#45 most affordable (out of 50 states)

Rhode Island Daycare Affordability Score: C (22% of Income)

Rhode Island sits near the national average. Families here face cost burdens typical of most of the country.

9% less affordable than the national average.

State Daycare

$17,280/yr

Median Income

$80,101/yr

% of Income

21.6%

nat. avg 19.8%

Share this score

Rhode Island gets a C for infant daycare affordability — 21.6% of median income. See your area: daycarecalc.com

Share on X

How the grade is calculated

We divide annual infant daycare by median household income to get the cost burden ratio. Then we compare Rhode Island'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

10–25% cheaper

0–10% cheaper

0–10% pricier

10–25% pricier

25%+ pricier

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

Rhode Island vs. national average

Rhode Island 21.6% of income

National average 19.8% of income

Rhode Island families spend $2,520/year more on infant daycare than the national average ($14,760/yr nationally vs. $17,280/yr here).

Rhode Island infant daycare affordability: common questions

How affordable is daycare in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island earns a C for daycare affordability. Annual infant center care averages $17,280, which is 21.6% of the state's median household income of $80,101. That's 9% above the national average burden of 19.8%.

What is the average cost of daycare in Rhode Island?

Full-time infant center-based daycare in Rhode Island averages $1,440/month in 2026. Annual cost: $17,280. That's 21.6% of the state median household income.

Does Rhode Island have childcare subsidy programs?

Rhode Island participates in the federal CCDF program, which provides childcare subsidies for working families below the income threshold. Eligibility typically covers families earning up to 85% of the state median income. Apply through your county's social services office. The Dependent Care FSA (up to $5,000 pre-tax) and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit ($600–$1,050/child) are available to all families regardless of state.

Why does Rhode Island get a C for daycare affordability?

The grade reflects how much of the median household income goes toward full-time infant center care. Rhode Island's ratio of 21.6% is 9% above the national average of 19.8%. The federal government defines affordable childcare as 7% of income or less — Rhode Island, like most states, exceeds that benchmark.

More Vet Costs in Rhode Island

Vet Costs in Rhode Island

Average prices for 30+ procedures by city

Emergency Vet Cost in Rhode Island

ER exam fees, diagnostics, and surgery costs

Low-Cost Vet Care in Rhode Island

Teaching hospitals, SPCA clinics, and community programs

Pet Assistance in Rhode Island

Financial aid, grants, and nonprofit vet funds

How to Afford Vet Care in Rhode Island

Payment plans, CareCredit, and financing options

Pet Boarding Cost in Rhode Island

Overnight kennel, daycare, and in-home rates

Spay & Neuter Cost in Rhode Island

Dog and cat prices by weight and clinic type

All 50 states → Procedure costs → Vet cost calculator →

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.

Calculate your infant daycare

Embed this calculator

Add this free calculator to your website or blog — no signup required.

<iframe
  src="https://daycarecalc.com/affordability-score/rhode-island?embed=true&utm_source=embed&utm_medium=iframe&utm_campaign=widget"
  title="Rhode Island Daycare Affordability Score: C (22% of Income)"
  width="100%"
  height="520"
  style="border:none; border-radius:8px; box-shadow:0 1px 4px rgba(0,0,0,.12);"
  loading="lazy"
  allowtransparency="true"
></iframe>