Daycare Cost in San Francisco, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2660/month in San Francisco. 116% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2370/month, preschool $1920/month.
San Francisco average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2660
116% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2370
$28,440/year
Preschool (center)
$1920
$23,040/year
School Age
$1630
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$2070
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$5,180
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
San Francisco vs. California vs. National Average
How San Francisco compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,660/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,370/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,920/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,630/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $2,070/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $5,180/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in San Francisco
Full-time infant center care in San Francisco costs $31,920/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — San Francisco families pay $17,160 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$31,920
Toddler / year
$28,440
Preschool / year
$23,040
School Age / year
$19,560
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 Francisco
How much does daycare cost in San Francisco?
Infant center-based daycare in San Francisco averages $2660/month in 2026. That's $1430 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average?
San Francisco infant daycare runs about $860/month (48%) 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 Francisco?
Yes. In San Francisco: infant care ($2660/month) → toddler care ($2370/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1920/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1630/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in San Francisco?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in San Francisco averages $5,180/month versus $2660/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.
California state costs →Compare all 100 cities
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