Childcare Costs in Denver, CO (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the Denver metro area
Childcare in Denver 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 $34,000/year ($2,833/month) before employer taxes.
Families in Colorado 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 80201 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Denver
| 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 | $34,000 | $32,000 | $30,000 | $26,000 |
| Nanny Share | $19,500 | $18,000 | $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 Denver metro area.
Monthly Childcare Costs in Denver
Here's what families in Denver can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in Denver
- 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 Colorado state tax benefits — Colorado offers additional childcare tax benefits. Use our calculator to see your specific state savings.
- Consider a nanny share — In Denver, a nanny share costs roughly $19,500/year vs. $34,000/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $14,500/year.
- Check Colorado subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
Colorado Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
Colorado's CCCAP helps eligible families pay for childcare while they work or attend school. Eligibility varies by county but generally covers families earning below 185% of the federal poverty level. Colorado also launched universal preschool for all 4-year-olds starting in 2023.
State Tax Benefits
Colorado offers a Child Care Contribution Credit worth 50% of the federal credit amount, making it one of the more generous state credits.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide.
Find Childcare in Denver
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Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the Denver 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: 80201)