diego
- California Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R): Free service that lists licensed providers near you with openings
- Check the license status: California'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
- California subsidies: Most state childcare assistance programs cover licensed in-home providers — see our California Subsidies Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does in-home daycare cost in San Diego?
In-home daycare in San Diego averages $14,500/year ($1,208/month) for infants, $13,000/year for toddlers, $11,500/year for preschoolers, and $8,500/year for school-age care. That's about 22% cheaper than a daycare center in the same metro.
Is in-home daycare cheaper than a daycare center in San Diego?
Yes. In-home daycare averages $14,500/year for infant care in San Diego, while a licensed daycare center averages $18,500/year — a savings of $4,000/year. See daycare center costs in San Diego for comparison.
How many kids are in an in-home daycare in California?
Most licensed family childcare homes in California 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego Childcare Estimate
These are San Diego 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: 92101)