Daycare Cost in Modesto, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1800/month in Modesto. 46% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1600/month, preschool $1300/month.
Modesto average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1800
46% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1600
$19,200/year
Preschool (center)
$1300
$15,600/year
School Age
$1100
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1400
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,500
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Modesto vs. California vs. National Average
How Modesto compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Modesto |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,800/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,600/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,300/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,100/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,400/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,500/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Modesto
Full-time infant center care in Modesto costs $21,600/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Modesto families pay $6,840 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$21,600
Toddler / year
$19,200
Preschool / year
$15,600
School Age / year
$13,200
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 Modesto
How much does daycare cost in Modesto?
Infant center-based daycare in Modesto averages $1800/month in 2026. That's $570 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Modesto compare to the California state average?
Modesto is right at the California statewide average for infant daycare. See all daycare costs in California.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Modesto?
Yes. In Modesto: infant care ($1800/month) → toddler care ($1600/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1300/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1100/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Modesto?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Modesto averages $3,500/month versus $1800/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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