Average Daycare Cost in Salt Lake City, UT 2026
In 2026, full-time daycare in Salt Lake City, UT costs $647–$1,090 per month, depending on the child's age and care type. Center-based infant care averages $1,090/month, toddler care runs $960/month, and preschool care runs $820/month. Family home-based providers in Salt Lake City, UT typically charge $860/month for infants — about 21% less than center care.
Based on ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey data for Utah licensed providers, with 2026 metro cost-of-living adjustments. 11% below national avg.
Salt Lake City, UT Daycare Cost by Age and Provider Type (2026)
Average monthly rates for full-time care.
| Age Group | Center-Based | Family-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–12 mo) | $1,090/month | $860/month |
| Toddler (1–3 yr) | $960/month | $757/month |
| Preschooler (3–5 yr) | $820/month | $647/month |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey for Utah with 2026 metro cost-of-living adjustments. Family-based rates use the local home-to-center ratio (79% of center).
Paying too much? 1 in 6 eligible families don't claim childcare subsidies.
Check Utah income limits and CCDF eligibility. Takes 2 minutes.
What can you actually do about it?
You know what daycare costs in Salt Lake City, UT. These tools help you figure out your next move.
How fast are costs rising in Salt Lake City, UT?
2024 vs 2026 rates, plus what you'd pay vs mortgage and car payments
Is working worth it in Utah?
Net income after daycare, taxes, and commute costs
Can you afford a baby in Utah?
Full first-year costs: daycare, medical, gear, lost income
What programs do you qualify for?
CCDF, Head Start, pre-K, tax credits. One scan covers all of them
What Childcare Costs at Your Income
Enter your household income. See what % goes to childcare, whether you may qualify for subsidies, and your actual monthly cost after tax savings.
Salt Lake City, UT area median: $85,000/year
% of Income
CCDF Subsidy
UT's income limit: $8,335/month (family of 4). Max infant subsidy: $780/month.
Check eligibility →Your income is close to the $8,335/month limit. Eligibility depends on family size and other factors.
Check eligibility →CCDF limit for family of 4: $8,335/month. Federal tax credits still apply — see net cost below.
Tax credit guide →Net Monthly Cost
—
after federal tax credits
Salt Lake City, UT vs National
—
Typical US family pays ~20% of income on infant care at $75K. The HHS "affordable" benchmark is 7%.
See UT income ratio data →IRS 2026 CDCTC rates used for net cost estimate. Subsidy eligibility is estimated — actual qualification depends on family size, work status, and provider availability. Consult a tax advisor for personalized advice.
Salt Lake City, UT average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1090
11% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$960
$11,520/year
Preschool (center)
$820
$9,840/year
School Age
$685
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$860
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,400
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Salt Lake City, UT vs. Utah vs. National Average
How Salt Lake City, UT compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,090/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $960/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $820/mo |
| School Age — Center | $685/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $860/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,400/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Salt Lake City, UT
Full-time infant center care in Salt Lake City, UT costs $13,080/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Salt Lake City, UT families pay $1,680 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$13,080
Toddler / year
$11,520
Preschool / year
$9,840
School Age / year
$8,220
Your Actual Cost After Tax Benefits
Gross cost isn't what you pay. The federal Child & Dependent Care Credit saves most families $600–$1,200/year. Add an FSA and you cut another $1,250–$1,900. Enter your income below.
Default: Salt Lake City, UT area median (Census 2024 ACS)
Available through many employers. Reduces taxable income and FICA — worth more per dollar than the credit alone.
IRS 2026 DCTC rates. FSA savings include income + FICA (7.65%) tax reduction. Non-refundable credit — reduces tax owed, not a cash refund. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Childcare Subsidies in Utah
Utah participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $8,335/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $780/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Salt Lake City, UT
How much does daycare cost in Salt Lake City, UT?
Infant center-based daycare in Salt Lake City, UT averages $1090/month in 2026. That's $140 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Salt Lake City, UT compare to the Utah state average?
Salt Lake City, UT infant daycare runs about $140/month (15%) above the Utah statewide average of $950/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Utah.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Salt Lake City, UT?
Yes. In Salt Lake City, UT: infant care ($1090/month) → toddler care ($960/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($820/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($685/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs. After kindergarten, families typically switch to after-school program pricing at $50–$600/month — see the Utah after-school care rates for school-district, YMCA, and private providers.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Salt Lake City, UT?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Salt Lake City, UT averages $2,400/month versus $1090/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
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