Childcare Cost in Missouri (2026)
Infant daycare in Missouri averages $13,250/year ($1,104/month) — 9% below the national average.
Childcare Costs by Missouri Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $13,500 | $27,000 | $15,500 | $22,000 |
| St. Louis | $13,000 | $27,000 | $15,500 | $22,000 |
Missouri Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program
Missouri provides childcare subsidies through the Family Support Division for families earning below 138% of the federal poverty level while working or in approved training. The state also funds the Missouri Preschool Program for at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds.
State Tax Benefits
Missouri offers a Child Care Resource and Referral State Tax Credit worth up to 30% of childcare expenses paid.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Missouri Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Missouri Childcare Costs in Context
Across the 2 Missouri metros we track, infant daycare averages about $13,250/year — 9% below the national average of $14,500. Costs span from $13,000/year in St. Louis to $13,500/year in Kansas City.
That ranks Missouri #20 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 Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Missouri?
Infant daycare in Missouri averages $13,250 per year ($1,104/month), ranging from $13,000 to $13,500 across major metros. This is 9% below the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Missouri?
Missouri offers the Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program. Missouri provides childcare subsidies through the Family Support Division for families earning below 138% of the federal poverty level while working or in approved training. The state also funds the Missouri Preschool Program for at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds. Missouri offers a Child Care Resource and Referral State Tax Credit worth up to 30% of childcare expenses paid.
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