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 $13,100/year ($1,092/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $46,340/year ($3,862/month) before employer taxes, based on Care.com's October 2026 average local nanny rate of $22.28/hour.
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.
How Nashville Childcare Costs Compare
At $16,070/year for infant daycare, Nashville ranks #21 of 44 major U.S. metros we track — on the costlier side of the national range. Infant daycare here runs 7% below the national average of $17,260.
A licensed in-home daycare ($13,100/year) is the lowest-cost regulated option in Nashville, while a full-time nanny ($46,340/year) sits at the top — a $33,240 gap for the same infant. A flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) costs about $5,930 more than a Nashville daycare center but $24,340 less than a full-time nanny.
Families with two children in care feel it most: an infant plus a toddler in daycare runs about $31,450/year in Nashville before any sibling discount (centers commonly offer 5–15% off the second child). On a weekly basis, infant care alone is roughly $309. Within Tennessee, infant daycare ranges from $15,410 in Memphis to $16,070 in Nashville, making Nashville the most expensive of the 2 Tennessee metros we track.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Nashville
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $16,070 | $15,380 | $13,450 | $7,500 |
| In-Home Daycare | $13,100 | $12,170 | $10,890 | $6,500 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $46,340 | $46,340 | $46,340 | $15,190 |
| Nanny Share | $30,890 | $30,890 | $30,890 | $10,120 |
| 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 Nashville, TN ($22.28/hour full-time, $19.47/hour after school, October 2026); Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report national daycare rates, adjusted to the Nashville metro. How we calculate.
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 — 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.
- 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 $30,890/year per family vs. $46,340/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $15,450/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 or see our full Tennessee Childcare Subsidies Guide.
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)