Childcare Cost in Colorado (2026)
Infant daycare in Colorado averages $26,160/year ($2,180/month) — 52% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by Colorado Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $26,160 | $51,020 | $34,010 | $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's Child Care Expenses Credit equals 50% of the federal credit for households with AGI of $60,000 or less (Colorado DOR Form DR 0347, tax year 2025).
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 $26,160/year — 52% above the national average of $17,260.
That ranks Colorado #4 of the 28 states in our dataset for infant daycare cost. In Colorado, a flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) can actually cost less than a daycare center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Colorado?
Infant daycare in Colorado averages $26,160 per year ($2,180/month). This is 52% above the national average of $17,260 (Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report).
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's Child Care Expenses Credit equals 50% of the federal credit for households with AGI of $60,000 or less (Colorado DOR Form DR 0347, tax year 2025).
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