Childcare Costs in New York City, NY (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the New York City metro area
Childcare in New York City is 69% above the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $18,000/year ($1,500/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $42,000/year ($3,500/month) before employer taxes.
Families in New York 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 10001 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in New York City
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $24,500 | $21,500 | $18,500 | $12,500 |
| In-Home Daycare | $18,000 | $16,000 | $14,000 | $10,000 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $42,000 | $40,000 | $37,000 | $33,000 |
| Nanny Share | $24,000 | $22,000 | $21,000 | $19,000 |
| 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 New York City metro area.
Monthly Childcare Costs in New York City
Here's what families in New York City can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in New York City
- 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 New York state tax benefits — New York offers additional childcare tax benefits. Use our calculator to see your specific state savings.
- Consider a nanny share — In New York City, a nanny share costs roughly $24,000/year vs. $42,000/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $18,000/year.
- Check New York subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
New York Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
New York Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
New York offers subsidized childcare through local social services districts. Eligible families earning below 85% of the State Median Income can receive vouchers covering a significant portion of childcare costs. NYC also runs 3-K and Pre-K for All, providing free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.
State Tax Benefits
New York's state Child and Dependent Care Credit can be worth 20–110% of the federal credit amount, with the highest percentages going to lower-income families.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide.
Find Childcare in New York City
Some links may be affiliate links. Learn more
Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the New York City 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: 10001)