Childcare Cost in Connecticut (2026)
Infant daycare in Connecticut averages $21,000/year ($1,750/month) — 45% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by Connecticut Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford | $21,000 | $38,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 |
Connecticut Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Connecticut Care 4 Kids
Connecticut's Care 4 Kids program provides childcare subsidies to families earning below 75% of State Median Income. The School Readiness program provides free or subsidized preschool for income-eligible children in high-need communities.
State Tax Benefits
Connecticut offers a state income tax credit for childcare expenses, providing additional savings on top of federal benefits.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Connecticut Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Connecticut Childcare Costs in Context
In Connecticut, the Hartford metro is the market we track, where infant daycare averages about $21,000/year — 45% above the national average of $14,500.
That ranks Connecticut #5 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 Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Connecticut?
Infant daycare in Connecticut averages $21,000 per year ($1,750/month). This is 45% above the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Connecticut?
Connecticut offers the Connecticut Care 4 Kids. Connecticut's Care 4 Kids program provides childcare subsidies to families earning below 75% of State Median Income. The School Readiness program provides free or subsidized preschool for income-eligible children in high-need communities. Connecticut offers a state income tax credit for childcare expenses, providing additional savings on top of federal benefits.
Get Your Personalized Connecticut Estimate
Enter your zip code for exact costs in your area, including tax savings and subsidy eligibility.
Calculate Your Costs