Read next.
How much does daycare cost in 2026
National ranges by region, the gap between infant and toddler rates, and what is included in the headline figure.
Average daycare cost, 2026 update
State averages from the US DOL database and Child Care Aware, with the methodology spelled out.
Infant daycare cost by state
Infant rates run 25 to 40 percent higher than toddler rates. State-by-state ranges from operator surveys.
The daycare tax credit, explained
How the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit works at your income, with a worked example and the FSA tradeoff.
Dependent Care FSA, explained
A $5,000 pre-tax shelter that almost half of eligible families never enroll in. How to use it correctly.
What percent of income should daycare take
The HHS affordability benchmark, the reality for most US families, and how to plan accordingly.
When daycare costs more than your mortgage
Cities where it does, the math behind the comparison, and what families actually do about it.
How to pay less for daycare
Sibling discounts, sliding scale, employer benefits, subsidy, and the negotiation that most families skip.
Nanny share vs daycare
The full cost comparison once you add taxes, time off, and sick days. Different answers by family size.