How Much Does Daycare Cost in Salem, OR, OR?
Infant center-based care averages $1580/month in Salem, OR. 28% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1390/month, preschool $1180/month.
Salem, OR average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1580
28% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1390
$16,680/year
Preschool (center)
$1180
$14,160/year
School Age
$990
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1260
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,050
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Salem, OR vs. Oregon vs. National Average
How Salem, OR compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Salem, OR |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,580/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,390/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,180/mo |
| School Age — Center | $990/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,260/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,050/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Salem, OR
Full-time infant center care in Salem, OR costs $18,960/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Salem, OR families pay $4,200 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$18,960
Toddler / year
$16,680
Preschool / year
$14,160
School Age / year
$11,880
Childcare Subsidies in Oregon
Oregon 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 Salem, OR
How much does daycare cost in Salem, OR?
Infant center-based daycare in Salem, OR averages $1580/month in 2026. That's $350 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Salem, OR compare to the Oregon state average?
Salem, OR infant daycare runs about $80/month (5%) above the Oregon statewide average of $1500/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Oregon.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Salem, OR?
Yes. In Salem, OR: infant care ($1580/month) → toddler care ($1390/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1180/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($990/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Salem, OR?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Salem, OR averages $3,050/month versus $1580/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Oregon daycare costs
See the full Oregon statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Oregon state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
More Childcare Cost Tools for Oregon
Beyond daycare. What parents in Salem, OR actually search for.