Childcare Cost in Ohio (2026)
Infant daycare in Ohio averages $13,000/year ($1,083/month) — 10% below the national average.
Childcare Costs by Ohio Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $13,500 | $28,000 | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Cleveland | $12,500 | $26,000 | $15,000 | $22,000 |
| Cincinnati | $13,000 | $27,000 | $15,500 | $22,000 |
Ohio Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Ohio Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)
Ohio's PFCC provides subsidies to families earning below 142% of the federal poverty level.
State Tax Benefits
Ohio does not offer a dedicated state childcare tax credit.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Ohio Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Ohio Childcare Costs in Context
Across the 3 Ohio metros we track, infant daycare averages about $13,000/year — 10% below the national average of $14,500. Costs span from $12,500/year in Cleveland to $13,500/year in Columbus.
That ranks Ohio #23 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 Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Ohio?
Infant daycare in Ohio averages $13,000 per year ($1,083/month), ranging from $12,500 to $13,500 across major metros. This is 10% below the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Ohio?
Ohio offers the Ohio Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC). Ohio's PFCC provides subsidies to families earning below 142% of the federal poverty level. Ohio does not offer a dedicated state childcare tax credit.
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