Toddler Care Cost 2026: Daycare & Preschool Prices by City
Costs typically drop 10–15% from infant care — here's what to expect for ages 1–3
Toddler care (ages 1–3) is meaningfully cheaper than infant care because state-required ratios relax. Most states allow 1:5 or 1:6 toddler-to-caregiver ratios, letting centers spread labor costs across more families. Expect to pay 10–15% less than infant tuition at the same center. National average toddler daycare is around $12,500/year.
Use our free calculator for a personalized toddler care cost estimate in your exact zip code — including nanny, daycare, nanny share, and au pair comparisons plus tax savings.
Most Expensive Cities for Toddler Daycare (2026)
The 10 U.S. metros with the highest toddler daycare center costs:
| Rank | City | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Francisco Bay Area, CA | $22,500 | $1,875 |
| #2 | New York City, NY | $21,500 | $1,792 |
| #3 | San Jose, CA | $21,000 | $1,750 |
| #4 | Boston, MA | $20,500 | $1,708 |
| #5 | Washington, DC, DC | $20,500 | $1,708 |
| #6 | Seattle, WA | $18,500 | $1,542 |
| #7 | Hartford, CT | $18,500 | $1,542 |
| #8 | Los Angeles, CA | $17,500 | $1,458 |
| #9 | Sacramento, CA | $17,500 | $1,458 |
| #10 | Chicago, IL | $16,000 | $1,333 |
Most Affordable Cities for Toddler Daycare (2026)
The 10 most budget-friendly U.S. metros for toddler daycare:
| Rank | City | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Memphis, TN | $10,500 | $875 |
| #2 | Jacksonville, FL | $10,500 | $875 |
| #3 | Oklahoma City, OK | $11,000 | $917 |
| #4 | Cleveland, OH | $11,000 | $917 |
| #5 | San Antonio, TX | $11,000 | $917 |
| #6 | Las Vegas, NV | $11,000 | $917 |
| #7 | Louisville, KY | $11,500 | $958 |
| #8 | Cincinnati, OH | $11,500 | $958 |
| #9 | St. Louis, MO | $11,500 | $958 |
| #10 | Indianapolis, IN | $11,500 | $958 |
Toddler Care by Type (National Averages)
How toddler care costs compare across the five main childcare options:
| Care Type | Annual (National Avg) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $14,216 | $1,185 |
| In-Home Daycare | $11,227 | $936 |
| Nanny Share | $16,602 | $1,384 |
| Au Pair | $22,000 | $1,833 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $29,409 | $2,451 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does toddler daycare cost in 2026?
Toddler daycare averages $10,500–$22,500 per year, or $875–$1,875 per month. The national average is about $12,500/year. Expect to pay 10–15% less than infant rates at the same facility.
When does daycare get cheaper after infancy?
Most daycares drop tuition when your child moves from the infant room (0–12 months) to the toddler room (typically 12–18 months, depending on center policy and walking status). The drop is usually 10–15% — for example, $1,500/month infant care might become $1,275/month for a toddler.
Is in-home daycare good for toddlers?
Yes. Toddlers often thrive in home-based settings because they have smaller group sizes (typically 3–8 kids), a more home-like environment, and one consistent caregiver. In-home daycare also typically costs 20–25% less than a center for toddler care.
When should I move my toddler to preschool?
Most preschools enroll children at age 2.5 or 3, with programs focused on pre-literacy, social skills, and school readiness. Preschool costs are similar to toddler daycare in most metros. Some families make the switch when their toddler shows signs of being ready for a more structured program.
Toddler Care Cost by City (2026)
Daycare, nanny, and nanny share costs for toddlers ages 1–3 in each metro:
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