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Daycare Cost Calculator 2026 — Can I Afford Childcare?
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How Much Does Daycare Cost in Paterson, NJ, NJ?

Infant center-based care averages $1870/month in Paterson, NJ. 52% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1650/month, preschool $1400/month.

Paterson, NJ average monthly daycare costs

Infant (center)

$1870

52% above national avg

Toddler (center)

$1650

$19,800/year

Preschool (center)

$1400

$16,800/year

School Age

$1170

Before/after school care

Home-Based

$1490

Family home, infant rate

Nanny

$3,740

Full-time, metro avg

Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.

Paterson, NJ vs. New Jersey vs. National Average

How Paterson, NJ compares to the state and national averages for each age group.

Age / Care Type Paterson, NJ
Infant — Center-Based $1,870/mo
Toddler — Center-Based $1,650/mo
Preschool — Center $1,400/mo
School Age — Center $1,170/mo
Infant — Home-Based $1,490/mo
Nanny (Full-Time) $3,740/mo

Annual Daycare Cost in Paterson, NJ

Full-time infant center care in Paterson, NJ costs $22,440/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Paterson, NJ families pay $7,680 more per year for infant care.

Infant / year

$22,440

Toddler / year

$19,800

Preschool / year

$16,800

School Age / year

$14,040

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 Paterson, NJ

How much does daycare cost in Paterson, NJ?

Infant center-based daycare in Paterson, NJ averages $1870/month in 2026. That's $640 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.

How does Paterson, NJ compare to the New Jersey state average?

Paterson, NJ infant daycare runs about $170/month (10%) 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 Paterson, NJ?

Yes. In Paterson, NJ: infant care ($1870/month) → toddler care ($1650/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1400/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1170/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.

Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Paterson, NJ?

For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Paterson, NJ averages $3,740/month versus $1870/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.

New Jersey state costs →

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