Daycare Cost in Tampa, FL (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1050/month in Tampa. 15% below national avg. Toddler care runs $910/month, preschool $790/month.
Tampa average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1050
15% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$910
$10,920/year
Preschool (center)
$790
$9,480/year
School Age
$650
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$820
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,520
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Tampa vs. Florida vs. National Average
How Tampa compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Tampa |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,050/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $910/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $790/mo |
| School Age — Center | $650/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $820/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,520/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Tampa
Full-time infant center care in Tampa costs $12,600/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Tampa families pay $2,160 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,600
Toddler / year
$10,920
Preschool / year
$9,480
School Age / year
$7,800
Childcare Subsidies in Florida
Florida participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,500/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $700/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Tampa
How much does daycare cost in Tampa?
Infant center-based daycare in Tampa averages $1050/month in 2026. That's $180 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Tampa compare to the Florida state average?
Tampa infant daycare runs about $50/month (5%) above the Florida statewide average of $1000/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Florida.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Tampa?
Yes. In Tampa: infant care ($1050/month) → toddler care ($910/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($790/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($650/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Tampa?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Tampa averages $2,520/month versus $1050/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Florida daycare costs
See the full Florida statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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