In-Home Daycare Cost 2026
Family home daycare costs $700–$1,100/month for infants — about $300/month less than a center. In-home nanny care runs $2,400–$3,200/month. Here's what you're actually paying for with each option.
Family Home Daycare
$700–$1,100
per month for infants
In-Home Nanny
$2,400–$3,200
per month, full-time
Nanny Share
$1,600–$2,200
per family, per month
In-Home Care Options: Cost Comparison
| Option | Monthly Cost | Who Provides Care | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family home daycare | $700–$1,100 | Licensed home provider | Provider's home |
| Daycare center | $1,000–$1,800 | Multiple licensed staff | Center facility |
| Nanny share | $1,600–$2,200 per family | Shared nanny | One family's home |
| Full-time nanny | $2,400–$3,200 + taxes | Dedicated nanny | Your home |
| Au pair | $1,850–$2,100 all-in | Live-in cultural exchange | Your home |
Monthly costs are national averages for infant care, 2026. Nanny cost excludes employer payroll taxes (add ~$350–$450/month). Source: EPI Child Care Cost Calculator, Care.com wage data.
Family Home Daycare: What You Pay by State
Licensed family home daycare rates vary significantly by state. The data below shows typical monthly rates for infant care at a licensed home provider.
| State | Home (Infant) | Home (Toddler) | Center (Infant) | Savings vs. Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $1,570 | $1,380 | $2,340 | $770/mo |
| New York | $1,320 | $1,160 | $1,970 | $650/mo |
| California | $1,290 | $1,120 | $1,880 | $590/mo |
| Washington | $1,180 | $1,040 | $1,760 | $580/mo |
| Colorado | $1,030 | $910 | $1,510 | $480/mo |
| Texas | $700 | $610 | $990 | $290/mo |
| Florida | $710 | $630 | $1,010 | $300/mo |
| Georgia | $650 | $560 | $910 | $260/mo |
| Mississippi | $460 | $400 | $650 | $190/mo |
What Family Home Daycare Includes
Usually Included
- ✓ Meals and snacks (required by most states for licensed providers)
- ✓ Nap time with appropriate sleeping arrangements
- ✓ Age-appropriate toys and activities
- ✓ Outdoor play time
- ✓ Basic first aid (required for licensing in most states)
- ✓ Communication with parents about daily activities
Often Extra or Variable
- ⚠ Structured curriculum (varies widely by provider)
- ⚠ Late pickup flexibility (some providers have hard cutoffs)
- ⚠ Drop-in or part-time slots
- ⚠ Summer schedule (some providers take extended vacations)
- ⚠ Backup care when provider is sick — usually there is none
- ⚠ Transportation to/from school (older children)
How Licensing Works for Home Daycare
Every state regulates family home daycare, but the thresholds and requirements differ. The license is what separates a regulated provider from informal care arrangements.
Licensed family home daycare
Provider has passed a background check, home inspection, and met state safety requirements. Subject to periodic re-inspections. Capacity limited by state (typically 4–8 children including provider's own). Can participate in CCDF subsidy programs.
License-exempt home daycare
Some states allow providers caring for fewer than 3–4 unrelated children to operate without a license. Requirements vary. These providers cannot accept CCDF childcare subsidies in most states.
Informal or unlicensed care
A neighbor, relative, or friend providing paid care. No inspections, no background checks, no regulatory oversight. Cannot receive subsidy payments. This is legal in most states for 1–2 children but carries higher risk.
Common Questions
How do I find licensed in-home daycare near me?
Your state's childcare licensing agency has a public search database. Search for '[your state] childcare licensing lookup'. You can verify license status, check for complaints, and confirm how many children the provider is licensed to care for. Most state databases are searchable by zip code.
Can I use childcare subsidies for family home daycare?
Yes — licensed family home daycares are eligible for CCDF childcare subsidies in all states. The provider must be licensed (or meet state requirements for license-exempt providers). Search '[your state] child care assistance program' to find income limits and how to apply.
Is family home daycare safe for infants under 12 months?
Licensed home daycare has a good safety record for infants. The lower group size (4–8 children vs. 15–20 at a center) means more individual attention. The main risks are: the provider being alone with children (no second adult), inconsistent backup plans, and variability in provider training. Ask specifically about safe sleep practices — SIDS risk is real, and not all home providers follow current guidelines without being asked.
What's a typical deposit for family home daycare?
Most licensed home providers require a deposit of $200–$500 (usually one month's tuition) to hold a spot. Some have waiting lists. Unlike daycare centers, home providers often don't have formal enrollment contracts — get the rates and policies in writing before you start, including the sick-child policy and vacation schedule.
Data: ACF Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Market Rate Surveys, BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, ACF CCDF Policy Database
Last updated: January 2026
How we calculate this · Subsidy eligibility estimates are indicative only. Contact your state's childcare resource agency for current availability.