Daycare Cost in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1000/month in Des Moines. 19% below national avg. Toddler care runs $880/month, preschool $750/month.
Des Moines average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1000
19% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$880
$10,560/year
Preschool (center)
$750
$9,000/year
School Age
$630
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$770
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,100
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Des Moines vs. Iowa vs. National Average
How Des Moines compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,000/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $880/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $750/mo |
| School Age — Center | $630/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $770/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,100/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Des Moines
Full-time infant center care in Des Moines costs $12,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Des Moines families pay $2,760 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,000
Toddler / year
$10,560
Preschool / year
$9,000
School Age / year
$7,560
Childcare Subsidies in Iowa
Iowa participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $750/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Des Moines
How much does daycare cost in Des Moines?
Infant center-based daycare in Des Moines averages $1000/month in 2026. That's $230 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average?
Des Moines is right at the Iowa statewide average for infant daycare. See all daycare costs in Iowa.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Des Moines?
Yes. In Des Moines: infant care ($1000/month) → toddler care ($880/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($750/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($630/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Des Moines?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Des Moines averages $2,100/month versus $1000/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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