Childcare Cost in North Carolina (2026)
Infant daycare in North Carolina averages $17,645/year ($1,470/month) — 2% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by North Carolina Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $15,480 | $45,840 | $30,560 | $22,000 |
| Raleigh-Durham | $19,810 | $44,120 | $29,410 | $22,000 |
North Carolina Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
North Carolina Child Care Subsidy
North Carolina provides subsidies plus NC Pre-K for at-risk 4-year-olds.
State Tax Benefits
North Carolina has no state child and dependent care tax credit; it was repealed for tax years beginning in 2014 (G.S. 105-151.11). Families claim only the federal credit.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full North Carolina Childcare Subsidies Guide.
North Carolina Childcare Costs in Context
Across the 2 North Carolina metros we track, infant daycare averages about $17,645/year — 2% above the national average of $17,260. Costs span from $15,480/year in Charlotte to $19,810/year in Raleigh-Durham.
That ranks North Carolina #14 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 North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in North Carolina?
Infant daycare in North Carolina averages $17,645 per year ($1,470/month), ranging from $15,480 to $19,810 across major metros. This is 2% above the national average of $17,260 (Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report).
What childcare subsidies are available in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy. North Carolina provides subsidies plus NC Pre-K for at-risk 4-year-olds. North Carolina offers a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit equal to the federal credit percentage.
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