Daycare Cost in Denver, CO (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2000/month in Denver. 63% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1750/month, preschool $1500/month.
Denver average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2000
63% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1750
$21,000/year
Preschool (center)
$1500
$18,000/year
School Age
$1250
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1500
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,000
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Denver vs. Colorado vs. National Average
How Denver compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Denver |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,000/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,750/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,500/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,250/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,500/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,000/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Denver
Full-time infant center care in Denver costs $24,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Denver families pay $9,240 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$24,000
Toddler / year
$21,000
Preschool / year
$18,000
School Age / year
$15,000
Childcare Subsidies in Colorado
Colorado participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $950/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Denver
How much does daycare cost in Denver?
Infant center-based daycare in Denver averages $2000/month in 2026. That's $770 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average?
Denver infant daycare runs about $400/month (25%) above the Colorado statewide average of $1600/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Colorado.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Denver?
Yes. In Denver: infant care ($2000/month) → toddler care ($1750/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($1500/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1250/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Denver?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Denver averages $4,000/month versus $2000/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Colorado daycare costs
See the full Colorado statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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