Daycare Cost in Scottsdale, AZ (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1150/month in Scottsdale. 7% below national avg. Toddler care runs $1010/month, preschool $860/month.
Scottsdale average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1150
7% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$1010
$12,120/year
Preschool (center)
$860
$10,320/year
School Age
$710
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$860
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,760
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Scottsdale vs. Arizona vs. National Average
How Scottsdale compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Scottsdale |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,150/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,010/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $860/mo |
| School Age — Center | $710/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $860/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,760/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Scottsdale
Full-time infant center care in Scottsdale costs $13,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Scottsdale families pay $960 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$13,800
Toddler / year
$12,120
Preschool / year
$10,320
School Age / year
$8,520
Childcare Subsidies in Arizona
Arizona participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,600/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $700/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Scottsdale
How much does daycare cost in Scottsdale?
Infant center-based daycare in Scottsdale averages $1150/month in 2026. That's $80 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Scottsdale compare to the Arizona state average?
Scottsdale infant daycare runs about $150/month (15%) above the Arizona statewide average of $1000/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Arizona.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Scottsdale?
Yes. In Scottsdale: infant care ($1150/month) → toddler care ($1010/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($860/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($710/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Scottsdale?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Scottsdale averages $2,760/month versus $1150/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Arizona daycare costs
See the full Arizona statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Arizona state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →