DaycareCalc
F

Chicago, IL Daycare Affordability Score: F (32% of Income)

Chicago, IL is among the least affordable places for infant daycare. Costs here take a significantly larger bite out of household income than almost anywhere else.

59% less affordable than the national average.

City Daycare

$19,800/yr

Median Income

$62,812/yr

% of Income

31.5%

nat. avg 19.8%

How the grade is calculated

We divide annual infant daycare by median household income to get the cost burden ratio. Then we compare Chicago, IL's ratio against the national average. Grades reflect how much more or less families pay here relative to what families pay nationally.

A+
25%+ cheaper
A
10–25% cheaper
B
0–10% cheaper
C
0–10% pricier
D
10–25% pricier
F
25%+ pricier

Sources: ACF Child Care Aware of America 2025; U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 (median household income).

Chicago, IL vs. national average

Chicago, IL 31.5% of income
National average 19.8% of income

Chicago, IL families spend $5,040/year more on infant daycare than the national average ($14,760/yr nationally vs. $19,800/yr here).

Chicago, IL infant daycare affordability: common questions

How affordable is daycare in Chicago, IL?
Chicago, IL earns a F for daycare affordability. Annual infant center care runs $19,800, which is 31.5% of the city's median household income of $62,812. That's 59% above the national average cost burden of 19.8%.
What's the actual monthly daycare cost in Chicago, IL?
Infant center-based daycare in Chicago, IL averages $1,650/month in 2026. That's the full-time rate for licensed center-based care. Family home daycares typically run 20–30% less. Part-time schedules (3 days/week) cut costs roughly 40%.
Does Chicago, IL have childcare subsidies?
Most cities in the US have access to the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) through their state. Income-qualifying families can receive subsidies covering most or all of childcare costs. The Dependent Care FSA lets you set aside $5,000 pre-tax ($5,000 for joint filers), saving $1,200–$1,500/year depending on your tax bracket. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can return $600–$1,050 per child.
How does the daycare affordability grade work?
The grade compares Chicago, IL's annual daycare cost as a percentage of local median household income against the national average ratio of 19.8%. An A+ means families here pay 25%+ less relative to income than the national norm. An F means they pay 25%+ more. The grade captures the real financial burden — not just raw cost, but cost relative to what residents earn.

What does this mean for your family?

The grade is based on median income. Your actual cost burden depends on your specific income and situation. Use the calculator to see your numbers.

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