Daycare Cost: Chicago vs Milwaukee (2026)
Milwaukee infant center care runs $1260/month — $420/month less than Chicago's $1680/month. That's $5,040/year per child.
Chicago, IL
$1680
infant/month
+$450 vs national avg
Milwaukee, WI
$1260
infant/month
+$30 vs national avg
Chicago vs Milwaukee — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1,680/mo | $1,260/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $1,440/mo | $1,110/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,260/mo | $950/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,040/mo | $790/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $1,320/mo | $1,000/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,360/mo | $2,730/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, Milwaukee costs $15,120/year vs Chicago's $20,160/year.
Monthly savings
$420
Annual savings
$5,040
2-year infant care
$10,080
% difference
33%
Savings = Chicago cost minus Milwaukee cost. Infant center-based care only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in Chicago or Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1260/month, vs. $1680/month in Chicago — a $420/month gap. Milwaukee wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Infant center-based care in Milwaukee runs $420/month less than in Chicago. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $10,080 saved — not counting toddler or preschool years.
How do both cities compare to the national average?
The national average for infant center-based care is $1230/month. Chicago is $450 above the national average, and Milwaukee is $30 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in Chicago · Daycare in Milwaukee · All city comparisons