Child Care Cost Calculator
Compare child care costs by type and state, plus see how tax credits and FSA reduce your net cost.
Family Details
Monthly Cost
$1,200
Annual Cost
$14,400
After Tax Savings
$13,800
Tax Savings
Cost by Care Type (California)
| Type | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Day Care Center | $1,200 | $14,400 |
| Nanny | $1,800 | $21,600 |
| Family Home | $900 | $10,800 |
| Preschool | $1,020 | $12,240 |
Disclaimer
Costs are state averages and vary by provider. CDCTC and FSA rules may change. Consult a tax professional.
Average Child Care Costs by Type
Child care is one of the largest expenses for American families — often rivaling rent or mortgage payments. Costs vary dramatically by location, child's age, and care type. Infant care is the most expensive due to lower caregiver-to-child ratios.
| Care Type | National Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center (infant) | $1,350/mo | $800-$2,500 |
| Daycare Center (toddler) | $1,100/mo | $700-$2,200 |
| Family Daycare | $900/mo | $500-$1,500 |
| Nanny (full-time) | $2,800/mo | $2,000-$4,500 |
| Au Pair | $1,800/mo | $1,500-$2,200 |
Tax Savings for Child Care
Two key benefits help offset costs: The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) covers 20-35% of up to $3,000 in expenses for one child or $6,000 for two+. A Dependent Care FSA lets you set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax for child care, saving $1,000-$2,000 in taxes depending on your bracket. You can use both, but not for the same expenses.
Child Care Aware — Cost Data→Frequently Asked Questions
Which states are the most expensive for child care?
Massachusetts, Washington DC, California, and New York consistently rank highest. In Massachusetts, infant daycare averages over $20,000/year. Meanwhile, Mississippi and South Carolina average under $7,000/year.
Is a nanny or daycare more cost-effective?
For one child, daycare is almost always cheaper. For two or more children, a nanny or nanny-share can become competitive — you pay one salary regardless of the number of kids. A nanny-share (splitting a nanny with another family) typically costs 60-70% of a solo nanny rate per family.
Related: Child Tax Credit Calculator and Budget Planner.