Daycare Cost in New Orleans, LA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $740/month in New Orleans. 40% below national avg. Toddler care runs $650/month, preschool $560/month.
New Orleans average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$740
40% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$650
$7,800/year
Preschool (center)
$560
$6,720/year
School Age
$460
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$570
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,000
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
New Orleans vs. Louisiana vs. National Average
How New Orleans compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | New Orleans |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $740/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $650/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $560/mo |
| School Age — Center | $460/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $570/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,000/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in New Orleans
Full-time infant center care in New Orleans costs $8,880/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — New Orleans families pay $5,880 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$8,880
Toddler / year
$7,800
Preschool / year
$6,720
School Age / year
$5,520
Childcare Subsidies in Louisiana
Louisiana participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $4,700/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $550/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in New Orleans
How much does daycare cost in New Orleans?
Infant center-based daycare in New Orleans averages $740/month in 2026. That's $490 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average?
New Orleans infant daycare runs about $40/month (6%) above the Louisiana statewide average of $700/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Louisiana.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in New Orleans?
Yes. In New Orleans: infant care ($740/month) → toddler care ($650/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($560/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($460/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in New Orleans?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in New Orleans averages $2,000/month versus $740/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Louisiana daycare costs
See the full Louisiana statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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