How Much Does Daycare Cost in Salt Lake City, UT, UT?
Infant center-based care averages $1090/month in Salt Lake City, UT. 11% below national avg. Toddler care runs $960/month, preschool $820/month.
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
Childcare Subsidies in Utah
Utah participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $6,200/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.
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.
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 Utah
Beyond daycare. What parents in Salt Lake City, UT actually search for.