Daycare Cost in Portland, OR (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1880/month in Portland. 53% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1650/month, preschool $1400/month.
Portland average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1880
53% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1650
$19,800/year
Preschool (center)
$1400
$16,800/year
School Age
$1180
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1500
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,630
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Portland vs. Oregon vs. National Average
How Portland compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Portland |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,880/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,650/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,400/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,180/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,500/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,630/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Portland
Full-time infant center care in Portland costs $22,560/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Portland families pay $7,800 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$22,560
Toddler / year
$19,800
Preschool / year
$16,800
School Age / year
$14,160
Childcare Subsidies in Oregon
Oregon participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $6,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $950/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Portland
How much does daycare cost in Portland?
Infant center-based daycare in Portland averages $1880/month in 2026. That's $650 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average?
Portland infant daycare runs about $380/month (25%) above the Oregon statewide average of $1500/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Oregon.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Portland?
Yes. In Portland: infant care ($1880/month) → toddler care ($1650/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1400/month, 26% drop from infant) → school age ($1180/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Portland?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Portland averages $3,630/month versus $1880/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Oregon daycare costs
See the full Oregon statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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