Daycare Cost in San Antonio, TX (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $880/month in San Antonio. 28% below national avg. Toddler care runs $780/month, preschool $670/month.
San Antonio average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$880
28% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$780
$9,360/year
Preschool (center)
$670
$8,040/year
School Age
$550
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$690
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,160
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
San Antonio vs. Texas vs. National Average
How San Antonio compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | San Antonio |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $880/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $780/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $670/mo |
| School Age — Center | $550/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $690/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,160/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in San Antonio
Full-time infant center care in San Antonio costs $10,560/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — San Antonio families pay $4,200 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$10,560
Toddler / year
$9,360
Preschool / year
$8,040
School Age / year
$6,600
Childcare Subsidies in Texas
Texas participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,400/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $680/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in San Antonio
How much does daycare cost in San Antonio?
Infant center-based daycare in San Antonio averages $880/month in 2026. That's $350 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does San Antonio compare to the Texas state average?
San Antonio infant daycare runs about $20/month (2%) below the Texas statewide average of $900/month. See all daycare costs in Texas.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in San Antonio?
Yes. In San Antonio: infant care ($880/month) → toddler care ($780/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($670/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($550/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in San Antonio?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in San Antonio averages $2,160/month versus $880/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Texas daycare costs
See the full Texas statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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