Daycare Cost in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $970/month in Fort Worth. 21% below national avg. Toddler care runs $860/month, preschool $730/month.
Fort Worth average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$970
21% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$860
$10,320/year
Preschool (center)
$730
$8,760/year
School Age
$600
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$760
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,380
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Fort Worth vs. Texas vs. National Average
How Fort Worth compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Fort Worth |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $970/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $860/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $730/mo |
| School Age — Center | $600/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $760/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,380/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Fort Worth
Full-time infant center care in Fort Worth costs $11,640/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Fort Worth families pay $3,120 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$11,640
Toddler / year
$10,320
Preschool / year
$8,760
School Age / year
$7,200
Childcare Subsidies in Texas
Texas participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,400/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $680/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Fort Worth
How much does daycare cost in Fort Worth?
Infant center-based daycare in Fort Worth averages $970/month in 2026. That's $260 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Fort Worth compare to the Texas state average?
Fort Worth infant daycare runs about $70/month (8%) above the Texas statewide average of $900/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Texas.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Fort Worth?
Yes. In Fort Worth: infant care ($970/month) → toddler care ($860/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($730/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($600/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Fort Worth?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Fort Worth averages $2,380/month versus $970/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Texas daycare costs
See the full Texas statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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