Daycare Cost in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1710/month in Bakersfield. 39% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1520/month, preschool $1240/month.
Bakersfield average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1710
39% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1520
$18,240/year
Preschool (center)
$1240
$14,880/year
School Age
$1050
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1330
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,330
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Bakersfield vs. California vs. National Average
How Bakersfield compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Bakersfield |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,710/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,520/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,240/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,050/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,330/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,330/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Bakersfield
Full-time infant center care in Bakersfield costs $20,520/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Bakersfield families pay $5,760 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$20,520
Toddler / year
$18,240
Preschool / year
$14,880
School Age / year
$12,600
Childcare Subsidies in California
California participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Bakersfield
How much does daycare cost in Bakersfield?
Infant center-based daycare in Bakersfield averages $1710/month in 2026. That's $480 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Bakersfield compare to the California state average?
Bakersfield infant daycare runs about $90/month (5%) below the California statewide average of $1800/month. See all daycare costs in California.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Bakersfield?
Yes. In Bakersfield: infant care ($1710/month) → toddler care ($1520/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1240/month, 27% drop from infant) → school age ($1050/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Bakersfield?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Bakersfield averages $3,330/month versus $1710/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
California daycare costs
See the full California statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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