How Much Does Daycare Cost in Little Rock, AR, AR?
Infant center-based care averages $780/month in Little Rock, AR. 37% below national avg. Toddler care runs $685/month, preschool $585/month.
Little Rock, AR average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$780
37% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$685
$8,220/year
Preschool (center)
$585
$7,020/year
School Age
$495
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$620
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,750
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Little Rock, AR vs. Arkansas vs. National Average
How Little Rock, AR compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $780/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $685/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $585/mo |
| School Age — Center | $495/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $620/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,750/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Little Rock, AR
Full-time infant center care in Little Rock, AR costs $9,360/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Little Rock, AR families pay $5,400 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$9,360
Toddler / year
$8,220
Preschool / year
$7,020
School Age / year
$5,940
Childcare Subsidies in Arkansas
Arkansas participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $4,500/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $450/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Little Rock, AR
How much does daycare cost in Little Rock, AR?
Infant center-based daycare in Little Rock, AR averages $780/month in 2026. That's $450 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Little Rock, AR compare to the Arkansas state average?
Little Rock, AR infant daycare runs about $100/month (15%) above the Arkansas statewide average of $680/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Arkansas.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Little Rock, AR?
Yes. In Little Rock, AR: infant care ($780/month) → toddler care ($685/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($585/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($495/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Little Rock, AR?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Little Rock, AR averages $1,750/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.
Arkansas daycare costs
See the full Arkansas statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Arkansas 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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