Daycare Cost in Long Beach, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2300/month in Long Beach. 87% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2050/month, preschool $1660/month.
Long Beach average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2300
87% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2050
$24,600/year
Preschool (center)
$1660
$19,920/year
School Age
$1410
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1790
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,480
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Long Beach vs. California vs. National Average
How Long Beach compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Long Beach |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,300/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,050/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,660/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,410/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,790/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,480/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Long Beach
Full-time infant center care in Long Beach costs $27,600/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Long Beach families pay $12,840 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$27,600
Toddler / year
$24,600
Preschool / year
$19,920
School Age / year
$16,920
Childcare Subsidies in California
California participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Long Beach
How much does daycare cost in Long Beach?
Infant center-based daycare in Long Beach averages $2300/month in 2026. That's $1070 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Long Beach compare to the California state average?
Long Beach infant daycare runs about $500/month (28%) above the California statewide average of $1800/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in California.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Long Beach?
Yes. In Long Beach: infant care ($2300/month) → toddler care ($2050/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1660/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1410/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Long Beach?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Long Beach averages $4,480/month versus $2300/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
California daycare costs
See the full California statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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