Childcare Cost in California (2026)
Infant daycare in California averages $21,700/year ($1,808/month) — 50% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by California Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Area | $26,000 | $45,000 | $25,000 | $22,000 |
| Los Angeles | $20,000 | $38,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| San Diego | $18,500 | $35,000 | $20,000 | $22,000 |
| San Jose | $24,000 | $43,000 | $24,500 | $22,000 |
| Sacramento | $20,000 | $36,000 | $21,000 | $22,000 |
California Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
CalWORKs Child Care & Alternative Payment Programs
California runs multiple childcare subsidy programs. Income eligibility is based on 85% of the State Median Income.
State Tax Benefits
California offers a state Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit worth up to 50% of the federal credit for lower-income families.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full California Childcare Subsidies Guide.
California Childcare Costs in Context
Across the 5 California metros we track, infant daycare averages about $21,700/year — 50% above the national average of $14,500. Costs span from $18,500/year in San Diego to $26,000/year in San Francisco Bay Area.
That ranks California #3 of the 28 states in our dataset for infant daycare cost. A flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) is most competitive in California's priciest metros.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in California?
Infant daycare in California averages $21,700 per year ($1,808/month), ranging from $18,500 to $26,000 across major metros. This is 50% above the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in California?
California offers the CalWORKs Child Care & Alternative Payment Programs. California runs multiple childcare subsidy programs. Income eligibility is based on 85% of the State Median Income. California offers a state Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit worth up to 50% of the federal credit for lower-income families.
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