Daycare Cost in San Diego, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2250/month in San Diego. 83% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2000/month, preschool $1630/month.
San Diego average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2250
83% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2000
$24,000/year
Preschool (center)
$1630
$19,560/year
School Age
$1380
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1750
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,380
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
San Diego vs. California vs. National Average
How San Diego compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | San Diego |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,250/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,000/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,630/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,380/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,750/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,380/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in San Diego
Full-time infant center care in San Diego costs $27,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — San Diego families pay $12,240 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$27,000
Toddler / year
$24,000
Preschool / year
$19,560
School Age / year
$16,560
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 San Diego
How much does daycare cost in San Diego?
Infant center-based daycare in San Diego averages $2250/month in 2026. That's $1020 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average?
San Diego infant daycare runs about $450/month (25%) 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 San Diego?
Yes. In San Diego: infant care ($2250/month) → toddler care ($2000/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1630/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1380/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in San Diego?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in San Diego averages $4,380/month versus $2250/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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