Toddler Care Cost in San Jose, CA (2026)
Daycare, in-home daycare, nanny, and nanny share costs for toddlers ages 1–3 in the San Jose metro area
Toddler care in San Jose costs $1,750/month at a licensed daycare center — about $3,000/year less than infant care, thanks to better caregiver ratios. An in-home family daycare runs $1,375/month, while a full-time nanny costs $3,333/month.
For families seeking one-on-one care without the full nanny price tag, a nanny share at $1,875/month per family is the most popular cost-saving option. Run our calculator with zip code 95101 for a personalized estimate.
San Jose Toddler Care Costs by Type (2026)
| Care Type | Annual | Monthly | vs. Infant Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $21,000 | $1,750 | $3,000 less |
| In-Home Daycare | $16,500 | $1,375 | — |
| Nanny Share | $22,500 | $1,875 | — |
| Au Pair | $22,000 | $1,833 | Fixed regardless of age |
| Full-Time Nanny | $40,000 | $3,333 | — |
Costs reflect full-time care (50 weeks/year). Sources: Care.com 2024 Cost of Care Survey, DOL National Database of Childcare Prices.
Toddler vs. Infant vs. Preschool Cost in San Jose
Care costs in San Jose decrease as children grow. Here's the full progression by age at a daycare center:
| Age | Daycare Center/yr | In-Home/yr | Nanny/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–12 mo) | $24,000 | $18,500 | $43,000 |
| Toddler (1–3 yr) | $21,000 | $16,500 | $40,000 |
| Preschool (3–5 yr) | $18,000 | $14,500 | $37,000 |
| School-Age (5–12 yr) | $13,000 | $10,500 | $33,000 |
What to Look for in Toddler Care in San Jose
- Toddler-to-caregiver ratios: California typically requires 1 caregiver per 5–6 toddlers. Smaller ratios (1:3 or 1:4) cost more but provide more individualized attention.
- Curriculum and activities: Look for play-based learning, language development activities, and outdoor time — key developmental needs for ages 1–3.
- Toilet training policy: Some San Jose centers require toddlers to be potty-trained before moving to the 2-year-old room, which affects pricing transitions.
- Separation anxiety support: Ask how the provider handles drop-off transitions, especially for 12–18 month olds.
- Sick-child policy: Toddlers get sick frequently — understand the center's exclusion policy and how it affects billing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost for a 1-year-old in San Jose?
A licensed daycare center in San Jose charges an average of $21,000/year ($1,750/month) for toddlers ages 1–3. This is $3,000/year less than infant care because state ratios allow more children per caregiver.
How much does a nanny cost for a toddler in San Jose?
A full-time nanny for a toddler in San Jose earns $40,000/year in gross wages ($3,333/month). Including employer payroll taxes, your total cost is approximately $44,100/year. A nanny share can reduce this to $22,500/year per family.
When should I transition my child from infant to toddler care in San Jose?
Most San Jose daycare centers move children to the toddler room at 12–15 months, though some programs make the switch at 18 months based on developmental readiness. Moving to the toddler room typically saves $3,000/year at a center.
Does California offer subsidies for toddler care?
California provides childcare assistance for income-eligible families through the Child Care and Development Fund. Toddler care qualifies the same as infant care. See our California childcare subsidy guide for income limits and application steps.
Calculate Your San Jose Toddler Care Costs
These are metro averages. Enter your zip code to see neighborhood-specific rates and your tax savings from the Dependent Care FSA and Child & Dependent Care Credit.
Run My Toddler Care Estimate (Zip: 95101)