Daycare Cost in Rochester, NY (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1710/month in Rochester. 39% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1510/month, preschool $1290/month.
Rochester average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1710
39% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1510
$18,120/year
Preschool (center)
$1290
$15,480/year
School Age
$1070
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1400
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,330
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Rochester vs. New York vs. National Average
How Rochester compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Rochester |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,710/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,510/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,290/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,070/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,400/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,330/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Rochester
Full-time infant center care in Rochester costs $20,520/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Rochester families pay $5,760 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$20,520
Toddler / year
$18,120
Preschool / year
$15,480
School Age / year
$12,840
Childcare Subsidies in New York
New York participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $8,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,200/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Rochester
How much does daycare cost in Rochester?
Infant center-based daycare in Rochester averages $1710/month in 2026. That's $480 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average?
Rochester infant daycare runs about $190/month (10%) below the New York statewide average of $1900/month. See all daycare costs in New York.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Rochester?
Yes. In Rochester: infant care ($1710/month) → toddler care ($1510/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1290/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1070/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Rochester?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Rochester averages $3,330/month versus $1710/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
New York daycare costs
See the full New York statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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