Childcare Cost in Colorado (2026)
Infant daycare in Colorado averages $18,000/year ($1,500/month) — 24% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by Colorado Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $18,000 | $34,000 | $19,500 | $22,000 |
Colorado Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
Colorado's CCCAP helps eligible families. Colorado also launched universal preschool for all 4-year-olds.
State Tax Benefits
Colorado offers a Child Care Contribution Credit worth 50% of the federal credit amount.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Colorado Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Colorado Childcare Costs in Context
In Colorado, the Denver metro is the market we track, where infant daycare averages about $18,000/year — 24% above the national average of $14,500.
That ranks Colorado #8 of the 28 states in our dataset for infant daycare cost. With daycare below $22,000/year statewide, a flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) is rarely the cheapest option in Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Colorado?
Infant daycare in Colorado averages $18,000 per year ($1,500/month). This is 24% above the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Colorado?
Colorado offers the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). Colorado's CCCAP helps eligible families. Colorado also launched universal preschool for all 4-year-olds. Colorado offers a Child Care Contribution Credit worth 50% of the federal credit amount.
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