How Much Does Daycare Cost in Ann Arbor, MI, MI?
Infant center-based care averages $1270/month in Ann Arbor, MI. 3% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1120/month, preschool $950/month.
Ann Arbor, MI average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1270
3% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1120
$13,440/year
Preschool (center)
$950
$11,400/year
School Age
$790
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$980
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,760
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Ann Arbor, MI vs. Michigan vs. National Average
How Ann Arbor, MI compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,270/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,120/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $950/mo |
| School Age — Center | $790/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $980/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,760/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Ann Arbor, MI
Full-time infant center care in Ann Arbor, MI costs $15,240/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Ann Arbor, MI families pay $480 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$15,240
Toddler / year
$13,440
Preschool / year
$11,400
School Age / year
$9,480
Childcare Subsidies in Michigan
Michigan participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $750/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Ann Arbor, MI
How much does daycare cost in Ann Arbor, MI?
Infant center-based daycare in Ann Arbor, MI averages $1270/month in 2026. That's $40 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Ann Arbor, MI compare to the Michigan state average?
Ann Arbor, MI infant daycare runs about $170/month (15%) above the Michigan statewide average of $1100/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Michigan.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Ann Arbor, MI?
Yes. In Ann Arbor, MI: infant care ($1270/month) → toddler care ($1120/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($950/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($790/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Ann Arbor, MI?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Ann Arbor, MI averages $2,760/month versus $1270/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Michigan daycare costs
See the full Michigan statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Michigan state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
More Childcare Cost Tools for Michigan
Beyond daycare. What parents in Ann Arbor, MI actually search for.