Can I save money on daycare by moving to a different state?

Yes — infant center care ranges from $650/month in Mississippi to $2,400/month in Washington DC. Moving from a high-cost state like California ($1,800/month) or Massachusetts ($2,200/month) to a lower-cost state can save $800–$1,500/month per child. Over two infant care years, that gap reaches $20,000–$36,000.

Which states have the cheapest daycare costs?

The cheapest states for infant center-based daycare in 2026: Mississippi ($650/month), Arkansas ($680/month), Alabama ($700/month), Louisiana ($700/month), and Oklahoma ($750/month). These states cost 45–50% less than the national average of $1,230/month.

Which states have the most expensive daycare costs?

The most expensive states: Washington DC ($2,400/month), Massachusetts ($2,200/month), New York ($1,900/month), California and Connecticut ($1,800/month each), Washington state ($1,800/month). DC is nearly 4x the cost of Mississippi.

How do I calculate daycare savings from relocating?

Subtract the monthly infant care cost in your destination state from your current state. Multiply by 12 for annual savings. For families with multiple children or multiple care years, multiply accordingly. Use this calculator to see the full breakdown by age group — infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age rates all differ.

Daycare Cost Moving Calculator

Infant care ranges from $650 to $2,400/month depending on state. See exactly what you'll pay — or save — after a move.

Moving from

Moving to

From

infant/month

Monthly cost by age group

Age Group			Monthly change

Popular Relocation Routes

California to Texas

Save $900/mo per child

California to Florida

Save $800/mo per child

New York to Florida

Save $900/mo per child

New York to Texas

Save $1000/mo per child

Illinois to Florida

Save $400/mo per child

New York to North Carolina

Save $950/mo per child

Massachusetts to Florida

Save $1200/mo per child

California to Arizona

Save $800/mo per child

New Jersey to Florida

Save $700/mo per child

Washington to Texas

Save $900/mo per child

California to Nevada

Save $800/mo per child

Virginia to Texas

Save $500/mo per child

Cheapest States

Mississippi $650/mo
Arkansas $680/mo
Alabama $700/mo
Louisiana $700/mo
Oklahoma $750/mo

Most Expensive

Washington DC $2400/mo
Massachusetts $2200/mo
New York $1900/mo
California $1800/mo
Connecticut $1800/mo

More daycare cost tools

Cost by state State comparison Affordability calculator Nanny vs daycare Cheapest states Most expensive states

Source: HHS Administration for Children and Families National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP), 2026 estimates. Monthly figures reflect full-time center-based infant care costs.

Embed this calculator

Add this free calculator to your website or blog — no signup required.

<iframe
  src="https://daycarecalc.com/moving-calculator?embed=true&utm_source=embed&utm_medium=iframe&utm_campaign=widget"
  title="Daycare Cost Moving Calculator: What Will You Pay in Your New State? (2026)"
  width="100%"
  height="520"
  style="border:none; border-radius:8px; box-shadow:0 1px 4px rgba(0,0,0,.12);"
  loading="lazy"
  allowtransparency="true"
></iframe>