How Much Does Daycare Cost in Clearwater, FL, FL?
Infant center-based care averages $1000/month in Clearwater, FL. 19% below national avg. Toddler care runs $870/month, preschool $750/month.
Clearwater, FL average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1000
19% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$870
$10,440/year
Preschool (center)
$750
$9,000/year
School Age
$620
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$780
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,400
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Clearwater, FL vs. Florida vs. National Average
How Clearwater, FL compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Clearwater, FL |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,000/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $870/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $750/mo |
| School Age — Center | $620/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $780/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,400/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Clearwater, FL
Full-time infant center care in Clearwater, FL costs $12,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Clearwater, FL families pay $2,760 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,000
Toddler / year
$10,440
Preschool / year
$9,000
School Age / year
$7,440
Childcare Subsidies in Florida
Florida participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,500/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $700/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Clearwater, FL
How much does daycare cost in Clearwater, FL?
Infant center-based daycare in Clearwater, FL averages $1000/month in 2026. That's $230 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Clearwater, FL compare to the Florida state average?
Clearwater, FL is right at the Florida statewide average for infant daycare. See all daycare costs in Florida.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Clearwater, FL?
Yes. In Clearwater, FL: infant care ($1000/month) → toddler care ($870/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($750/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($620/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Clearwater, FL?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Clearwater, FL averages $2,400/month versus $1000/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Florida daycare costs
See the full Florida statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Florida state costs →Compare all 100 cities
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Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
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