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 $13,680/year ($1,140/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $48,840/year ($4,070/month) before employer taxes, based on Care.com's October 2026 average local nanny rate of $23.48/hour.
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.
How Chicago Childcare Costs Compare
At $21,430/year for infant daycare, Chicago ranks #11 of 44 major U.S. metros we track — one of the most expensive metros in the country. Infant daycare here runs 24% above the national average of $17,260.
A licensed in-home daycare ($13,680/year) is the lowest-cost regulated option in Chicago, while a full-time nanny ($48,840/year) sits at the top — a $35,160 gap for the same infant. A flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) costs about $570 more than a Chicago daycare center but $26,840 less than a full-time nanny.
Families with two children in care feel it most: an infant plus a toddler in daycare runs about $41,930/year in Chicago before any sibling discount (centers commonly offer 5–15% off the second child). On a weekly basis, infant care alone is roughly $412.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Chicago
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $21,430 | $20,500 | $17,940 | $10,000 |
| In-Home Daycare | $13,680 | $13,150 | $11,560 | $8,000 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $48,840 | $48,840 | $48,840 | $16,540 |
| Nanny Share | $32,560 | $32,560 | $32,560 | $11,020 |
| Au Pair | $22,000/year (flat rate per household) | |||
Costs are annual estimates for full-time care (5 days/week); school-age figures are before/after-school care (nanny: 15 hours/week) and exclude full-day summer care. Part-time schedules reduce costs proportionally. Nanny costs do not include employer payroll taxes (~10.25% additional). Sources: Care.com average nanny rates for Chicago, IL ($23.48/hour full-time, $21.20/hour after school, October 2026); Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report national daycare rates, adjusted to the Chicago metro. How we calculate.
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 — Contribute up to $7,500 pre-tax in 2026 ($3,750 if married filing separately; employer plan required). At a 12–24% federal bracket plus 7.65% FICA that saves about $1,470–$2,380 before state tax. This benefit is available regardless of which state you live in.
- Claim the federal Child & Dependent Care Credit — For 2026 the credit is 20–50% of up to $3,000 (one child) or $6,000 (two or more), but dollars paid through a Dependent Care FSA reduce those caps, so a full $7,500 FSA leaves no 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 $32,560/year per family vs. $48,840/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $16,280/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 or see our full Illinois Childcare Subsidies Guide.
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)