Part-Time Daycare Cost in San Diego, CA (2026)
2, 3 and 4 day per week daycare rates for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in the San Diego metro area
Part-time daycare in San Diego costs anywhere from $694/month for a 2-day schedule to $1,264/month for 4 days a week, depending on how many days your child attends. Full-time (5 days) averages $1,542/month for infants.
The catch: part-time is not half-price. Centers in San Diego price part-time at 45–82% of full-time because they still have to reserve your child's slot. A 2-day schedule works out to roughly $4,163/day, while full-time averages $3,700/day. Run our calculator with zip code 92101 for a custom estimate.
San Diego Part-Time Infant Daycare by Schedule (2026)
| Schedule | Annual | Monthly | Per Day | vs. Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days/week | $8,325 | $694 | $80 | 45% |
| 3 days/week | $12,025 | $1,002 | $77 | 65% |
| 4 days/week | $15,170 | $1,264 | $73 | 82% |
| 5 days/week (full-time) | $18,500 | $1,542 | $71 | 100% |
Per-day cost is lowest at full-time because centers must reserve your slot regardless of attendance. Real pricing varies 10–20% between centers in San Diego.
Part-Time Part-Time Rates by Age in San Diego
Older ages are cheaper because of lower staff-to-child ratios. Here's what a 3-day schedule looks like across ages in San Diego:
| Age Group | 2 days/yr | 3 days/yr | 4 days/yr | Full-time/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–1) | $8,325 | $12,025 | $15,170 | $18,500 |
| Toddler (1–3) | $7,200 | $10,400 | $13,120 | $16,000 |
| Preschool (3–5) | $6,300 | $9,100 | $11,480 | $14,000 |
| School-Age (5–12) | $4,500 | $6,500 | $8,200 | $10,000 |
Where to Find Part-Time Daycare in San Diego
Not every San Diego daycare offers part-time slots — many corporate chains only take full-time enrollments. These provider types are more flexible:
- Mother's Day Out programs: Usually 2 mornings/week at churches or synagogues. Very affordable, but often limited to ages 1+.
- Independent daycare centers: Locally owned San Diego centers are more likely to fill slots by the day or half-day.
- In-home family childcare: Licensed in-home providers in San Diego (averaging $1,208/month full-time) frequently offer 2–4 day schedules.
- Co-op preschools: Parent-run cooperatives typically have 2–3 day programs at a discount, in exchange for volunteer hours.
- Drop-in daycare: For ad-hoc days only — usually $70–$120/day in San Diego. Not cost-effective for 2+ days/week.
See our full part-time daycare guide for tips on how to negotiate part-time enrollment at a full-time-only center.
Part-Time Daycare vs. Other Options in San Diego
If you only need 2–3 days of coverage per week, compare these alternatives too:
| Care Type | Annual (Infant) | Monthly | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Daycare (3 day) | $12,025 | $1,002 | Structured care, 3 set days |
| Part-time babysitter | — | — | Flexible days, in-home |
| In-Home Daycare | $14,500 | $1,208 | Full-time at lower cost |
| Nanny Share | $20,000 | $1,667 | Full-time in-home, 2 families |
| Full-Time Daycare | $18,500 | $1,542 | 5 days/week schedule |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 3-day-a-week daycare cost in San Diego?
A 3-day-a-week infant daycare schedule in San Diego averages $12,025/year or $1,002/month. That's about 65% of the full-time (5 day) rate — you're essentially paying a "reservation premium" on top of the days your child actually attends.
Is 2 days a week daycare worth it in San Diego?
At $694/month ($80/day), 2-day daycare in San Diego works out to more per day than full-time but may still beat hiring a part-time nanny. If you only need occasional coverage, a drop-in daycare or babysitter may be cheaper overall.
Do San Diego daycares give a discount for part-time?
Most centers do, but the discount isn't proportional. A 3-day schedule typically costs 60–70% of full-time (not 60%), because the center can't easily fill the remaining 2 days with another child. Discounts are larger at independent San Diego centers than at corporate chains.
Can I still use a Dependent Care FSA for part-time daycare?
Yes. Any licensed childcare qualifies for DCFSA reimbursement regardless of schedule, as long as both parents are working (or looking for work) and the care lets you work. The $5,000/year family cap applies to your total contributions, so part-time enrollment often lets you use the full benefit.
Calculate Your San Diego Childcare Costs
These are San Diego metro averages. Real rates depend on your zip code, the specific center, and how many days you enroll.
Run My Estimate (Zip: 92101)