Childcare Costs in Salt Lake City, UT (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the Salt Lake City metro area
Childcare in Salt Lake City is 7% below the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $10,500/year ($875/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $28,000/year ($2,333/month) before employer taxes.
Families in Utah 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 84101 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Salt Lake City
| 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 | $10,500 | $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 Salt Lake City metro area.
Monthly Childcare Costs in Salt Lake City
Here's what families in Salt Lake City can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in Salt Lake 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 Utah state tax benefits — Utah offers additional childcare tax benefits. Use our calculator to see your specific state savings.
- Consider a nanny share — In Salt Lake City, a nanny share costs roughly $16,000/year vs. $28,000/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $12,000/year.
- Check Utah subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
Utah Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Utah Office of Child Care Subsidy
Utah provides childcare subsidies for families earning below 85% of the State Median Income. The state also funds several early childhood programs through the Utah State Board of Education, including targeted pre-K for at-risk children.
State Tax Benefits
Utah offers a nonrefundable credit of 50% of the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit, providing meaningful additional savings for working families.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide.
Find Childcare in Salt Lake City
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Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the Salt Lake 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: 84101)