How Much Does Daycare Cost in Elgin, IL, IL?
Infant center-based care averages $1370/month in Elgin, IL. 11% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1180/month, preschool $1030/month.
Elgin, IL average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1370
11% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1180
$14,160/year
Preschool (center)
$1030
$12,360/year
School Age
$850
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1080
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,740
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Elgin, IL vs. Illinois vs. National Average
How Elgin, IL compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,370/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,180/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,030/mo |
| School Age — Center | $850/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,080/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,740/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Elgin, IL
Full-time infant center care in Elgin, IL costs $16,440/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Elgin, IL families pay $1,680 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$16,440
Toddler / year
$14,160
Preschool / year
$12,360
School Age / year
$10,200
Childcare Subsidies in Illinois
Illinois participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $6,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $950/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Elgin, IL
How much does daycare cost in Elgin, IL?
Infant center-based daycare in Elgin, IL averages $1370/month in 2026. That's $140 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Elgin, IL compare to the Illinois state average?
Elgin, IL infant daycare runs about $30/month (2%) below the Illinois statewide average of $1400/month. See all daycare costs in Illinois.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Elgin, IL?
Yes. In Elgin, IL: infant care ($1370/month) → toddler care ($1180/month, 14% drop) → preschool ($1030/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($850/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Elgin, IL?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Elgin, IL averages $2,740/month versus $1370/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Illinois daycare costs
See the full Illinois statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Illinois state costs →Compare all 100 cities
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Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
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