Daycare Cost in Fort Wayne, IN (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $950/month in Fort Wayne. 23% below national avg. Toddler care runs $830/month, preschool $710/month.
Fort Wayne average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$950
23% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$830
$9,960/year
Preschool (center)
$710
$8,520/year
School Age
$590
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$730
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,090
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Fort Wayne vs. Indiana vs. National Average
How Fort Wayne compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $950/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $830/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $710/mo |
| School Age — Center | $590/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $730/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,090/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Fort Wayne
Full-time infant center care in Fort Wayne costs $11,400/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Fort Wayne families pay $3,360 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$11,400
Toddler / year
$9,960
Preschool / year
$8,520
School Age / year
$7,080
Childcare Subsidies in Indiana
Indiana 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 Wayne
How much does daycare cost in Fort Wayne?
Infant center-based daycare in Fort Wayne averages $950/month in 2026. That's $280 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Fort Wayne compare to the Indiana state average?
Fort Wayne infant daycare runs about $50/month (5%) below the Indiana statewide average of $1000/month. See all daycare costs in Indiana.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Fort Wayne?
Yes. In Fort Wayne: infant care ($950/month) → toddler care ($830/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($710/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($590/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Fort Wayne?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Fort Wayne averages $2,090/month versus $950/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Indiana daycare costs
See the full Indiana statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Indiana state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →