Daycare Cost in Minneapolis, MN (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1610/month in Minneapolis. 31% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1410/month, preschool $1210/month.
Minneapolis average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1610
31% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1410
$16,920/year
Preschool (center)
$1210
$14,520/year
School Age
$1010
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1270
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,330
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Minneapolis vs. Minnesota vs. National Average
How Minneapolis compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Minneapolis |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,610/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,410/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,210/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,010/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,270/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,330/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Minneapolis
Full-time infant center care in Minneapolis costs $19,320/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Minneapolis families pay $4,560 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$19,320
Toddler / year
$16,920
Preschool / year
$14,520
School Age / year
$12,120
Childcare Subsidies in Minnesota
Minnesota participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,000/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Minneapolis
How much does daycare cost in Minneapolis?
Infant center-based daycare in Minneapolis averages $1610/month in 2026. That's $380 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Minneapolis compare to the Minnesota state average?
Minneapolis infant daycare runs about $210/month (15%) above the Minnesota statewide average of $1400/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Minnesota.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Minneapolis?
Yes. In Minneapolis: infant care ($1610/month) → toddler care ($1410/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1210/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1010/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Minneapolis?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Minneapolis averages $3,330/month versus $1610/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Minnesota daycare costs
See the full Minnesota statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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