Daycare Cost in Nashville, TN (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $980/month in Nashville. 20% below national avg. Toddler care runs $860/month, preschool $740/month.
Nashville average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$980
20% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$860
$10,320/year
Preschool (center)
$740
$8,880/year
School Age
$610
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$760
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,420
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Nashville vs. Tennessee vs. National Average
How Nashville compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Nashville |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $980/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $860/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $740/mo |
| School Age — Center | $610/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $760/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,420/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Nashville
Full-time infant center care in Nashville costs $11,760/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Nashville families pay $3,000 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$11,760
Toddler / year
$10,320
Preschool / year
$8,880
School Age / year
$7,320
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 Nashville
How much does daycare cost in Nashville?
Infant center-based daycare in Nashville averages $980/month in 2026. That's $250 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average?
Nashville infant daycare runs about $130/month (15%) above the Tennessee statewide average of $850/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Tennessee.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Nashville?
Yes. In Nashville: infant care ($980/month) → toddler care ($860/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($740/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($610/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Nashville?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Nashville averages $2,420/month versus $980/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.
Tennessee state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →