Daycare Cost in Chicago, IL (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1680/month in Chicago. 37% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1440/month, preschool $1260/month.
Chicago average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1680
37% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1440
$17,280/year
Preschool (center)
$1260
$15,120/year
School Age
$1040
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1320
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,360
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Chicago vs. Illinois vs. National Average
How Chicago compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Chicago |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,680/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,440/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,260/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,040/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,320/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,360/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Chicago
Full-time infant center care in Chicago costs $20,160/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Chicago families pay $5,400 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$20,160
Toddler / year
$17,280
Preschool / year
$15,120
School Age / year
$12,480
Childcare Subsidies in Illinois
Illinois participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $6,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $950/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Chicago
How much does daycare cost in Chicago?
Infant center-based daycare in Chicago averages $1680/month in 2026. That's $450 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average?
Chicago infant daycare runs about $280/month (20%) above the Illinois statewide average of $1400/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Illinois.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Chicago?
Yes. In Chicago: infant care ($1680/month) → toddler care ($1440/month, 14% drop) → preschool ($1260/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1040/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Chicago?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Chicago averages $3,360/month versus $1680/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Illinois daycare costs
See the full Illinois statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Illinois state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →