Childcare Cost in District of Columbia (2026)
Infant daycare in District of Columbia averages $23,500/year ($1,958/month) — 62% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by District of Columbia Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $23,500 | $39,000 | $22,500 | $22,000 |
District of Columbia Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
DC Child Care Subsidy Program
DC offers some of the most generous childcare subsidies in the nation plus free universal pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds.
State Tax Benefits
DC offers a refundable childcare tax credit worth 32% of the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide.
District of Columbia Childcare Costs in Context
In District of Columbia, the Washington, DC metro is the market we track, where infant daycare averages about $23,500/year — 62% above the national average of $14,500.
That ranks District of Columbia #1 of the 28 states in our dataset for infant daycare cost. In District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia?
Infant daycare in District of Columbia averages $23,500 per year ($1,958/month). This is 62% above the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia offers the DC Child Care Subsidy Program. DC offers some of the most generous childcare subsidies in the nation plus free universal pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds. DC offers a refundable childcare tax credit worth 32% of the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit.
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