Daycare Cost in Memphis, TN (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $780/month in Memphis. 37% below national avg. Toddler care runs $690/month, preschool $590/month.
Memphis 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
$1,930
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Memphis vs. Tennessee vs. National Average
How Memphis compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Memphis |
|---|---|
| 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) | $1,930/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Memphis
Full-time infant center care in Memphis costs $9,360/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Memphis 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 Tennessee
Tennessee participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,100/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $630/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Memphis
How much does daycare cost in Memphis?
Infant center-based daycare in Memphis averages $780/month in 2026. That's $450 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average?
Memphis infant daycare runs about $70/month (8%) below the Tennessee statewide average of $850/month. See all daycare costs in Tennessee.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Memphis?
Yes. In Memphis: 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 Memphis?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Memphis averages $1,930/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.
Tennessee daycare costs
See the full Tennessee statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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