Childcare Cost in North Carolina (2026)
Infant daycare in North Carolina averages $13,500/year ($1,125/month) — 7% below the national average.
Childcare Costs by North Carolina Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $13,000 | $27,000 | $15,500 | $22,000 |
| Raleigh-Durham | $14,000 | $29,000 | $16,500 | $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 offers a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit equal to the federal credit percentage.
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 $13,500/year — 7% below the national average of $14,500. Costs span from $13,000/year in Charlotte to $14,000/year in Raleigh-Durham.
That ranks North Carolina #18 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 $13,500 per year ($1,125/month), ranging from $13,000 to $14,000 across major metros. This is 7% below the national average of $14,500.
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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