Toddler Care Cost 2026: Daycare & Preschool Prices by City
Costs typically drop 10–15% from infant care — here's what to expect for ages 1–3
Toddler care (ages 1–3) is meaningfully cheaper than infant care because state-required ratios relax. Most states allow 1:5 or 1:6 toddler-to-caregiver ratios, letting centers spread labor costs across more families. Care.com's 2026 national rates put toddler care about 7% below infant tuition ($308 vs. $332 a week); national average toddler daycare is $16,020/year.
Use our free calculator for a personalized toddler care cost estimate in your exact zip code — including nanny, daycare, nanny share, and au pair comparisons plus tax savings.
Most Expensive Cities for Toddler Daycare (2026)
The 10 U.S. metros with the highest toddler daycare center costs:
| Rank | City | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Seattle, WA | $30,400 | $2,533 |
| #2 | San Francisco Bay Area, CA | $28,830 | $2,403 |
| #3 | New York City, NY | $27,550 | $2,296 |
| #4 | San Jose, CA | $26,910 | $2,243 |
| #5 | Boston, MA | $26,270 | $2,189 |
| #6 | Washington, DC | $26,270 | $2,189 |
| #7 | Denver, CO | $25,020 | $2,085 |
| #8 | Portland, OR | $23,780 | $1,982 |
| #9 | Los Angeles, CA | $22,420 | $1,868 |
| #10 | Chicago, IL | $20,500 | $1,708 |
Most Affordable Cities for Toddler Daycare (2026)
The 10 most budget-friendly U.S. metros for toddler daycare:
| Rank | City | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Antonio, TX | $10,840 | $903 |
| #2 | Houston, TX | $11,350 | $946 |
| #3 | Dallas / Fort Worth, TX | $11,620 | $968 |
| #4 | Atlanta, GA | $12,790 | $1,066 |
| #5 | Miami, FL | $12,850 | $1,071 |
| #6 | Austin, TX | $13,760 | $1,147 |
| #7 | Las Vegas, NV | $14,090 | $1,174 |
| #8 | St. Louis, MO | $14,090 | $1,174 |
| #9 | Jacksonville, FL | $14,090 | $1,174 |
| #10 | Oklahoma City, OK | $14,090 | $1,174 |
Toddler Care by Type (National Averages)
How toddler care costs compare across the five main childcare options:
| Care Type | Annual (National Avg) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $16,020 | $1,335 |
| In-Home Daycare | $12,810 | $1,068 |
| Nanny Share | $30,870 | $2,573 |
| Au Pair | $22,000 | $1,833 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $46,300 | $3,858 |
What Changes When Your Baby Becomes a Toddler
The move from the infant room to a toddler room usually brings a small price drop. The federal baseline keeps centers at 4 children per caregiver through 23 months and then allows up to 6 for two-year-olds, so rooms for older toddlers can spread the teacher's cost across more children. Nationally, full-time toddler care at a center averages $16,020 a year, about 7% less than infant care ($17,260). The bigger drop comes at age 3.
- Part-time is an option now. Two or three days a week costs about 45% or 65% of the full-time price, around $868 a month for a toddler three days a week. See part-time daycare costs.
- Free care for two-year-olds in New York City. NYC's 2-K program opened its first seats in fall 2026 in five school districts, with no income requirement. Details are in our free childcare programs guide.
- A baby on the way? Ask about sibling discounts before you enroll the second child. See daycare costs for two kids.
Ratios from Caring for Our Children Basics (U.S. Administration for Children and Families); prices from the Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report. Checked November 3, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does toddler daycare cost in 2026?
Toddler daycare runs $11,530–$28,830 per year across the 44 metros we track, or $961–$2,403 per month. The national average is $16,020/year (Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report: $308/week), about 7% below the infant rate.
When does daycare get cheaper after infancy?
Most daycares drop tuition when your child moves from the infant room (0–12 months) to the toddler room (typically 12–18 months, depending on center policy and walking status). Nationally the drop averages about 7% (Care.com 2026: $332 a week for infants vs. $308 for toddlers) — for example, $1,500/month infant care might become about $1,390/month for a toddler. Your center's rate sheet is the real number.
Is in-home daycare good for toddlers?
Yes. Toddlers often thrive in home-based settings because they have smaller group sizes (typically 3–8 kids), a more home-like environment, and one consistent caregiver. In-home daycare also typically costs 20–25% less than a center for toddler care.
When should I move my toddler to preschool?
Most preschools enroll children at age 2.5 or 3, with programs focused on pre-literacy, social skills, and school readiness. Preschool costs are similar to toddler daycare in most metros. Some families make the switch when their toddler shows signs of being ready for a more structured program.
Toddler Care Cost by City (2026)
Daycare, nanny, and nanny share costs for toddlers ages 1–3 in each metro:
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