How Much Does Daycare Cost in Lakewood, CO, CO?
Infant center-based care averages $1790/month in Lakewood, CO. 46% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1570/month, preschool $1340/month.
Lakewood, CO average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1790
46% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1570
$18,840/year
Preschool (center)
$1340
$16,080/year
School Age
$1120
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1340
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,580
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Lakewood, CO vs. Colorado vs. National Average
How Lakewood, CO compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,790/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,570/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,340/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,120/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,340/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,580/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Lakewood, CO
Full-time infant center care in Lakewood, CO costs $21,480/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Lakewood, CO families pay $6,720 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$21,480
Toddler / year
$18,840
Preschool / year
$16,080
School Age / year
$13,440
Childcare Subsidies in Colorado
Colorado participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $950/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Lakewood, CO
How much does daycare cost in Lakewood, CO?
Infant center-based daycare in Lakewood, CO averages $1790/month in 2026. That's $560 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Lakewood, CO compare to the Colorado state average?
Lakewood, CO infant daycare runs about $190/month (12%) above the Colorado statewide average of $1600/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Colorado.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Lakewood, CO?
Yes. In Lakewood, CO: infant care ($1790/month) → toddler care ($1570/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1340/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1120/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Lakewood, CO?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Lakewood, CO averages $3,580/month versus $1790/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Colorado daycare costs
See the full Colorado statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Colorado state costs →Compare all 100 cities
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Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
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