Daycare Cost in Birmingham, AL (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $670/month in Birmingham. 46% below national avg. Toddler care runs $590/month, preschool $490/month.
Birmingham average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$670
46% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$590
$7,080/year
Preschool (center)
$490
$5,880/year
School Age
$410
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$460
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,710
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Birmingham vs. Alabama vs. National Average
How Birmingham compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $670/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $590/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $490/mo |
| School Age — Center | $410/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $460/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,710/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Birmingham
Full-time infant center care in Birmingham costs $8,040/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Birmingham families pay $6,720 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$8,040
Toddler / year
$7,080
Preschool / year
$5,880
School Age / year
$4,920
Childcare Subsidies in Alabama
Alabama participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $4,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $500/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Birmingham
How much does daycare cost in Birmingham?
Infant center-based daycare in Birmingham averages $670/month in 2026. That's $560 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average?
Birmingham infant daycare runs about $30/month (4%) below the Alabama statewide average of $700/month. See all daycare costs in Alabama.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Birmingham?
Yes. In Birmingham: infant care ($670/month) → toddler care ($590/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($490/month, 27% drop from infant) → school age ($410/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Birmingham?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Birmingham averages $1,710/month versus $670/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Alabama daycare costs
See the full Alabama statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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