How Much Does Daycare Cost in Sioux Falls, SD, SD?
Infant center-based care averages $810/month in Sioux Falls, SD. 34% below national avg. Toddler care runs $710/month, preschool $610/month.
Sioux Falls, SD average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$810
34% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$710
$8,520/year
Preschool (center)
$610
$7,320/year
School Age
$500
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$630
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,810
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Sioux Falls, SD vs. South Dakota vs. National Average
How Sioux Falls, SD compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $810/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $710/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $610/mo |
| School Age — Center | $500/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $630/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,810/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Sioux Falls, SD
Full-time infant center care in Sioux Falls, SD costs $9,720/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Sioux Falls, SD families pay $5,040 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$9,720
Toddler / year
$8,520
Preschool / year
$7,320
School Age / year
$6,000
Childcare Subsidies in South Dakota
South Dakota participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $650/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Sioux Falls, SD
How much does daycare cost in Sioux Falls, SD?
Infant center-based daycare in Sioux Falls, SD averages $810/month in 2026. That's $420 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Sioux Falls, SD compare to the South Dakota state average?
Sioux Falls, SD infant daycare runs about $40/month (5%) below the South Dakota statewide average of $850/month. See all daycare costs in South Dakota.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Sioux Falls, SD?
Yes. In Sioux Falls, SD: infant care ($810/month) → toddler care ($710/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($610/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($500/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Sioux Falls, SD?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Sioux Falls, SD averages $1,810/month versus $810/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
South Dakota daycare costs
See the full South Dakota statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
South Dakota state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
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