Daycare Cost: San Francisco vs Los Angeles (2026)
Los Angeles infant center care runs $2340/month — $320/month less than San Francisco's $2660/month. That's $3,840/year per child.
San Francisco, CA
$2660
infant/month
+$1430 vs national avg
Los Angeles, CA
$2340
infant/month
+$1110 vs national avg
San Francisco vs Los Angeles — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Francisco | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $2,660/mo | $2,340/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $2,370/mo | $2,080/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,920/mo | $1,690/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,630/mo | $1,430/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $2,070/mo | $1,820/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $5,180/mo | $4,550/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, Los Angeles costs $28,080/year vs San Francisco's $31,920/year.
Monthly savings
$320
Annual savings
$3,840
2-year infant care
$7,680
% difference
14%
Savings = San Francisco cost minus Los Angeles cost. Infant center-based care only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in San Francisco or Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is cheaper for infant center-based care at $2340/month, vs. $2660/month in San Francisco — a $320/month gap. Los Angeles wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Infant center-based care in Los Angeles runs $320/month less than in San Francisco. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $7,680 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 Los Angeles is $1110 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in San Francisco · Daycare in Los Angeles · All city comparisons