Daycare Cost in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1320/month in Philadelphia. 7% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1170/month, preschool $990/month.
Philadelphia average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1320
7% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1170
$14,040/year
Preschool (center)
$990
$11,880/year
School Age
$830
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1020
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,860
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Philadelphia vs. Pennsylvania vs. National Average
How Philadelphia compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,320/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,170/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $990/mo |
| School Age — Center | $830/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,020/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,860/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Philadelphia
Full-time infant center care in Philadelphia costs $15,840/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Philadelphia families pay $1,080 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$15,840
Toddler / year
$14,040
Preschool / year
$11,880
School Age / year
$9,960
Childcare Subsidies in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $6,500/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $850/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Philadelphia
How much does daycare cost in Philadelphia?
Infant center-based daycare in Philadelphia averages $1320/month in 2026. That's $90 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average?
Philadelphia infant daycare runs about $120/month (10%) above the Pennsylvania statewide average of $1200/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Pennsylvania.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Philadelphia?
Yes. In Philadelphia: infant care ($1320/month) → toddler care ($1170/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($990/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($830/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Philadelphia?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Philadelphia averages $2,860/month versus $1320/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Pennsylvania daycare costs
See the full Pennsylvania statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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