How Much Does Daycare Cost in Providence, RI, RI?
Infant center-based care averages $1450/month in Providence, RI. 18% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1275/month, preschool $1090/month.
Providence, RI average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1450
18% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1275
$15,300/year
Preschool (center)
$1090
$13,080/year
School Age
$915
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1150
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,150
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Providence, RI vs. Rhode Island vs. National Average
How Providence, RI compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Providence, RI |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,450/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,275/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,090/mo |
| School Age — Center | $915/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,150/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,150/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Providence, RI
Full-time infant center care in Providence, RI costs $17,400/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Providence, RI families pay $2,640 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$17,400
Toddler / year
$15,300
Preschool / year
$13,080
School Age / year
$10,980
Childcare Subsidies in Rhode Island
Rhode Island participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,800/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Providence, RI
How much does daycare cost in Providence, RI?
Infant center-based daycare in Providence, RI averages $1450/month in 2026. That's $220 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Providence, RI compare to the Rhode Island state average?
Providence, RI infant daycare runs about $250/month (15%) below the Rhode Island statewide average of $1700/month. See all daycare costs in Rhode Island.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Providence, RI?
Yes. In Providence, RI: infant care ($1450/month) → toddler care ($1275/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1090/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($915/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Providence, RI?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Providence, RI averages $3,150/month versus $1450/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Rhode Island daycare costs
See the full Rhode Island statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Rhode Island state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
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