Daycare Cost in San Jose, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2520/month in San Jose. 105% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2240/month, preschool $1820/month.
San Jose average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2520
105% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2240
$26,880/year
Preschool (center)
$1820
$21,840/year
School Age
$1540
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1960
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,900
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
San Jose vs. California vs. National Average
How San Jose compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | San Jose |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,520/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,240/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,820/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,540/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,960/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,900/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in San Jose
Full-time infant center care in San Jose costs $30,240/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — San Jose families pay $15,480 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$30,240
Toddler / year
$26,880
Preschool / year
$21,840
School Age / year
$18,480
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 Jose
How much does daycare cost in San Jose?
Infant center-based daycare in San Jose averages $2520/month in 2026. That's $1290 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average?
San Jose infant daycare runs about $720/month (40%) 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 Jose?
Yes. In San Jose: infant care ($2520/month) → toddler care ($2240/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1820/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1540/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in San Jose?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in San Jose averages $4,900/month versus $2520/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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