School-Age Childcare Cost 2026: Before & After School Care Prices
Before-school, after-school, and summer care for kids aged 5–12
School-age childcare (ages 5–12) is the cheapest category because kids only need care for a few hours before and after school, plus full days during school breaks and summer. Expect to pay $7,000–$14,000/year for before/after care, with summer camps adding $1,500–$5,000 on top.
Use our free calculator for a personalized school-age care cost estimate in your exact zip code — including nanny, daycare, nanny share, and au pair comparisons plus tax savings.
Most Expensive Cities for School-Age Daycare (2026)
The 10 U.S. metros with the highest school-age daycare center costs:
| Rank | City | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Francisco Bay Area, CA | $14,000 | $1,167 |
| #2 | San Jose, CA | $13,000 | $1,083 |
| #3 | New York City, NY | $12,500 | $1,042 |
| #4 | Washington, DC, DC | $12,500 | $1,042 |
| #5 | Boston, MA | $12,000 | $1,000 |
| #6 | Seattle, WA | $11,500 | $958 |
| #7 | Los Angeles, CA | $11,000 | $917 |
| #8 | Sacramento, CA | $11,000 | $917 |
| #9 | Hartford, CT | $11,000 | $917 |
| #10 | Chicago, IL | $10,000 | $833 |
Most Affordable Cities for School-Age Daycare (2026)
The 10 most budget-friendly U.S. metros for school-age daycare:
| Rank | City | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oklahoma City, OK | $7,000 | $583 |
| #2 | Memphis, TN | $7,000 | $583 |
| #3 | Jacksonville, FL | $7,000 | $583 |
| #4 | Cleveland, OH | $7,000 | $583 |
| #5 | San Antonio, TX | $7,000 | $583 |
| #6 | Indianapolis, IN | $7,000 | $583 |
| #7 | Las Vegas, NV | $7,000 | $583 |
| #8 | Louisville, KY | $7,500 | $625 |
| #9 | Cincinnati, OH | $7,500 | $625 |
| #10 | St. Louis, MO | $7,500 | $625 |
School-Age Care by Type (National Averages)
How school-age care costs compare across the five main childcare options:
| Care Type | Annual (National Avg) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $8,898 | $742 |
| In-Home Daycare | $7,443 | $620 |
| Nanny Share | $13,636 | $1,136 |
| Au Pair | $22,000 | $1,833 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $23,375 | $1,948 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does before and after school care cost?
Before and after school programs cost $7,000–$14,000 per year on average, or $583–$1,167 per month. Costs are highest in expensive metros like San Francisco, NYC, and Boston, and lowest in cities like Memphis, Jacksonville, and Oklahoma City.
What are the options for school-age childcare?
The main options are: (1) Before/after school programs run by the school or a nonprofit like YMCA, (2) Private center-based after-school care, (3) In-home daycares that offer school-age care, (4) Part-time nannies or "household managers" who handle pickups and homework, and (5) Summer camps for school breaks.
How much does summer camp cost for kids?
Day camps average $150–$800/week depending on location and program. Specialty camps (sports, STEM, arts) are usually more expensive than general recreation camps. Plan for $1,500–$5,000 per child for an 8-week summer depending on your mix of camps and home care.
Can DCFSA be used for school-age care?
Yes. Dependent Care FSA funds can be used for before/after school care, summer day camps, and any childcare for kids under 13 while you work. You cannot use DCFSA for overnight camps, tutoring, or kindergarten tuition.
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