Childcare Cost in Tennessee (2026)
Infant daycare in Tennessee averages $12,750/year ($1,063/month) — 12% 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 $12,750/year — 12% below the national average of $14,500. Costs span from $12,000/year in Memphis to $13,500/year in Nashville.
That ranks Tennessee #26 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 $12,750 per year ($1,063/month), ranging from $12,000 to $13,500 across major metros. This is 12% below the national average of $14,500.
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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