How Much Does Daycare Cost in Tempe, AZ, AZ?
Infant center-based care averages $1040/month in Tempe, AZ. 15% below national avg. Toddler care runs $915/month, preschool $780/month.
Tempe, AZ average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1040
15% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$915
$10,980/year
Preschool (center)
$780
$9,360/year
School Age
$655
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$820
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,300
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Tempe, AZ vs. Arizona vs. National Average
How Tempe, AZ compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,040/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $915/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $780/mo |
| School Age — Center | $655/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $820/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,300/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Tempe, AZ
Full-time infant center care in Tempe, AZ costs $12,480/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Tempe, AZ families pay $2,280 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,480
Toddler / year
$10,980
Preschool / year
$9,360
School Age / year
$7,860
Childcare Subsidies in Arizona
Arizona participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,600/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $700/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Tempe, AZ
How much does daycare cost in Tempe, AZ?
Infant center-based daycare in Tempe, AZ averages $1040/month in 2026. That's $190 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Tempe, AZ compare to the Arizona state average?
Tempe, AZ infant daycare runs about $40/month (4%) above the Arizona 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 Arizona.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Tempe, AZ?
Yes. In Tempe, AZ: infant care ($1040/month) → toddler care ($915/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($780/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($655/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Tempe, AZ?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Tempe, AZ averages $2,300/month versus $1040/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Arizona daycare costs
See the full Arizona statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Arizona 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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