How Much Does Daycare Cost in Huntington Beach, CA, CA?
Infant center-based care averages $2340/month in Huntington Beach, CA. 90% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2080/month, preschool $1690/month.
Huntington Beach, CA average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2340
90% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2080
$24,960/year
Preschool (center)
$1690
$20,280/year
School Age
$1430
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1820
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,550
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Huntington Beach, CA vs. California vs. National Average
How Huntington Beach, CA compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Huntington Beach, CA |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,340/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,080/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,690/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,430/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,820/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,550/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Huntington Beach, CA
Full-time infant center care in Huntington Beach, CA costs $28,080/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Huntington Beach, CA families pay $13,320 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$28,080
Toddler / year
$24,960
Preschool / year
$20,280
School Age / year
$17,160
Childcare Subsidies in California
California participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Huntington Beach, CA
How much does daycare cost in Huntington Beach, CA?
Infant center-based daycare in Huntington Beach, CA averages $2340/month in 2026. That's $1110 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Huntington Beach, CA compare to the California state average?
Huntington Beach, CA infant daycare runs about $540/month (30%) above the California statewide average of $1800/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in California.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Huntington Beach, CA?
Yes. In Huntington Beach, CA: infant care ($2340/month) → toddler care ($2080/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1690/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1430/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Huntington Beach, CA?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Huntington Beach, CA averages $4,550/month versus $2340/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
California daycare costs
See the full California statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
California state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
More Childcare Cost Tools for California
Beyond daycare. What parents in Huntington Beach, CA actually search for.