How Much Does Daycare Cost in Meridian, ID, ID?
Infant center-based care averages $950/month in Meridian, ID. 23% below national avg. Toddler care runs $820/month, preschool $690/month.
Meridian, ID average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$950
23% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$820
$9,840/year
Preschool (center)
$690
$8,280/year
School Age
$580
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$710
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,100
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Meridian, ID vs. Idaho vs. National Average
How Meridian, ID compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Meridian, ID |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $950/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $820/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $690/mo |
| School Age — Center | $580/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $710/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,100/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Meridian, ID
Full-time infant center care in Meridian, ID costs $11,400/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Meridian, ID families pay $3,360 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$11,400
Toddler / year
$9,840
Preschool / year
$8,280
School Age / year
$6,960
Childcare Subsidies in Idaho
Idaho participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $650/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Meridian, ID
How much does daycare cost in Meridian, ID?
Infant center-based daycare in Meridian, ID averages $950/month in 2026. That's $280 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Meridian, ID compare to the Idaho state average?
Meridian, ID infant daycare runs about $50/month (6%) above the Idaho statewide average of $900/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Idaho.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Meridian, ID?
Yes. In Meridian, ID: infant care ($950/month) → toddler care ($820/month, 14% drop) → preschool ($690/month, 27% drop from infant) → school age ($580/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Meridian, ID?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Meridian, ID averages $2,100/month versus $950/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Idaho daycare costs
See the full Idaho statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Idaho 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
More Childcare Cost Tools for Idaho
Beyond daycare. What parents in Meridian, ID actually search for.