How Much Does Daycare Cost in Lafayette, LA, LA?
Infant center-based care averages $630/month in Lafayette, LA. 49% below national avg. Toddler care runs $560/month, preschool $480/month.
Lafayette, LA average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$630
49% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$560
$6,720/year
Preschool (center)
$480
$5,760/year
School Age
$400
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$490
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,710
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Lafayette, LA vs. Louisiana vs. National Average
How Lafayette, LA compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $630/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $560/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $480/mo |
| School Age — Center | $400/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $490/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,710/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Lafayette, LA
Full-time infant center care in Lafayette, LA costs $7,560/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Lafayette, LA families pay $7,200 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$7,560
Toddler / year
$6,720
Preschool / year
$5,760
School Age / year
$4,800
Childcare Subsidies in Louisiana
Louisiana participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $4,700/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $550/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Lafayette, LA
How much does daycare cost in Lafayette, LA?
Infant center-based daycare in Lafayette, LA averages $630/month in 2026. That's $600 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Lafayette, LA compare to the Louisiana state average?
Lafayette, LA infant daycare runs about $70/month (10%) below the Louisiana statewide average of $700/month. See all daycare costs in Louisiana.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Lafayette, LA?
Yes. In Lafayette, LA: infant care ($630/month) → toddler care ($560/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($480/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($400/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Lafayette, LA?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Lafayette, LA averages $1,710/month versus $630/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Louisiana daycare costs
See the full Louisiana statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Louisiana 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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