Daycare Cost in Jersey City, NJ (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2210/month in Jersey City. 80% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1950/month, preschool $1650/month.
Jersey City average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2210
80% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1950
$23,400/year
Preschool (center)
$1650
$19,800/year
School Age
$1380
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1760
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,420
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Jersey City vs. New Jersey vs. National Average
How Jersey City compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Jersey City |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,210/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,950/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,650/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,380/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,760/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,420/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Jersey City
Full-time infant center care in Jersey City costs $26,520/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Jersey City families pay $11,760 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$26,520
Toddler / year
$23,400
Preschool / year
$19,800
School Age / year
$16,560
Childcare Subsidies in New Jersey
New Jersey participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $8,500/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,200/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Jersey City
How much does daycare cost in Jersey City?
Infant center-based daycare in Jersey City averages $2210/month in 2026. That's $980 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average?
Jersey City infant daycare runs about $510/month (30%) above the New Jersey statewide average of $1700/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in New Jersey.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Jersey City?
Yes. In Jersey City: infant care ($2210/month) → toddler care ($1950/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1650/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1380/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Jersey City?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Jersey City averages $4,420/month versus $2210/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
New Jersey daycare costs
See the full New Jersey statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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