Childcare Cost in Kentucky (2026)
Infant daycare in Kentucky averages $13,000/year ($1,083/month) — 10% below the national average.
Childcare Costs by Kentucky Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $13,000 | $27,000 | $15,500 | $22,000 |
Kentucky Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Kentucky's CCAP provides childcare vouchers to eligible working families earning below 160% of the federal poverty level, with the STARS for KIDS NOW quality rating system incentivizing higher-quality care.
State Tax Benefits
Kentucky does not offer a dedicated state childcare tax credit.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Kentucky Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Kentucky Childcare Costs in Context
In Kentucky, the Louisville metro is the market we track, where infant daycare averages about $13,000/year — 10% below the national average of $14,500.
That ranks Kentucky #25 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 Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Kentucky?
Infant daycare in Kentucky averages $13,000 per year ($1,083/month). This is 10% below the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Kentucky's CCAP provides childcare vouchers to eligible working families earning below 160% of the federal poverty level, with the STARS for KIDS NOW quality rating system incentivizing higher-quality care. Kentucky does not offer a dedicated state childcare tax credit.
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