Daycare Cost in Raleigh, NC (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1090/month in Raleigh. 11% below national avg. Toddler care runs $970/month, preschool $830/month.
Raleigh average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1090
11% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$970
$11,640/year
Preschool (center)
$830
$9,960/year
School Age
$680
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$850
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,530
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Raleigh vs. North Carolina vs. National Average
How Raleigh compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,090/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $970/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $830/mo |
| School Age — Center | $680/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $850/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,530/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Raleigh
Full-time infant center care in Raleigh costs $13,080/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Raleigh families pay $1,680 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$13,080
Toddler / year
$11,640
Preschool / year
$9,960
School Age / year
$8,160
Childcare Subsidies in North Carolina
North Carolina participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,400/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $680/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Raleigh
How much does daycare cost in Raleigh?
Infant center-based daycare in Raleigh averages $1090/month in 2026. That's $140 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average?
Raleigh infant daycare runs about $140/month (15%) above the North Carolina statewide average of $950/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in North Carolina.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Raleigh?
Yes. In Raleigh: infant care ($1090/month) → toddler care ($970/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($830/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($680/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Raleigh?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Raleigh averages $2,530/month versus $1090/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
North Carolina daycare costs
See the full North Carolina statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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