Childcare Costs in Chicago, IL (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the Chicago metro area
Childcare in Chicago is 24% above the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $14,000/year ($1,167/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $35,000/year ($2,917/month) before employer taxes.
Families in Illinois may also qualify for state-specific tax credits and childcare subsidy programs that can reduce these costs by $2,000–$6,000+ annually. Use our free calculator with zip code 60601 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Chicago
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $18,000 | $16,000 | $14,000 | $10,000 |
| In-Home Daycare | $14,000 | $12,500 | $11,000 | $8,000 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $35,000 | $33,000 | $30,000 | $26,000 |
| Nanny Share | $20,000 | $18,500 | $17,000 | $15,000 |
| Au Pair | $22,000/year (flat rate per household) | |||
Costs are annual estimates for full-time care (5 days/week). Part-time schedules reduce costs proportionally. Nanny costs do not include employer payroll taxes (~10.25% additional). Sources: Care.com, DOL, EPI 2024 data adjusted for Chicago metro area.
Monthly Childcare Costs in Chicago
Here's what families in Chicago can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in Chicago
- Max out your Dependent Care FSA — Save $1,480+ annually by contributing $5,000 pre-tax. This benefit is available regardless of which state you live in.
- Claim the federal Child & Dependent Care Credit — Get 20–35% of up to $6,000 in childcare expenses back as a tax credit.
- Check Illinois state tax benefits — Illinois offers additional childcare tax benefits. Use our calculator to see your specific state savings.
- Consider a nanny share — In Chicago, a nanny share costs roughly $20,000/year vs. $35,000/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $15,000/year.
- Check Illinois subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
Illinois Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Illinois CCAP provides subsidies to eligible working families. The state has expanded eligibility to families earning up to 225% of the federal poverty level. Illinois also funds the Preschool for All program offering free pre-K in many districts.
State Tax Benefits
Illinois allows a 5% credit on the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit amount, providing a modest state-level tax benefit on top of the federal credit.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide.
Find Childcare in Chicago
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Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the Chicago metro area. Your actual costs depend on your specific location, number of children, ages, and schedule. Our free calculator gives you a personalized breakdown including tax savings.
Calculate Your Costs (Zip: 60601)