Childcare Costs in Denver, CO (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the Denver metro area
Childcare in Denver is 52% above the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $13,580/year ($1,132/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $51,020/year ($4,252/month) before employer taxes, based on Care.com's October 2026 average local nanny rate of $24.53/hour.
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.
How Denver Childcare Costs Compare
Denver's infant daycare price of $26,160/year places it #7 of the 44 metros in our dataset, one of the most expensive metros in the country. Infant daycare here runs 52% above the national average of $17,260.
A licensed in-home daycare ($13,580/year) is the lowest-cost regulated option in Denver, while a full-time nanny ($51,020/year) sits at the top — a $37,440 gap for the same infant. Because au pair costs are a flat ~$22,000/year nationwide, an au pair actually undercuts a Denver daycare center by about $4,160/year — a reversal of the usual order that reflects how high local center tuition is.
Families with two children in care feel it most: an infant plus a toddler in daycare runs about $51,180/year in Denver before any sibling discount (centers commonly offer 5–15% off the second child). On a weekly basis, infant care alone is roughly $503.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Denver
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $26,160 | $25,020 | $21,900 | $10,000 |
| In-Home Daycare | $13,580 | $13,050 | $11,480 | $8,000 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $51,020 | $51,020 | $51,020 | $17,350 |
| Nanny Share | $34,010 | $34,010 | $34,010 | $11,560 |
| 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 Denver, CO ($24.53/hour full-time, $22.24/hour after school, October 2026); Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report national daycare rates, adjusted to the Denver metro. How we calculate.
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 — 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 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 $34,010/year per family vs. $51,020/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $17,010/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's Child Care Expenses Credit equals 50% of the federal credit for households with AGI of $60,000 or less (Colorado DOR Form DR 0347, tax year 2025); above $60,000 there is no credit.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or see our full Colorado Childcare Subsidies Guide.
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)