Childcare Cost Comparisons
Side-by-side cost breakdowns for every childcare decision parents actually face. Montessori vs traditional. Nanny vs daycare center. Part-time vs full-time. All backed by ACF Market Rate Survey data.
By Care Type
Montessori programs cost more than traditional preschool. How much more depen...
The net benefit of two incomes shrinks once daycare enters the picture. Enter...
Licensed family home daycare costs less than a center — sometimes by a lot. I...
Part-time preschool looks cheaper — until you add before/after care for worki...
Drop-in daycare costs more per day — but you only pay when you use it. Find y...
Part-time daycare costs 55-70% of full-time. See the savings by state and sch...
By City
Cost comparisons for the top 25 US metro areas. Pick a care type to see the breakdown.
Daycare vs Nanny 25 cities
Daycare vs Preschool 25 cities
Daycare vs Au Pair 25 cities
Full-time infant daycare runs $800 to $2,400/month depending on where you live and what type of care you choose. A nanny costs more per hour but covers two kids at the same rate. Au pairs are cheapest per-hour for families with multiple children but require a spare room and agency fees.
These comparisons pull from ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey data, adjusted for 2026 using BLS wage growth. City-level figures reflect licensed center-based care in the metro area.