Daycare Cost in Riverside, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1980/month in Riverside. 61% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1760/month, preschool $1430/month.
Riverside average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1980
61% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1760
$21,120/year
Preschool (center)
$1430
$17,160/year
School Age
$1210
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1540
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,850
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Riverside vs. California vs. National Average
How Riverside compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Riverside |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,980/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,760/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,430/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,210/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,540/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,850/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Riverside
Full-time infant center care in Riverside costs $23,760/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Riverside families pay $9,000 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$23,760
Toddler / year
$21,120
Preschool / year
$17,160
School Age / year
$14,520
Childcare Subsidies in California
California 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 Riverside
How much does daycare cost in Riverside?
Infant center-based daycare in Riverside averages $1980/month in 2026. That's $750 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Riverside compare to the California state average?
Riverside infant daycare runs about $180/month (10%) above the California statewide average of $1800/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in California.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Riverside?
Yes. In Riverside: infant care ($1980/month) → toddler care ($1760/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1430/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1210/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Riverside?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Riverside averages $3,850/month versus $1980/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
California daycare costs
See the full California statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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