How Much Does Daycare Cost in Athens, GA, GA?
Infant center-based care averages $810/month in Athens, GA. 34% below national avg. Toddler care runs $720/month, preschool $610/month.
Athens, GA average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$810
34% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$720
$8,640/year
Preschool (center)
$610
$7,320/year
School Age
$500
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$630
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,980
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Athens, GA vs. Georgia vs. National Average
How Athens, GA compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Athens, GA |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $810/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $720/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $610/mo |
| School Age — Center | $500/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $630/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,980/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Athens, GA
Full-time infant center care in Athens, GA costs $9,720/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Athens, GA families pay $5,040 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$9,720
Toddler / year
$8,640
Preschool / year
$7,320
School Age / year
$6,000
Childcare Subsidies in Georgia
Georgia participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $650/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Athens, GA
How much does daycare cost in Athens, GA?
Infant center-based daycare in Athens, GA averages $810/month in 2026. That's $420 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Athens, GA compare to the Georgia state average?
Athens, GA infant daycare runs about $90/month (10%) below the Georgia statewide average of $900/month. See all daycare costs in Georgia.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Athens, GA?
Yes. In Athens, GA: infant care ($810/month) → toddler care ($720/month, 11% 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 Athens, GA?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Athens, GA averages $1,980/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.
Georgia daycare costs
See the full Georgia statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Georgia 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
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