Childcare Cost in Tennessee (2026)
Infant daycare in Tennessee averages $15,740/year ($1,312/month) — 9% below the national average.
Childcare Costs by Tennessee Metro Area
Tennessee Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program
Tennessee provides subsidies plus free Voluntary Pre-K for income-eligible 4-year-olds.
State Tax Benefits
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, so there are no state childcare tax credits.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Tennessee Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Tennessee Childcare Costs in Context
Across the 2 Tennessee metros we track, infant daycare averages about $15,740/year — 9% below the national average of $17,260. Costs span from $15,410/year in Memphis to $16,070/year in Nashville.
That ranks Tennessee #17 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 Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Tennessee?
Infant daycare in Tennessee averages $15,740 per year ($1,312/month), ranging from $15,410 to $16,070 across major metros. This is 9% below the national average of $17,260 (Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report).
What childcare subsidies are available in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers the Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program. Tennessee provides subsidies plus free Voluntary Pre-K for income-eligible 4-year-olds. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, so there are no state childcare tax credits.
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