How Much Does Daycare Cost in Sunnyvale, CA, CA?
Infant center-based care averages $2610/month in Sunnyvale, CA. 112% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2320/month, preschool $1890/month.
Sunnyvale, CA average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2610
112% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2320
$27,840/year
Preschool (center)
$1890
$22,680/year
School Age
$1600
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$2030
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$5,080
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Sunnyvale, CA vs. California vs. National Average
How Sunnyvale, CA compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,610/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,320/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,890/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,600/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $2,030/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $5,080/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Sunnyvale, CA
Full-time infant center care in Sunnyvale, CA costs $31,320/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Sunnyvale, CA families pay $16,560 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$31,320
Toddler / year
$27,840
Preschool / year
$22,680
School Age / year
$19,200
Childcare Subsidies in California
California 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 Sunnyvale, CA
How much does daycare cost in Sunnyvale, CA?
Infant center-based daycare in Sunnyvale, CA averages $2610/month in 2026. That's $1380 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Sunnyvale, CA compare to the California state average?
Sunnyvale, CA infant daycare runs about $810/month (45%) above the California 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 California.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Sunnyvale, CA?
Yes. In Sunnyvale, CA: infant care ($2610/month) → toddler care ($2320/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1890/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1600/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Sunnyvale, CA?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Sunnyvale, CA averages $5,080/month versus $2610/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
California daycare costs
See the full California statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
California 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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