How Much Does Daycare Cost in Chattanooga, TN, TN?
Infant center-based care averages $800/month in Chattanooga, TN. 35% below national avg. Toddler care runs $705/month, preschool $600/month.
Chattanooga, TN average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$800
35% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$705
$8,460/year
Preschool (center)
$600
$7,200/year
School Age
$505
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$635
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,800
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Chattanooga, TN vs. Tennessee vs. National Average
How Chattanooga, TN compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $800/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $705/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $600/mo |
| School Age — Center | $505/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $635/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,800/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Chattanooga, TN
Full-time infant center care in Chattanooga, TN costs $9,600/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Chattanooga, TN families pay $5,160 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$9,600
Toddler / year
$8,460
Preschool / year
$7,200
School Age / year
$6,060
Childcare Subsidies in Tennessee
Tennessee participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,100/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $630/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Chattanooga, TN
How much does daycare cost in Chattanooga, TN?
Infant center-based daycare in Chattanooga, TN averages $800/month in 2026. That's $430 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Chattanooga, TN compare to the Tennessee state average?
Chattanooga, TN infant daycare runs about $50/month (6%) below the Tennessee statewide average of $850/month. See all daycare costs in Tennessee.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Chattanooga, TN?
Yes. In Chattanooga, TN: infant care ($800/month) → toddler care ($705/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($600/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($505/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Chattanooga, TN?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Chattanooga, TN averages $1,800/month versus $800/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Tennessee daycare costs
See the full Tennessee statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Tennessee 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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