Daycare Cost in Phoenix, AZ (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1050/month in Phoenix. 15% below national avg. Toddler care runs $920/month, preschool $790/month.
Phoenix average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1050
15% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$920
$11,040/year
Preschool (center)
$790
$9,480/year
School Age
$650
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$790
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,520
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Phoenix vs. Arizona vs. National Average
How Phoenix compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Phoenix |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,050/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $920/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $790/mo |
| School Age — Center | $650/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $790/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,520/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Phoenix
Full-time infant center care in Phoenix costs $12,600/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Phoenix families pay $2,160 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,600
Toddler / year
$11,040
Preschool / year
$9,480
School Age / year
$7,800
Childcare Subsidies in Arizona
Arizona participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,600/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $700/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Phoenix
How much does daycare cost in Phoenix?
Infant center-based daycare in Phoenix averages $1050/month in 2026. That's $180 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Phoenix compare to the Arizona state average?
Phoenix infant daycare runs about $50/month (5%) above the Arizona statewide average of $1000/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Arizona.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Phoenix?
Yes. In Phoenix: infant care ($1050/month) → toddler care ($920/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($790/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($650/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Phoenix?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Phoenix averages $2,520/month versus $1050/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Arizona daycare costs
See the full Arizona statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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