Daycare Cost: Minneapolis vs Columbus (2026)
Columbus infant center care runs $1050/month — $560/month less than Minneapolis's $1610/month. That's $6,720/year per child.
Minneapolis, MN
$1610
infant/month
+$380 vs national avg
Columbus, OH
$1050
infant/month
-$180 vs national avg
Minneapolis vs Columbus — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Minneapolis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1,610/mo | $1,050/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $1,410/mo | $920/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,210/mo | $790/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,010/mo | $660/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $1,270/mo | $810/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,330/mo | $2,420/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, Columbus costs $12,600/year vs Minneapolis's $19,320/year.
Monthly savings
$560
Annual savings
$6,720
2-year infant care
$13,440
% difference
53%
Savings = Minneapolis cost minus Columbus cost. Infant center-based care only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in Minneapolis or Columbus?
Columbus is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1050/month, vs. $1610/month in Minneapolis — a $560/month gap. Columbus wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from Minneapolis to Columbus?
Infant center-based care in Columbus runs $560/month less than in Minneapolis. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $13,440 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. Minneapolis is $380 above the national average, and Columbus is $180 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in Minneapolis · Daycare in Columbus · All city comparisons