Daycare Cost in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $810/month in Albuquerque. 34% below national avg. Toddler care runs $710/month, preschool $610/month.
Albuquerque average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$810
34% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$710
$8,520/year
Preschool (center)
$610
$7,320/year
School Age
$500
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$630
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,900
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Albuquerque vs. New Mexico vs. National Average
How Albuquerque compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Albuquerque |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $810/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $710/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $610/mo |
| School Age — Center | $500/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $630/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,900/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Albuquerque
Full-time infant center care in Albuquerque costs $9,720/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Albuquerque families pay $5,040 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$9,720
Toddler / year
$8,520
Preschool / year
$7,320
School Age / year
$6,000
Childcare Subsidies in New Mexico
New Mexico participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $4,900/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $600/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Albuquerque
How much does daycare cost in Albuquerque?
Infant center-based daycare in Albuquerque averages $810/month in 2026. That's $420 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average?
Albuquerque infant daycare runs about $40/month (5%) below the New Mexico statewide average of $850/month. See all daycare costs in New Mexico.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Albuquerque?
Yes. In Albuquerque: infant care ($810/month) → toddler care ($710/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($610/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($500/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Albuquerque?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Albuquerque averages $1,900/month versus $810/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
New Mexico daycare costs
See the full New Mexico statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
New Mexico state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →