How Much Does Daycare Cost a Week?

Weekly daycare costs are a substantial portion of household budgets, influencing decisions about parental employment, family planning, and financial stability. The variability in costs across different regions and for various age groups means that anticipating and managing these expenses is important for parents.

Average Weekly Daycare Costs

The average weekly cost of childcare in the United States shows considerable variation, depending largely on the child’s age and geographic location. National averages indicate that families spend approximately $325.39 per week on childcare as of 2023 data. For specific age groups, infant care averages around $216 per week, while care for 4-year-olds or preschoolers may be closer to $175 per week.

Weekly costs for center-based daycare range from $100 to $350. Infant daycare can range from $150 to $350 per week, while toddler care averages $125 to $250 per week. Preschool programs for children aged three to five years often cost between $100 and $325 weekly.

Geographic location profoundly impacts these averages, with certain states and metropolitan areas demonstrating much higher costs. Weekly childcare expenditures are highest in states such as Nevada ($493.46), New Jersey ($442.19), and Washington D.C. ($427.90). San Francisco reported the highest average weekly cost among major cities, exceeding $510. Lower costs are found in states like Iowa ($182.42), Mississippi ($203.38), and Oklahoma ($209.41).

Childcare prices are higher in urban areas compared to rural regions due to factors like higher property rents, wages, and overall cost of living. The most affordable states for childcare frequently include those in the Southern and Midwestern United States, such as Alabama, Arkansas, and South Dakota.

Key Factors Influencing Weekly Costs

The child’s age is a primary determinant. Infant care is the most expensive option due to the lower staff-to-child ratios required for infants, along with their greater needs for individualized attention and specialized care. As children grow older and require less direct supervision, such as toddlers and preschoolers, the weekly costs decrease.

The type of daycare facility affects pricing. Center-based daycare facilities, which operate in dedicated commercial spaces, had an average weekly cost of $343 in 2025. In contrast, home-based daycare or family care centers, which operate out of a caregiver’s residence, can range from $125 to $225 per week. Nanny services, providing in-home individualized care, are the most expensive option, averaging around $827 per week in 2025.

The hours of care influence costs. Full-time care costs more than part-time arrangements. For example, part-time daycare might cost between $50 and $140 per week for two days of care, or $75 to $210 per week for three days. Facilities that offer extended hours beyond a standard workday or weekend care often charge additional fees to cover increased staffing and operational expenses.

Beyond basic care, facilities may offer additional services that contribute to the overall weekly cost. These can include meals, specialized educational programs like Montessori or Reggio Emilia approaches, and transportation services. While these additions can enhance the quality of care and convenience for families, they also increase the total financial outlay.

Finding Specific Local Costs

Finding local daycare cost information involves research and direct inquiry. Online search engines and specialized childcare platforms provide initial estimates. Local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies provide lists of licensed providers and insights into local rates.

State licensing websites offer directories of regulated childcare facilities, which can be a starting point for identifying potential providers. Once a list of facilities is compiled, direct contact is essential to gather accurate and personalized cost data. Inquire about:
Weekly rates
Initial enrollment fees
Recurring supply fees
Holiday closure policies
Payment schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly)

Visiting facilities in person is important. During visits, families can confirm what services and amenities are included in the stated cost. This helps ensure no hidden or unexpected charges once enrollment begins.

Financial Support and Cost Management

Programs and benefits help families manage daycare costs. Federal and state governments offer childcare assistance programs designed to support low-income families. These programs provide subsidies that cover a portion of childcare costs, making care more accessible for eligible households. While specific eligibility criteria vary by program and state, they generally consider household income and family size to determine the level of assistance.

Employer-sponsored benefits provide relief. Some employers offer Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for dependent care. These allow employees to pay for childcare expenses with pre-tax dollars, reducing taxable income.

Federal tax credits offset childcare expenses. The Child and Dependent Care Credit allows eligible taxpayers to claim a percentage of their childcare costs as a credit against their federal income tax liability. This credit reduces the actual amount of tax owed, providing direct financial relief.