Daycare Cost in Anchorage, AK (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1540/month in Anchorage. 25% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1320/month, preschool $1100/month.
Anchorage average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1540
25% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1320
$15,840/year
Preschool (center)
$1100
$13,200/year
School Age
$940
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1210
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,080
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Anchorage vs. Alaska vs. National Average
How Anchorage compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Anchorage |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,540/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,320/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,100/mo |
| School Age — Center | $940/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,210/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,080/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Anchorage
Full-time infant center care in Anchorage costs $18,480/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Anchorage families pay $3,720 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$18,480
Toddler / year
$15,840
Preschool / year
$13,200
School Age / year
$11,280
Childcare Subsidies in Alaska
Alaska participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $900/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Anchorage
How much does daycare cost in Anchorage?
Infant center-based daycare in Anchorage averages $1540/month in 2026. That's $310 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Anchorage compare to the Alaska state average?
Anchorage infant daycare runs about $140/month (10%) above the Alaska statewide average of $1400/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Alaska.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Anchorage?
Yes. In Anchorage: infant care ($1540/month) → toddler care ($1320/month, 14% drop) → preschool ($1100/month, 29% drop from infant) → school age ($940/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Anchorage?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Anchorage averages $3,080/month versus $1540/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Alaska daycare costs
See the full Alaska statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Alaska state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →