Daycare Cost: Denver vs Dallas (2026)
Dallas infant center care runs $1010/month — $990/month less than Denver's $2000/month. That's $11,880/year per child.
Denver, CO
$2000
infant/month
+$770 vs national avg
Dallas, TX
$1010
infant/month
-$220 vs national avg
Denver vs Dallas — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Denver | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $2,000/mo | $1,010/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $1,750/mo | $900/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,500/mo | $760/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,250/mo | $630/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $1,500/mo | $780/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,000/mo | $2,460/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, Dallas costs $12,120/year vs Denver's $24,000/year.
Monthly savings
$990
Annual savings
$11,880
2-year infant care
$23,760
% difference
98%
Savings = Denver cost minus Dallas cost. Infant center-based care only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in Denver or Dallas?
Dallas is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1010/month, vs. $2000/month in Denver — a $990/month gap. Dallas wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from Denver to Dallas?
Infant center-based care in Dallas runs $990/month less than in Denver. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $23,760 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 Dallas is $220 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in Denver · Daycare in Dallas · All city comparisons