How Much Does Daycare Cost in Dayton, OH, OH?
Infant center-based care averages $880/month in Dayton, OH. 28% below national avg. Toddler care runs $770/month, preschool $660/month.
Dayton, OH average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$880
28% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$770
$9,240/year
Preschool (center)
$660
$7,920/year
School Age
$550
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$680
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,020
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Dayton, OH vs. Ohio vs. National Average
How Dayton, OH compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $880/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $770/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $660/mo |
| School Age — Center | $550/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $680/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,020/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Dayton, OH
Full-time infant center care in Dayton, OH costs $10,560/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Dayton, OH families pay $4,200 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$10,560
Toddler / year
$9,240
Preschool / year
$7,920
School Age / year
$6,600
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 Dayton, OH
How much does daycare cost in Dayton, OH?
Infant center-based daycare in Dayton, OH averages $880/month in 2026. That's $350 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Dayton, OH compare to the Ohio state average?
Dayton, OH infant daycare runs about $120/month (12%) below the Ohio statewide average of $1000/month. See all daycare costs in Ohio.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Dayton, OH?
Yes. In Dayton, OH: infant care ($880/month) → toddler care ($770/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($660/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($550/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Dayton, OH?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Dayton, OH averages $2,020/month versus $880/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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