Average Daycare Cost in Clovis, CA 2026
In 2026, full-time daycare in Clovis, CA costs $964–$1,710 per month, depending on the child's age and care type. Center-based infant care averages $1,710/month, toddler care runs $1,520/month, and preschool care runs $1,240/month. Family home-based providers in Clovis, CA typically charge $1,330/month for infants — about 22% less than center care.
Based on ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey data for California licensed providers, with 2026 metro cost-of-living adjustments. 39% above national avg.
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Clovis, CA Daycare Cost by Age and Provider Type (2026)
Average monthly rates for full-time care.
| Age Group | Center-Based | Family-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–12 mo) | $1,710/month$395/wk | $1,330/month$307/wk |
| Toddler (1–3 yr) | $1,520/month$351/wk | $1,182/month$273/wk |
| Preschooler (3–5 yr) | $1,240/month$286/wk | $964/month$223/wk |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey for California with 2026 metro cost-of-living adjustments. Family-based rates use the local home-to-center ratio (78% of center).
Paying too much? Only about 1 in 6 eligible children receives a CCDF subsidy (HHS ASPE, FY2022).
Check California income limits and CCDF eligibility. Takes 2 minutes.
What can you actually do about it?
You know what daycare costs in Clovis, CA. These tools help you figure out your next move.
How does Clovis, CA compare to the rest of California?
Statewide rates by age group, plus CCDF subsidy limits
Is working worth it in California?
Net income after daycare, taxes, and commute costs
Can you afford a baby in California?
Full first-year costs: daycare, medical, gear, lost income
What programs do you qualify for?
CCDF, Head Start, pre-K, tax credits. One scan covers all of them
What Childcare Costs at Your Income
Enter your household income. See what % goes to childcare, whether you may qualify for subsidies, and your actual monthly cost after tax savings.
Clovis, CA area median: $91,000/year
% of Income
CCDF Subsidy
CA's income limit: $9,020/month (family of 4). Max infant subsidy: $1,100/month.
Check eligibility →Your income is close to the $9,020/month limit. Eligibility depends on family size and other factors.
Check eligibility →CCDF limit for family of 4: $9,020/month. Federal tax credits still apply — see net cost below.
Tax credit guide →Net Monthly Cost
—
after federal tax credits
Clovis, CA vs National
—
Typical US family pays ~20% of income on infant care at $75K. The HHS "affordable" benchmark is 7%.
See CA income ratio data →IRS 2026 CDCTC rates used for net cost estimate. Subsidy eligibility is estimated — actual qualification depends on family size, work status, and provider availability. Consult a tax advisor for personalized advice.
Clovis, CA average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1710
39% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1520
$18,240/year
Preschool (center)
$1240
$14,880/year
School Age
$1050
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1330
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,330
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Clovis, CA vs. California vs. National Average
How Clovis, CA compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Clovis, CA |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,710/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,520/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,240/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,050/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,330/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,330/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Clovis, CA
Full-time infant center care in Clovis, CA costs $20,520/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Clovis, CA families pay $5,760 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$20,520
Toddler / year
$18,240
Preschool / year
$14,880
School Age / year
$12,600
Your Actual Cost After Tax Benefits
Gross cost isn't what you pay. The federal Child & Dependent Care Credit saves most families $600–$1,200/year. Add an FSA and you cut another $1,250–$1,900. Enter your income below.
Default: Clovis, CA area median (Census 2024 ACS)
Available through many employers. Reduces taxable income and FICA — worth more per dollar than the credit alone.
IRS 2026 DCTC rates. FSA savings include income + FICA (7.65%) tax reduction. Non-refundable credit — reduces tax owed, not a cash refund. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Childcare Subsidies in California
California participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 qualifies at initial application with gross income at or below $9,020/month (about $108,237/year; 85% of SMI). The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
Source: CDSS Child Care Bulletin 25-17: Revised State Median Income Ceilings and Income Ranking Table for FY 2025-26, effective July 1, 2025.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Clovis, CA
How much does daycare cost in Clovis, CA?
Infant center-based daycare in Clovis, CA averages $1710/month in 2026. That's $480 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Clovis, CA compare to the California state average?
Clovis, CA infant daycare runs about $90/month (5%) below the California statewide average of $1800/month. See all daycare costs in California.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Clovis, CA?
Yes. In Clovis, CA: infant care ($1710/month) → toddler care ($1520/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1240/month, 27% drop from infant) → school age ($1050/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs. After kindergarten, families typically switch to after-school program pricing at $50–$600/month — see the California after-school care rates for school-district, YMCA, and private providers.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Clovis, CA?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Clovis, CA averages $3,330/month versus $1710/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
California daycare costs
See the full California statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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