Childcare Cost in Ohio (2026)
Infant daycare in Ohio averages $16,807/year ($1,401/month) — 3% below the national average.
Childcare Costs by Ohio Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $16,070 | $42,040 | $28,020 | $22,000 |
| Cleveland | $18,280 | $43,510 | $29,010 | $22,000 |
| Cincinnati | $16,070 | $41,560 | $27,710 | $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 $16,807/year — 3% below the national average of $17,260. Costs span from $16,070/year in Columbus to $18,280/year in Cleveland.
That ranks Ohio #15 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 $16,807 per year ($1,401/month), ranging from $16,070 to $18,280 across major metros. This is 3% below the national average of $17,260 (Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report).
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.
Get Your Personalized Ohio Estimate
Enter your zip code for exact costs in your area, including tax savings and subsidy eligibility.
Calculate Your Costs