California
Infant childcare cost in California
Center-based infant care in California typically runs $16,800–$24,000 per year, or about $1,400–$2,000 per month. That's about 18% of the state's median household income.
Center daycare
$16,800–$24,000
per year
Home daycare
$12,500–$18,000
per year
Nanny (full-time)
$49,300–$69,600
per year
Run your numbers
Calculator: childcare cost in California
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?
Local context
What's typical in California
California infant childcare costs sit in the top tier — among the priciest in the country: center care runs about $16,800–$24,000 per year, with home daycare typically 15–25% cheaper at $12,500–$18,000. Nanny costs are higher because they include a single caregiver's full-time wage; a nanny share with one other family typically runs about half that.
For a family at the California median household income, full-time center care for an infant typically takes roughly 18% of pre-tax income — well above the 7% benchmark HHS uses for subsidy copayments under the Child Care and Development Fund. That's why most families compare multiple care types before committing.
How to bring the cost down in California
- Family or home-based daycare is usually 15–25% cheaper than a center.
- Nanny share splits a nanny's cost between two families.
- Part-time care (3 days/week) typically prices at 65–75% of full-time — not the 60% you might expect from the day count alone.
- Federal Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA can reduce effective cost.
- Some employers offer subsidized care, on-site care, or backup care benefits — ask HR.