Daycare Cost in Akron, OH (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $920/month in Akron. 25% below national avg. Toddler care runs $810/month, preschool $690/month.
Akron average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$920
25% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$810
$9,720/year
Preschool (center)
$690
$8,280/year
School Age
$580
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$710
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,120
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Akron vs. Ohio vs. National Average
How Akron compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Akron |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $920/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $810/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $690/mo |
| School Age — Center | $580/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $710/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,120/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Akron
Full-time infant center care in Akron costs $11,040/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Akron families pay $3,720 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$11,040
Toddler / year
$9,720
Preschool / year
$8,280
School Age / year
$6,960
Childcare Subsidies in Ohio
Ohio participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,600/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $700/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Akron
How much does daycare cost in Akron?
Infant center-based daycare in Akron averages $920/month in 2026. That's $310 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average?
Akron infant daycare runs about $80/month (8%) below the Ohio statewide average of $1000/month. See all daycare costs in Ohio.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Akron?
Yes. In Akron: infant care ($920/month) → toddler care ($810/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($690/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($580/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Akron?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Akron averages $2,120/month versus $920/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →