Daycare Cost in Arlington, TX (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $950/month in Arlington. 23% below national avg. Toddler care runs $840/month, preschool $710/month.
Arlington average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$950
23% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$840
$10,080/year
Preschool (center)
$710
$8,520/year
School Age
$590
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$740
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,310
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Arlington vs. Texas vs. National Average
How Arlington compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Arlington |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $950/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $840/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $710/mo |
| School Age — Center | $590/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $740/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,310/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Arlington
Full-time infant center care in Arlington costs $11,400/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Arlington families pay $3,360 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$11,400
Toddler / year
$10,080
Preschool / year
$8,520
School Age / year
$7,080
Childcare Subsidies in Texas
Texas participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,400/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $680/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Arlington
How much does daycare cost in Arlington?
Infant center-based daycare in Arlington averages $950/month in 2026. That's $280 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Arlington compare to the Texas state average?
Arlington infant daycare runs about $50/month (6%) above the Texas statewide average of $900/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Texas.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Arlington?
Yes. In Arlington: infant care ($950/month) → toddler care ($840/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($710/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($590/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Arlington?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Arlington averages $2,310/month versus $950/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Texas daycare costs
See the full Texas statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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