How Much Does Daycare Cost in Columbia, SC, SC?
Infant center-based care averages $870/month in Columbia, SC. 29% below national avg. Toddler care runs $765/month, preschool $655/month.
Columbia, SC average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$870
29% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$765
$9,180/year
Preschool (center)
$655
$7,860/year
School Age
$550
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$690
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,950
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Columbia, SC vs. South Carolina vs. National Average
How Columbia, SC compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $870/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $765/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $655/mo |
| School Age — Center | $550/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $690/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,950/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Columbia, SC
Full-time infant center care in Columbia, SC costs $10,440/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Columbia, SC families pay $4,320 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$10,440
Toddler / year
$9,180
Preschool / year
$7,860
School Age / year
$6,600
Childcare Subsidies in South Carolina
South Carolina participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,000/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $620/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Columbia, SC
How much does daycare cost in Columbia, SC?
Infant center-based daycare in Columbia, SC averages $870/month in 2026. That's $360 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Columbia, SC compare to the South Carolina state average?
Columbia, SC infant daycare runs about $20/month (2%) above the South Carolina statewide average of $850/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in South Carolina.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Columbia, SC?
Yes. In Columbia, SC: infant care ($870/month) → toddler care ($765/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($655/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($550/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Columbia, SC?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Columbia, SC averages $1,950/month versus $870/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
South Carolina daycare costs
See the full South Carolina statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
South Carolina 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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