Daycare Cost in Houston, TX (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1040/month in Houston. 15% below national avg. Toddler care runs $920/month, preschool $780/month.
Houston average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1040
15% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$920
$11,040/year
Preschool (center)
$780
$9,360/year
School Age
$640
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$800
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,530
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Houston vs. Texas vs. National Average
How Houston compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Houston |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,040/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $920/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $780/mo |
| School Age — Center | $640/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $800/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,530/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Houston
Full-time infant center care in Houston costs $12,480/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Houston families pay $2,280 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,480
Toddler / year
$11,040
Preschool / year
$9,360
School Age / year
$7,680
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 Houston
How much does daycare cost in Houston?
Infant center-based daycare in Houston averages $1040/month in 2026. That's $190 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average?
Houston infant daycare runs about $140/month (16%) 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 Houston?
Yes. In Houston: infant care ($1040/month) → toddler care ($920/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($780/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($640/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Houston?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Houston averages $2,530/month versus $1040/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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