What percentage of income should go to daycare?

The HHS affordability benchmark is 7% of gross income. Federal law defines 'affordable' as under 7% for subsidy purposes. Financial planners typically use 10% as a practical ceiling before it starts crowding out savings and retirement contributions. Above 15% and something else in the household budget is suffering.

Can I Afford Daycare Near Me? Compare to Your ZIP Code

Q: Can I afford daycare?

The federal guideline is 7% of income, but fewer than 20% of families actually pay that little. The real median is closer to 13% of income. At the national average of $1,440/month for infant center care, you need $173,000 in household income to stay at or under 10%. In high-cost states like Massachusetts and New York, that threshold is $250,000+. Most families pay more than the benchmark — the question is by how much.

Enter your income and ZIP code. See what % of households in your area pay for daycare, what income percentile you're in, and whether you're above or below the local affordability line.

$1,440

Monthly cost
national avg, infant center

$17,280

Annual cost

10%

Income ceiling
HHS 7–10% guideline

Your Affordability Check

Enter your income and ZIP code — we'll compare you to households in your area using Census data.

Annual Household Income

ZIP Code

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