Daycare Cost: San Francisco vs Fresno (2026)
Fresno infant center care runs $1800/month — $860/month less than San Francisco's $2660/month. That's $10,320/year per child.
San Francisco, CA
$2660
infant/month
+$1430 vs national avg
Fresno, CA
$1800
infant/month
+$570 vs national avg
San Francisco vs Fresno — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Francisco | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $2,660/mo | $1,800/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $2,370/mo | $1,600/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,920/mo | $1,300/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,630/mo | $1,100/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $2,070/mo | $1,400/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $5,180/mo | $3,500/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, Fresno costs $21,600/year vs San Francisco's $31,920/year.
Monthly savings
$860
Annual savings
$10,320
2-year infant care
$20,640
% difference
48%
Savings = San Francisco cost minus Fresno cost. Infant center-based care only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in San Francisco or Fresno?
Fresno is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1800/month, vs. $2660/month in San Francisco — a $860/month gap. Fresno wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from San Francisco to Fresno?
Infant center-based care in Fresno runs $860/month less than in San Francisco. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $20,640 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. San Francisco is $1430 above the national average, and Fresno is $570 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in San Francisco · Daycare in Fresno · All city comparisons