Childcare Cost in Pennsylvania (2026)
Infant daycare in Pennsylvania averages $18,160/year ($1,513/month) — 5% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by Pennsylvania Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $19,650 | $47,610 | $31,740 | $22,000 |
| Pittsburgh | $16,670 | $44,530 | $29,690 | $22,000 |
Pennsylvania Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Pennsylvania Child Care Works
Pennsylvania's Child Care Works provides subsidies to low-income working families plus Pre-K Counts programs.
State Tax Benefits
Pennsylvania offers a Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit providing 10–30% of the federal credit.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Pennsylvania Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Pennsylvania Childcare Costs in Context
Across the 2 Pennsylvania metros we track, infant daycare averages about $18,160/year — 5% above the national average of $17,260. Costs span from $16,670/year in Pittsburgh to $19,650/year in Philadelphia.
That ranks Pennsylvania #13 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 Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Pennsylvania?
Infant daycare in Pennsylvania averages $18,160 per year ($1,513/month), ranging from $16,670 to $19,650 across major metros. This is 5% above the national average of $17,260 (Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report).
What childcare subsidies are available in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers the Pennsylvania Child Care Works. Pennsylvania's Child Care Works provides subsidies to low-income working families plus Pre-K Counts programs. Pennsylvania offers a Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit providing 10–30% of the federal credit.
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