Daycare Cost in St. Louis, MO (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $900/month in St. Louis. 27% below national avg. Toddler care runs $800/month, preschool $680/month.
St. Louis average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$900
27% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$800
$9,600/year
Preschool (center)
$680
$8,160/year
School Age
$560
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$700
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,200
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
St. Louis vs. Missouri vs. National Average
How St. Louis compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | St. Louis |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $900/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $800/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $680/mo |
| School Age — Center | $560/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $700/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,200/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in St. Louis
Full-time infant center care in St. Louis costs $10,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — St. Louis families pay $3,960 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$10,800
Toddler / year
$9,600
Preschool / year
$8,160
School Age / year
$6,720
Childcare Subsidies in Missouri
Missouri participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,300/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $650/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in St. Louis
How much does daycare cost in St. Louis?
Infant center-based daycare in St. Louis averages $900/month in 2026. That's $330 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does St. Louis compare to the Missouri state average?
St. Louis is right at the Missouri statewide average for infant daycare. See all daycare costs in Missouri.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in St. Louis?
Yes. In St. Louis: infant care ($900/month) → toddler care ($800/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($680/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($560/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in St. Louis?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in St. Louis averages $2,200/month versus $900/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Missouri daycare costs
See the full Missouri statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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