How Much Does Daycare Cost in Wilmington, NC, NC?
Infant center-based care averages $950/month in Wilmington, NC. 23% below national avg. Toddler care runs $840/month, preschool $720/month.
Wilmington, NC average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$950
23% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$840
$10,080/year
Preschool (center)
$720
$8,640/year
School Age
$590
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$740
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,200
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Wilmington, NC vs. North Carolina vs. National Average
How Wilmington, NC compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $950/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $840/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $720/mo |
| School Age — Center | $590/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $740/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,200/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Wilmington, NC
Full-time infant center care in Wilmington, NC costs $11,400/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Wilmington, NC families pay $3,360 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$11,400
Toddler / year
$10,080
Preschool / year
$8,640
School Age / year
$7,080
Childcare Subsidies in North Carolina
North Carolina participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,400/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $680/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Wilmington, NC
How much does daycare cost in Wilmington, NC?
Infant center-based daycare in Wilmington, NC averages $950/month in 2026. That's $280 below the national average of $1230/month — more affordable than many major metros.
How does Wilmington, NC compare to the North Carolina state average?
Wilmington, NC is right at the North Carolina statewide average for infant daycare. See all daycare costs in North Carolina.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Wilmington, NC?
Yes. In Wilmington, NC: infant care ($950/month) → toddler care ($840/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($720/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($590/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Wilmington, NC?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Wilmington, NC averages $2,200/month versus $950/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
North Carolina daycare costs
See the full North Carolina statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
North Carolina 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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