Childcare Cost in Illinois (2026)
Infant daycare in Illinois averages $18,000/year ($1,500/month) — 24% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by Illinois Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $18,000 | $35,000 | $20,000 | $22,000 |
Illinois Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Illinois CCAP provides subsidies to families earning up to 225% of the federal poverty level.
State Tax Benefits
Illinois allows a 5% credit on the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit amount.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Illinois Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Illinois Childcare Costs in Context
In Illinois, the Chicago metro is the market we track, where infant daycare averages about $18,000/year — 24% above the national average of $14,500.
That ranks Illinois #7 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 Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Illinois?
Infant daycare in Illinois averages $18,000 per year ($1,500/month). This is 24% above the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Illinois?
Illinois offers the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Illinois CCAP provides subsidies to families earning up to 225% of the federal poverty level. Illinois allows a 5% credit on the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit amount.
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