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 $10,600/year ($883/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $44,510/year ($3,709/month) before employer taxes, based on Care.com's October 2026 average local nanny rate of $21.40/hour.
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.
How Salt Lake City Childcare Costs Compare
At $16,070/year for infant daycare, Salt Lake City 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 ($10,600/year) is the lowest-cost regulated option in Salt Lake City, while a full-time nanny ($44,510/year) sits at the top — a $33,910 gap for the same infant. A flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) costs about $5,930 more than a Salt Lake City daycare center but $22,510 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 Salt Lake City before any sibling discount (centers commonly offer 5–15% off the second child). On a weekly basis, infant care alone is roughly $309.
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 | $16,070 | $15,380 | $13,450 | $7,500 |
| In-Home Daycare | $10,600 | $10,320 | $9,230 | $6,500 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $44,510 | $44,510 | $44,510 | $15,480 |
| Nanny Share | $29,670 | $29,670 | $29,670 | $10,320 |
| 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 Salt Lake City, UT ($21.40/hour full-time, $19.85/hour after school, October 2026); Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report national daycare rates, adjusted to the Salt Lake City metro. How we calculate.
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 — 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 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 $29,670/year per family vs. $44,510/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $14,840/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.
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)