Daycare Cost in Buffalo, NY (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1750/month in Buffalo. 42% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1550/month, preschool $1320/month.
Buffalo average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1750
42% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1550
$18,600/year
Preschool (center)
$1320
$15,840/year
School Age
$1090
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1430
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,400
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Buffalo vs. New York vs. National Average
How Buffalo compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Buffalo |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,750/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,550/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,320/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,090/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,430/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,400/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Buffalo
Full-time infant center care in Buffalo costs $21,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Buffalo families pay $6,240 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$21,000
Toddler / year
$18,600
Preschool / year
$15,840
School Age / year
$13,080
Childcare Subsidies in New York
New York participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $8,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,200/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Buffalo
How much does daycare cost in Buffalo?
Infant center-based daycare in Buffalo averages $1750/month in 2026. That's $520 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average?
Buffalo infant daycare runs about $150/month (8%) below the New York statewide average of $1900/month. See all daycare costs in New York.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Buffalo?
Yes. In Buffalo: infant care ($1750/month) → toddler care ($1550/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1320/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1090/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Buffalo?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Buffalo averages $3,400/month versus $1750/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
New York daycare costs
See the full New York statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
New York state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →