Daycare Cost in Columbus, OH (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1050/month in Columbus. 15% below national avg. Toddler care runs $920/month, preschool $790/month.
Columbus average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1050
15% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$920
$11,040/year
Preschool (center)
$790
$9,480/year
School Age
$660
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$810
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,420
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Columbus vs. Ohio vs. National Average
How Columbus compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Columbus |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,050/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $920/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $790/mo |
| School Age — Center | $660/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $810/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,420/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Columbus
Full-time infant center care in Columbus costs $12,600/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Columbus families pay $2,160 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,600
Toddler / year
$11,040
Preschool / year
$9,480
School Age / year
$7,920
Childcare Subsidies in Ohio
Ohio participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,600/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $700/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Columbus
How much does daycare cost in Columbus?
Infant center-based daycare in Columbus averages $1050/month in 2026. That's $180 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average?
Columbus infant daycare runs about $50/month (5%) above the Ohio statewide average of $1000/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Ohio.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Columbus?
Yes. In Columbus: infant care ($1050/month) → toddler care ($920/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($790/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($660/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Columbus?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Columbus averages $2,420/month versus $1050/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
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