Daycare Cost in Austin, TX (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1080/month in Austin. 12% below national avg. Toddler care runs $960/month, preschool $820/month.
Austin average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1080
12% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$960
$11,520/year
Preschool (center)
$820
$9,840/year
School Age
$670
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$840
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,640
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Austin vs. Texas vs. National Average
How Austin compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Austin |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,080/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $960/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $820/mo |
| School Age — Center | $670/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $840/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,640/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Austin
Full-time infant center care in Austin costs $12,960/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Austin families pay $1,800 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,960
Toddler / year
$11,520
Preschool / year
$9,840
School Age / year
$8,040
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 Austin
How much does daycare cost in Austin?
Infant center-based daycare in Austin averages $1080/month in 2026. That's $150 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average?
Austin infant daycare runs about $180/month (20%) 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 Austin?
Yes. In Austin: infant care ($1080/month) → toddler care ($960/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($820/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($670/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Austin?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Austin averages $2,640/month versus $1080/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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