Daycare Cost in Irvine, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2480/month in Irvine. 102% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2210/month, preschool $1790/month.
Irvine average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2480
102% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2210
$26,520/year
Preschool (center)
$1790
$21,480/year
School Age
$1520
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1930
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,830
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Irvine vs. California vs. National Average
How Irvine compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Irvine |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,480/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,210/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,790/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,520/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,930/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,830/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Irvine
Full-time infant center care in Irvine costs $29,760/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Irvine families pay $15,000 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$29,760
Toddler / year
$26,520
Preschool / year
$21,480
School Age / year
$18,240
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 Irvine
How much does daycare cost in Irvine?
Infant center-based daycare in Irvine averages $2480/month in 2026. That's $1250 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Irvine compare to the California state average?
Irvine infant daycare runs about $680/month (38%) 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 Irvine?
Yes. In Irvine: infant care ($2480/month) → toddler care ($2210/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1790/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1520/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Irvine?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Irvine averages $4,830/month versus $2480/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.
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