Daycare Cost in Santa Ana, CA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2160/month in Santa Ana. 76% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1920/month, preschool $1560/month.
Santa Ana average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2160
76% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1920
$23,040/year
Preschool (center)
$1560
$18,720/year
School Age
$1320
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1680
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,200
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Santa Ana vs. California vs. National Average
How Santa Ana compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Santa Ana |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,160/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,920/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,560/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,320/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,680/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,200/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Santa Ana
Full-time infant center care in Santa Ana costs $25,920/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Santa Ana families pay $11,160 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$25,920
Toddler / year
$23,040
Preschool / year
$18,720
School Age / year
$15,840
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 Santa Ana
How much does daycare cost in Santa Ana?
Infant center-based daycare in Santa Ana averages $2160/month in 2026. That's $930 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Santa Ana compare to the California state average?
Santa Ana infant daycare runs about $360/month (20%) 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 Santa Ana?
Yes. In Santa Ana: infant care ($2160/month) → toddler care ($1920/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1560/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1320/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Santa Ana?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Santa Ana averages $4,200/month versus $2160/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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