Daycare Cost in Seattle, WA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2430/month in Seattle. 98% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2150/month, preschool $1820/month.
Seattle average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2430
98% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2150
$25,800/year
Preschool (center)
$1820
$21,840/year
School Age
$1530
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1960
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,590
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Seattle vs. Washington vs. National Average
How Seattle compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Seattle |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,430/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,150/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,820/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,530/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,960/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,590/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Seattle
Full-time infant center care in Seattle costs $29,160/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Seattle families pay $14,400 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$29,160
Toddler / year
$25,800
Preschool / year
$21,840
School Age / year
$18,360
Childcare Subsidies in Washington
Washington 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 Seattle
How much does daycare cost in Seattle?
Infant center-based daycare in Seattle averages $2430/month in 2026. That's $1200 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average?
Seattle infant daycare runs about $630/month (35%) above the Washington 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 Washington.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Seattle?
Yes. In Seattle: infant care ($2430/month) → toddler care ($2150/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1820/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1530/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Seattle?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Seattle averages $4,590/month versus $2430/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Washington daycare costs
See the full Washington statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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