Daycare Cost in New York, NY (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2760/month in New York. 124% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2440/month, preschool $2070/month.
New York average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2760
124% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2440
$29,280/year
Preschool (center)
$2070
$24,840/year
School Age
$1730
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$2250
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$5,370
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
New York vs. New York vs. National Average
How New York compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | New York |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,760/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,440/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $2,070/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,730/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $2,250/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $5,370/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in New York
Full-time infant center care in New York costs $33,120/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — New York families pay $18,360 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$33,120
Toddler / year
$29,280
Preschool / year
$24,840
School Age / year
$20,760
Childcare Subsidies in New York
New York participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $8,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,200/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in New York
How much does daycare cost in New York?
Infant center-based daycare in New York averages $2760/month in 2026. That's $1530 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does New York compare to the New York state average?
New York infant daycare runs about $860/month (45%) above the New York statewide average of $1900/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in New York.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in New York?
Yes. In New York: infant care ($2760/month) → toddler care ($2440/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($2070/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1730/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in New York?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in New York averages $5,370/month versus $2760/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
New York daycare costs
See the full New York statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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