Daycare Cost: Denver vs Colorado Springs (2026)
Colorado Springs infant center care runs $1760/month — $240/month less than Denver's $2000/month. That's $2,880/year per child.
Denver, CO
$2000
infant/month
+$770 vs national avg
Colorado Springs, CO
$1760
infant/month
+$530 vs national avg
Denver vs Colorado Springs — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Denver | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $2,000/mo | $1,760/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $1,750/mo | $1,540/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,500/mo | $1,320/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,250/mo | $1,100/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $1,500/mo | $1,320/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,000/mo | $3,520/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, Colorado Springs costs $21,120/year vs Denver's $24,000/year.
Monthly savings
$240
Annual savings
$2,880
2-year infant care
$5,760
% difference
14%
Savings = Denver cost minus Colorado Springs cost. Infant center-based care only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in Denver or Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1760/month, vs. $2000/month in Denver — a $240/month gap. Colorado Springs wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from Denver to Colorado Springs?
Infant center-based care in Colorado Springs runs $240/month less than in Denver. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $5,760 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. Denver is $770 above the national average, and Colorado Springs is $530 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in Denver · Daycare in Colorado Springs · All city comparisons