Daycare Cost in Tacoma, WA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1980/month in Tacoma. 61% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1750/month, preschool $1490/month.
Tacoma average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1980
61% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1750
$21,000/year
Preschool (center)
$1490
$17,880/year
School Age
$1240
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1600
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,740
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Tacoma vs. Washington vs. National Average
How Tacoma compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Tacoma |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,980/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,750/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,490/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,240/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,600/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,740/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Tacoma
Full-time infant center care in Tacoma costs $23,760/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Tacoma families pay $9,000 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$23,760
Toddler / year
$21,000
Preschool / year
$17,880
School Age / year
$14,880
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 Tacoma
How much does daycare cost in Tacoma?
Infant center-based daycare in Tacoma averages $1980/month in 2026. That's $750 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average?
Tacoma infant daycare runs about $180/month (10%) 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 Tacoma?
Yes. In Tacoma: infant care ($1980/month) → toddler care ($1750/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1490/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1240/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Tacoma?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Tacoma averages $3,740/month versus $1980/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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