Daycare Cost in Sacramento, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2070/month in Sacramento. 68% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1840/month, preschool $1490/month.
Sacramento average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2070
68% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1840
$22,080/year
Preschool (center)
$1490
$17,880/year
School Age
$1270
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1610
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,020
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Sacramento vs. California vs. National Average
How Sacramento compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Sacramento |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,070/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,840/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,490/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,270/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,610/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,020/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Sacramento
Full-time infant center care in Sacramento costs $24,840/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Sacramento families pay $10,080 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$24,840
Toddler / year
$22,080
Preschool / year
$17,880
School Age / year
$15,240
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 Sacramento
How much does daycare cost in Sacramento?
Infant center-based daycare in Sacramento averages $2070/month in 2026. That's $840 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average?
Sacramento infant daycare runs about $270/month (15%) 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 Sacramento?
Yes. In Sacramento: infant care ($2070/month) → toddler care ($1840/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1490/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1270/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Sacramento?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Sacramento averages $4,020/month versus $2070/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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