How Much Does Daycare Cost in Independence, MO, MO?
Infant center-based care averages $830/month in Independence, MO. 33% below national avg. Toddler care runs $740/month, preschool $630/month.
Independence, MO average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$830
33% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$740
$8,880/year
Preschool (center)
$630
$7,560/year
School Age
$520
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$640
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,020
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Independence, MO vs. Missouri vs. National Average
How Independence, MO compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Independence, MO |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $830/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $740/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $630/mo |
| School Age — Center | $520/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $640/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,020/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Independence, MO
Full-time infant center care in Independence, MO costs $9,960/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Independence, MO families pay $4,800 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$9,960
Toddler / year
$8,880
Preschool / year
$7,560
School Age / year
$6,240
Childcare Subsidies in Missouri
Missouri participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,300/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $650/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Independence, MO
How much does daycare cost in Independence, MO?
Infant center-based daycare in Independence, MO averages $830/month in 2026. That's $400 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Independence, MO compare to the Missouri state average?
Independence, MO infant daycare runs about $70/month (8%) below the Missouri statewide average of $900/month. See all daycare costs in Missouri.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Independence, MO?
Yes. In Independence, MO: infant care ($830/month) → toddler care ($740/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($630/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($520/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Independence, MO?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Independence, MO averages $2,020/month versus $830/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Missouri daycare costs
See the full Missouri statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Missouri 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
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