How Much Does Daycare Cost in Rockford, IL, IL?
Infant center-based care averages $1230/month in Rockford, IL. At national avg. Toddler care runs $1060/month, preschool $920/month.
Rockford, IL average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1230
At national avg
Toddler (center)
$1060
$12,720/year
Preschool (center)
$920
$11,040/year
School Age
$770
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$970
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,460
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Rockford, IL vs. Illinois vs. National Average
How Rockford, IL compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,230/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,060/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $920/mo |
| School Age — Center | $770/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $970/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,460/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Rockford, IL
Full-time infant center care in Rockford, IL costs $14,760/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Rockford, IL families pay $0 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$14,760
Toddler / year
$12,720
Preschool / year
$11,040
School Age / year
$9,240
Childcare Subsidies in Illinois
Illinois 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 Rockford, IL
How much does daycare cost in Rockford, IL?
Infant center-based daycare in Rockford, IL averages $1230/month in 2026. That's right at the national average of $1230/month.
How does Rockford, IL compare to the Illinois state average?
Rockford, IL infant daycare runs about $170/month (12%) below the Illinois statewide average of $1400/month. See all daycare costs in Illinois.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Rockford, IL?
Yes. In Rockford, IL: infant care ($1230/month) → toddler care ($1060/month, 14% drop) → preschool ($920/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($770/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Rockford, IL?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Rockford, IL averages $2,460/month versus $1230/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Illinois daycare costs
See the full Illinois statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Illinois state costs →Compare all 100 cities
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Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
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