Daycare Cost: Los Angeles vs Phoenix (2026)
Phoenix infant center care runs $1050/month — $1290/month less than Los Angeles's $2340/month. That's $15,480/year per child.
Los Angeles, CA
$2340
infant/month
+$1110 vs national avg
Phoenix, AZ
$1050
infant/month
-$180 vs national avg
Los Angeles vs Phoenix — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Los Angeles | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $2,340/mo | $1,050/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $2,080/mo | $920/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,690/mo | $790/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,430/mo | $650/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $1,820/mo | $790/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,550/mo | $2,520/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, Phoenix costs $12,600/year vs Los Angeles's $28,080/year.
Monthly savings
$1,290
Annual savings
$15,480
2-year infant care
$30,960
% difference
123%
Savings = Los Angeles cost minus Phoenix cost. Infant center-based care only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in Los Angeles or Phoenix?
Phoenix is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1050/month, vs. $2340/month in Los Angeles — a $1290/month gap. Phoenix wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from Los Angeles to Phoenix?
Infant center-based care in Phoenix runs $1290/month less than in Los Angeles. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $30,960 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. Los Angeles is $1110 above the national average, and Phoenix is $180 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in Los Angeles · Daycare in Phoenix · All city comparisons