Daycare Cost in Tucson, AZ (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $900/month in Tucson. 27% below national avg. Toddler care runs $790/month, preschool $680/month.
Tucson average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$900
27% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$790
$9,480/year
Preschool (center)
$680
$8,160/year
School Age
$560
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$680
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,160
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Tucson vs. Arizona vs. National Average
How Tucson compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Tucson |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $900/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $790/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $680/mo |
| School Age — Center | $560/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $680/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,160/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Tucson
Full-time infant center care in Tucson costs $10,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Tucson families pay $3,960 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$10,800
Toddler / year
$9,480
Preschool / year
$8,160
School Age / year
$6,720
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 Tucson
How much does daycare cost in Tucson?
Infant center-based daycare in Tucson averages $900/month in 2026. That's $330 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average?
Tucson infant daycare runs about $100/month (10%) below the Arizona statewide average of $1000/month. See all daycare costs in Arizona.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Tucson?
Yes. In Tucson: infant care ($900/month) → toddler care ($790/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($680/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($560/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Tucson?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Tucson averages $2,160/month versus $900/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.
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