Daycare Cost in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1000/month in Indianapolis. 19% below national avg. Toddler care runs $870/month, preschool $750/month.
Indianapolis average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1000
19% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$870
$10,440/year
Preschool (center)
$750
$9,000/year
School Age
$620
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$770
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,200
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Indianapolis vs. Indiana vs. National Average
How Indianapolis compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Indianapolis |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,000/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $870/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $750/mo |
| School Age — Center | $620/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $770/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,200/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Indianapolis
Full-time infant center care in Indianapolis costs $12,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Indianapolis families pay $2,760 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,000
Toddler / year
$10,440
Preschool / year
$9,000
School Age / year
$7,440
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 Indianapolis
How much does daycare cost in Indianapolis?
Infant center-based daycare in Indianapolis averages $1000/month in 2026. That's $230 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average?
Indianapolis is right at the Indiana statewide average for infant daycare. See all daycare costs in Indiana.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Indianapolis?
Yes. In Indianapolis: infant care ($1000/month) → toddler care ($870/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($750/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($620/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Indianapolis?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Indianapolis averages $2,200/month versus $1000/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 →