Childcare Cost in Wisconsin (2026)
Infant daycare in Wisconsin averages $16,500/year ($1,375/month) — 14% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by Wisconsin Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $16,500 | $32,000 | $19,000 | $22,000 |
Wisconsin Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy
Wisconsin's YoungStar Child Care Subsidy provides childcare assistance to families earning below 200% of the federal poverty level. The YoungStar quality rating system rewards families who choose higher-rated providers.
State Tax Benefits
Wisconsin does not offer a separate state childcare tax credit.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Wisconsin Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Wisconsin Childcare Costs in Context
In Wisconsin, the Milwaukee metro is the market we track, where infant daycare averages about $16,500/year — 14% above the national average of $14,500.
That ranks Wisconsin #12 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 Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Wisconsin?
Infant daycare in Wisconsin averages $16,500 per year ($1,375/month). This is 14% above the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin offers the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy. Wisconsin's YoungStar Child Care Subsidy provides childcare assistance to families earning below 200% of the federal poverty level. The YoungStar quality rating system rewards families who choose higher-rated providers. Wisconsin does not offer a separate state childcare tax credit.
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