Daycare Cost: New York vs Phoenix (2026)
Phoenix infant center care runs $1050/month — $1710/month less than New York's $2760/month. That's $20,520/year per child.
New York, NY
$2760
infant/month
+$1530 vs national avg
Phoenix, AZ
$1050
infant/month
-$180 vs national avg
New York vs Phoenix — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | New York | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $2,760/mo | $1,050/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $2,440/mo | $920/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $2,070/mo | $790/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,730/mo | $650/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $2,250/mo | $790/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $5,370/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 New York's $33,120/year.
Monthly savings
$1,710
Annual savings
$20,520
2-year infant care
$41,040
% difference
163%
Savings = New York cost minus Phoenix cost. Infant center-based care only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in New York or Phoenix?
Phoenix is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1050/month, vs. $2760/month in New York — a $1710/month gap. Phoenix wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from New York to Phoenix?
Infant center-based care in Phoenix runs $1710/month less than in New York. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $41,040 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. New York is $1530 above the national average, and Phoenix is $180 below.
Related Comparisons
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