Childcare Costs in St. Louis, MO (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the St. Louis metro area
Childcare in St. Louis is 14% below the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $11,910/year ($993/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $42,660/year ($3,555/month) before employer taxes, based on Care.com's October 2026 average local nanny rate of $20.51/hour.
Families in Missouri 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 63101 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
How St. Louis Childcare Costs Compare
At $14,880/year for infant daycare, St. Louis ranks #35 of 44 major U.S. metros we track — among the more budget-friendly large U.S. metros. Infant daycare here runs 14% below the national average of $17,260.
A licensed in-home daycare ($11,910/year) is the lowest-cost regulated option in St. Louis, while a full-time nanny ($42,660/year) sits at the top — a $30,750 gap for the same infant. A flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) costs about $7,120 more than a St. Louis daycare center but $20,660 less than a full-time nanny.
Families with two children in care feel it most: an infant plus a toddler in daycare runs about $28,970/year in St. Louis before any sibling discount (centers commonly offer 5–15% off the second child). On a weekly basis, infant care alone is roughly $286. Within Missouri, infant daycare ranges from $14,880 in St. Louis to $15,480 in Kansas City, making St. Louis the most affordable of the 2 Missouri metros we track.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in St. Louis
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $14,880 | $14,090 | $12,810 | $7,000 |
| In-Home Daycare | $11,910 | $11,530 | $10,250 | $6,000 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $42,660 | $42,660 | $42,660 | $14,670 |
| Nanny Share | $28,440 | $28,440 | $28,440 | $9,780 |
| 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 Saint Louis, MO ($20.51/hour full-time, $18.81/hour after school, October 2026); Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report national daycare rates, adjusted to the St. Louis metro. How we calculate.
Monthly Childcare Costs in St. Louis
Here's what families in St. Louis can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in St. Louis
- 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 Missouri state tax benefits — Missouri offers additional childcare tax benefits. Use our calculator to see your specific state savings.
- Consider a nanny share — In St. Louis, a nanny share costs roughly $28,440/year per family vs. $42,660/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $14,220/year.
- Check Missouri subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
Missouri Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program
Missouri provides childcare subsidies through the Family Support Division for families earning below 138% of the federal poverty level while working or in approved training. The state also funds the Missouri Preschool Program for at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds.
State Tax Benefits
Missouri offers a Child Care Resource and Referral State Tax Credit. Eligible families may claim a credit worth up to 30% of childcare expenses paid, providing meaningful savings on top of federal benefits.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or see our full Missouri Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the St. Louis 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: 63101)