Daycare Cost in Lexington, KY (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $780/month in Lexington. 37% below national avg. Toddler care runs $690/month, preschool $590/month.
Lexington average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$780
37% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$690
$8,280/year
Preschool (center)
$590
$7,080/year
School Age
$490
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$610
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,960
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Lexington vs. Kentucky vs. National Average
How Lexington compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Lexington |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $780/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $690/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $590/mo |
| School Age — Center | $490/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $610/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,960/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Lexington
Full-time infant center care in Lexington costs $9,360/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Lexington families pay $5,400 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$9,360
Toddler / year
$8,280
Preschool / year
$7,080
School Age / year
$5,880
Childcare Subsidies in Kentucky
Kentucky participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $4,900/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $600/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Lexington
How much does daycare cost in Lexington?
Infant center-based daycare in Lexington averages $780/month in 2026. That's $450 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average?
Lexington infant daycare runs about $20/month (3%) below the Kentucky statewide average of $800/month. See all daycare costs in Kentucky.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Lexington?
Yes. In Lexington: infant care ($780/month) → toddler care ($690/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($590/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($490/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Lexington?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Lexington averages $1,960/month versus $780/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Kentucky daycare costs
See the full Kentucky statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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