How Much Does Daycare Cost in Fort Lauderdale, FL, FL?
Infant center-based care averages $1100/month in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 11% below national avg. Toddler care runs $970/month, preschool $825/month.
Fort Lauderdale, FL average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1100
11% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$970
$11,640/year
Preschool (center)
$825
$9,900/year
School Age
$695
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$870
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,450
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Fort Lauderdale, FL vs. Florida vs. National Average
How Fort Lauderdale, FL compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,100/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $970/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $825/mo |
| School Age — Center | $695/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $870/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,450/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Full-time infant center care in Fort Lauderdale, FL costs $13,200/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Fort Lauderdale, FL families pay $1,560 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$13,200
Toddler / year
$11,640
Preschool / year
$9,900
School Age / year
$8,340
Childcare Subsidies in Florida
Florida participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,500/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $700/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Fort Lauderdale, FL
How much does daycare cost in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Infant center-based daycare in Fort Lauderdale, FL averages $1100/month in 2026. That's $130 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Fort Lauderdale, FL compare to the Florida state average?
Fort Lauderdale, FL infant daycare runs about $100/month (10%) above the Florida 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 Florida.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Yes. In Fort Lauderdale, FL: infant care ($1100/month) → toddler care ($970/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($825/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($695/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Fort Lauderdale, FL averages $2,450/month versus $1100/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Florida daycare costs
See the full Florida statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Florida state costs →Compare all 100 cities
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Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
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