Daycare Cost in Newark, NJ (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2040/month in Newark. 66% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1800/month, preschool $1520/month.
Newark average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2040
66% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1800
$21,600/year
Preschool (center)
$1520
$18,240/year
School Age
$1270
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1620
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,080
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Newark vs. New Jersey vs. National Average
How Newark compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Newark |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,040/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,800/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,520/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,270/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,620/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,080/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Newark
Full-time infant center care in Newark costs $24,480/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Newark families pay $9,720 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$24,480
Toddler / year
$21,600
Preschool / year
$18,240
School Age / year
$15,240
Childcare Subsidies in New Jersey
New Jersey participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $8,500/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,200/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Newark
How much does daycare cost in Newark?
Infant center-based daycare in Newark averages $2040/month in 2026. That's $810 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Newark compare to the New Jersey state average?
Newark infant daycare runs about $340/month (20%) above the New Jersey statewide average of $1700/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in New Jersey.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Newark?
Yes. In Newark: infant care ($2040/month) → toddler care ($1800/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1520/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1270/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Newark?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Newark averages $4,080/month versus $2040/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
New Jersey daycare costs
See the full New Jersey statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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