Daycare Cost in Pittsburgh, PA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1260/month in Pittsburgh. 2% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1110/month, preschool $950/month.
Pittsburgh average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1260
2% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1110
$13,320/year
Preschool (center)
$950
$11,400/year
School Age
$790
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$980
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,730
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Pittsburgh vs. Pennsylvania vs. National Average
How Pittsburgh compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,260/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,110/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $950/mo |
| School Age — Center | $790/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $980/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,730/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Pittsburgh
Full-time infant center care in Pittsburgh costs $15,120/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Pittsburgh families pay $360 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$15,120
Toddler / year
$13,320
Preschool / year
$11,400
School Age / year
$9,480
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 Pittsburgh
How much does daycare cost in Pittsburgh?
Infant center-based daycare in Pittsburgh averages $1260/month in 2026. That's $30 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the Pennsylvania state average?
Pittsburgh infant daycare runs about $60/month (5%) 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 Pittsburgh?
Yes. In Pittsburgh: infant care ($1260/month) → toddler care ($1110/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($950/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($790/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Pittsburgh?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Pittsburgh averages $2,730/month versus $1260/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.
Pennsylvania state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →