Toddler Daycare Cost by State 2026 — All 50 States
Full-time toddler daycare averages $1,080/month nationally for center-based care. That’s $150 less per month than infant care. The drop happens because state licensing allows one caregiver to supervise more toddlers than infants. Less staff per child = lower cost per child.
2026 Toddler Care Costs at a Glance
Toddler Daycare Cost by State (2026)
Full-time center-based care. 1–2 years. Source: HHS/ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey.
| State | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $2,100 | $25,200 |
| Massachusetts | $1,950 | $23,400 |
| New York | $1,680 | $20,160 |
| California | $1,600 | $19,200 |
| Connecticut | $1,600 | $19,200 |
| Washington | $1,590 | $19,080 |
| Rhode Island | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| New Jersey | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| Colorado | $1,400 | $16,800 |
| Maryland | $1,400 | $16,800 |
| Oregon | $1,320 | $15,840 |
| Vermont | $1,320 | $15,840 |
| New Hampshire | $1,300 | $15,600 |
| Hawaii | $1,300 | $15,600 |
| Minnesota | $1,230 | $14,760 |
| Virginia | $1,230 | $14,760 |
| Illinois | $1,200 | $14,400 |
| Alaska | $1,200 | $14,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,060 | $12,720 |
| Wisconsin | $1,060 | $12,720 |
| Maine | $1,050 | $12,600 |
| Delaware | $1,050 | $12,600 |
| Michigan | $970 | $11,640 |
| Iowa | $880 | $10,560 |
| Ohio | $880 | $10,560 |
| Montana | $880 | $10,560 |
| Nevada | $880 | $10,560 |
| North Dakota | $880 | $10,560 |
| Nebraska | $880 | $10,560 |
| Arizona | $880 | $10,560 |
| Indiana | $870 | $10,440 |
| Florida | $870 | $10,440 |
| North Carolina | $840 | $10,080 |
| Utah | $840 | $10,080 |
| Texas | $800 | $9,600 |
| Missouri | $800 | $9,600 |
| Georgia | $800 | $9,600 |
| Kansas | $800 | $9,600 |
| Wyoming | $790 | $9,480 |
| Idaho | $780 | $9,360 |
| South Carolina | $750 | $9,000 |
| South Dakota | $750 | $9,000 |
| Tennessee | $750 | $9,000 |
| New Mexico | $750 | $9,000 |
| Kentucky | $700 | $8,400 |
| Oklahoma | $660 | $7,920 |
| West Virginia | $660 | $7,920 |
| Louisiana | $620 | $7,440 |
| Alabama | $620 | $7,440 |
| Arkansas | $600 | $7,200 |
| Mississippi | $580 | $6,960 |
When Does Infant Rate Drop to Toddler Rate?
Most centers move children to the toddler room at 12–15 months, though the trigger varies by development (walking is common) and room availability. The rate drop is typically $100–$200/month. Ask your center exactly when the transition happens and what triggers it — some families pay the infant rate longer than necessary because they didn't ask.
Most centers transition kids to the toddler room around 12–15 months, though it varies. The specific age depends on the child’s development (walking is common for transitions) and room capacity. Ask the center exactly when the rate changes and what triggers it — you could be paying the infant rate longer than necessary if you don’t ask.
Home-Based vs. Center-Based for Toddlers
Family home-based care runs close to center rates for toddlers ($780–$970/month nationally), unlike infant care where the home/center gap is larger. That’s partly because toddlers are easier to manage in a home setting, so more home providers offer toddler care. Check both options in your area — the quality variation is wide in both settings.
Toddler Daycare Cost in Major Cities
City rates run 20–60% above the statewide average. Check your metro.
More Daycare Cost Pages
Cost by Age Group