Specialized calculator
Infant childcare cost calculator
Compare center daycare, home daycare, nanny, nanny share, and part-time care in your state — by hours per week and months needed.
Compare care types in California
| Type | Annual range |
|---|---|
| Center daycare | $16,800–$24,000 |
| Home daycare | $12,500–$18,000 |
| Nanny share (1/2) | $26,100–$37,700 |
| Nanny (full-time) | $49,300–$69,600 |
| Part-time (3 days) | $10,920–$18,000 |
Questions to ask a daycare provider
- What is your infant-to-staff ratio and group size?
- How do you handle nap, feedings, and diapering schedules?
- How do you communicate updates to parents during the day?
- What is your sick / fever / antibiotic policy?
- How are caregivers trained on safe sleep and CPR?
- What is your turnover rate for infant teachers?
- How are tuition increases announced?
- Are registration, supply, and holiday fees in writing?
- How long is the waitlist and how does deposit work?
- How do you handle separation-anxiety transitions?
Cost drivers
What drives childcare cost?
Three factors decide most of your infant childcare bill: state, care type, and hours per week. After that, smaller factors — registration fees, supply fees, sibling discounts, and whether the provider operates 5 days or 4 — adjust the number a few percent in either direction.
State and metro
Massachusetts, California, New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia consistently rank among the most expensive states for infant care, with center costs commonly above $20,000/year. Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana are typically the lowest. Your specific metro can move the number significantly inside a state.
Center vs. home daycare vs. nanny
Family childcare homes — small operations run out of a licensed home — are usually 15–25% cheaper than center-based care, with smaller groups but less backup coverage. Nannies cost more upfront but include one-on-one care and household flexibility. A nanny share splits the cost roughly in half between two families and is often the sweet spot for parents who want nanny-style care at near-daycare cost.
Hours per week
Most centers price as full-time (40+ hours), part-time 3-day, or part-time 2-day. Going from 5 days to 3 days does not always cut your bill by 40% — many centers price 3-day care at 65–75% of full-time. Ask before assuming.
Registration, supply, and holiday fees
Registration fees ($75–$300) and annual supply fees ($25–$150) are common. Some centers also charge for holidays they're closed but you still owe tuition. Always read the contract.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Want the full first-year estimate?
Run the main calculator with your state, insurance, feeding plan, and gear preferences for an integrated number.