Childcare Cost in California (2026)
Infant daycare in California averages $24,884/year ($2,074/month) — 44% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by California Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Area | $30,960 | $65,400 | $43,600 | $22,000 |
| Los Angeles | $23,810 | $57,870 | $38,580 | $22,000 |
| San Diego | $22,030 | $52,420 | $34,940 | $22,000 |
| San Jose | $28,570 | $62,520 | $41,680 | $22,000 |
| Sacramento | $19,050 | $48,320 | $32,210 | $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 $24,884/year — 44% above the national average of $17,260. Costs span from $19,050/year in Sacramento to $30,960/year in San Francisco Bay Area.
That ranks California #6 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 $24,884 per year ($2,074/month), ranging from $19,050 to $30,960 across major metros. This is 44% above the national average of $17,260 (Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report).
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.
Get Your Personalized California Estimate
Enter your zip code for exact costs in your area, including tax savings and subsidy eligibility.
Calculate Your Costs