Childcare Cost in Texas (2026)
Infant daycare in Texas averages $13,750/year ($1,146/month) — 5% below the national average.
Childcare Costs by Texas Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas / Fort Worth | $14,000 | $29,000 | $17,000 | $22,000 |
| Houston | $13,500 | $28,000 | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Austin | $15,000 | $31,000 | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| San Antonio | $12,500 | $26,000 | $15,000 | $22,000 |
Texas Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services
Texas provides childcare subsidies through local Workforce Development Boards.
State Tax Benefits
Texas has no state income tax, so there are no state childcare tax credits.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Texas Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Texas Childcare Costs in Context
Across the 4 Texas metros we track, infant daycare averages about $13,750/year — 5% below the national average of $14,500. Costs span from $12,500/year in San Antonio to $15,000/year in Austin.
That ranks Texas #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 Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Texas?
Infant daycare in Texas averages $13,750 per year ($1,146/month), ranging from $12,500 to $15,000 across major metros. This is 5% below the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Texas?
Texas offers the Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services. Texas provides childcare subsidies through local Workforce Development Boards. Texas has no state income tax, so there are no state childcare tax credits.
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