Childcare Costs in Nashville, TN (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the Nashville metro area
Childcare in Nashville is 7% below the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $11,000/year ($917/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $28,000/year ($2,333/month) before employer taxes.
Families in Tennessee 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 37201 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Nashville
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $13,500 | $12,000 | $10,500 | $7,500 |
| In-Home Daycare | $11,000 | $9,500 | $8,500 | $6,500 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $28,000 | $26,000 | $24,000 | $20,000 |
| Nanny Share | $16,000 | $15,000 | $14,000 | $12,000 |
| 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 Nashville metro area.
Monthly Childcare Costs in Nashville
Here's what families in Nashville can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in Nashville
- 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.
- Tennessee has no state income tax — While you won't get state-level tax deductions, your take-home pay is higher, and all federal benefits still apply.
- Consider a nanny share — In Nashville, a nanny share costs roughly $16,000/year vs. $28,000/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $12,000/year.
- Check Tennessee subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
Tennessee Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program
Tennessee provides childcare subsidies through the Child Care Certificate Program for eligible families earning below 85% of the State Median Income. Tennessee also offers free Voluntary Pre-K for income-eligible 4-year-olds.
State Tax Benefits
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, so there are no state childcare tax credits. The Voluntary Pre-K program is the primary state-level benefit.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide.
Find Childcare in Nashville
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Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the Nashville 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: 37201)