Daycare Cost in Spokane, WA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1800/month in Spokane. 46% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1590/month, preschool $1350/month.
Spokane average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1800
46% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1590
$19,080/year
Preschool (center)
$1350
$16,200/year
School Age
$1130
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1450
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,400
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Spokane vs. Washington vs. National Average
How Spokane compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Spokane |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,800/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,590/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,350/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,130/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,450/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,400/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Spokane
Full-time infant center care in Spokane costs $21,600/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Spokane families pay $6,840 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$21,600
Toddler / year
$19,080
Preschool / year
$16,200
School Age / year
$13,560
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 Spokane
How much does daycare cost in Spokane?
Infant center-based daycare in Spokane averages $1800/month in 2026. That's $570 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Spokane compare to the Washington state average?
Spokane is right at the Washington statewide average for infant daycare. See all daycare costs in Washington.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Spokane?
Yes. In Spokane: infant care ($1800/month) → toddler care ($1590/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1350/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1130/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Spokane?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Spokane averages $3,400/month versus $1800/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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