Average Daycare Cost in Tacoma, WA 2026
In 2026, full-time daycare in Tacoma, WA costs $878–$1,480 per month, depending on the child's age and care type. Center-based infant care averages $1,480/month, toddler care runs $1,300/month, and preschool care runs $1,110/month. Family home-based providers in Tacoma, WA typically charge $1,170/month for infants — about 21% less than center care.
Based on ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey data for Washington licensed providers, with 2026 metro cost-of-living adjustments. 20% above national avg.
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Tacoma, WA Daycare Cost by Age and Provider Type (2026)
Average monthly rates for full-time care.
| Age Group | Center-Based | Family-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–12 mo) | $1,480/month$342/wk | $1,170/month$270/wk |
| Toddler (1–3 yr) | $1,300/month$300/wk | $1,028/month$237/wk |
| Preschooler (3–5 yr) | $1,110/month$256/wk | $878/month$203/wk |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey for Washington with 2026 metro cost-of-living adjustments. Family-based rates use the local home-to-center ratio (79% of center).
Paying too much? Only about 1 in 6 eligible children receives a CCDF subsidy (HHS ASPE, FY2022).
Check Washington income limits and CCDF eligibility. Takes 2 minutes.
What can you actually do about it?
You know what daycare costs in Tacoma, WA. These tools help you figure out your next move.
How does Tacoma, WA compare to the rest of Washington?
Statewide rates by age group, plus CCDF subsidy limits
Is working worth it in Washington?
Net income after daycare, taxes, and commute costs
Can you afford a baby in Washington?
Full first-year costs: daycare, medical, gear, lost income
What programs do you qualify for?
CCDF, Head Start, pre-K, tax credits. One scan covers all of them
What Childcare Costs at Your Income
Enter your household income. See what % goes to childcare, whether you may qualify for subsidies, and your actual monthly cost after tax savings.
Tacoma, WA area median: $92,000/year
% of Income
CCDF Subsidy
WA's income limit: $6,965/month (family of 4). Max infant subsidy: $1,100/month.
Check eligibility →Your income is close to the $6,965/month limit. Eligibility depends on family size and other factors.
Check eligibility →CCDF limit for family of 4: $6,965/month. Federal tax credits still apply — see net cost below.
Tax credit guide →Net Monthly Cost
—
after federal tax credits
Tacoma, WA vs National
—
Typical US family pays ~20% of income on infant care at $75K. The HHS "affordable" benchmark is 7%.
See WA income ratio data →IRS 2026 CDCTC rates used for net cost estimate. Subsidy eligibility is estimated — actual qualification depends on family size, work status, and provider availability. Consult a tax advisor for personalized advice.
Tacoma, WA average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1480
20% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1300
$15,600/year
Preschool (center)
$1110
$13,320/year
School Age
$930
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1170
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,250
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Tacoma, WA vs. Washington vs. National Average
How Tacoma, WA compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,480/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,300/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,110/mo |
| School Age — Center | $930/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,170/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,250/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Tacoma, WA
Full-time infant center care in Tacoma, WA costs $17,760/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Tacoma, WA families pay $3,000 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$17,760
Toddler / year
$15,600
Preschool / year
$13,320
School Age / year
$11,160
Your Actual Cost After Tax Benefits
Gross cost isn't what you pay. The federal Child & Dependent Care Credit saves most families $600–$1,200/year. Add an FSA and you cut another $1,250–$1,900. Enter your income below.
Default: Tacoma, WA area median (Census 2024 ACS)
Available through many employers. Reduces taxable income and FICA — worth more per dollar than the credit alone.
IRS 2026 DCTC rates. FSA savings include income + FICA (7.65%) tax reduction. Non-refundable credit — reduces tax owed, not a cash refund. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Childcare Subsidies in Washington
Washington participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 qualifies at initial application with gross income at or below $6,965/month (about $83,580/year; total household income must be below 60% of the State Median Income at the time of application). The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
Source: Washington DCYF — Family Copayment for Subsidized Child Care: Income Eligibility and Copay Calculation Table, Effective October 1, 2025, effective October 1, 2025.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Tacoma, WA
How much does daycare cost in Tacoma, WA?
Infant center-based daycare in Tacoma, WA averages $1480/month in 2026. That's $250 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Tacoma, WA compare to the Washington state average?
Tacoma, WA infant daycare runs about $320/month (18%) below the Washington statewide average of $1800/month. See all daycare costs in Washington.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Tacoma, WA?
Yes. In Tacoma, WA: infant care ($1480/month) → toddler care ($1300/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1110/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($930/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs. After kindergarten, families typically switch to after-school program pricing at $50–$600/month — see the Washington after-school care rates for school-district, YMCA, and private providers.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Tacoma, WA?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Tacoma, WA averages $3,250/month versus $1480/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.
Washington state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →Other Cities in Washington
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Compare Tacoma, WA Daycare Costs
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