Moving from California to Colorado: Daycare Cost Change
Infant center care in Colorado runs $1600/month — $200/month less than California's $1800/month. That's $2,400/year saved per child.
Moving from
California
$1800
infant/month
+$570 vs national avg
Moving to
Colorado
$1600
infant/month
+$370 vs national avg
$2,400/year saved per child
$200/month × 12 months. 11.1% less than what you're paying now. Over 2 infant years: $4,800 total.
Full Cost Comparison by Care Type
| Care Type | California | Colorado | Monthly Change | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1800 | $1600 | -$200 | -$2,400 |
| Toddler — Center | $1600 | $1400 | -$200 | -$2,400 |
| Preschool — Center | $1300 | $1200 | -$100 | -$1,200 |
| School Age | $1100 | $1000 | -$100 | -$1,200 |
| Infant — Home | $1400 | $1200 | -$200 | -$2,400 |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3500 | $3200 | -$300 | -$3,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I pay for daycare after moving from California to Colorado?
Infant center-based daycare in Colorado averages $1600/month in 2026. Toddler care runs $1400/month; preschool $1200/month; school-age $1000/month. That's $200/month less than you're paying now in California.
How much can I save on childcare by moving from California to Colorado?
Infant center care in Colorado runs $200/month less than California. Per year, that's $2,400 per child. Over a typical 2-year infant care period: $4,800 total. For two children that gap doubles — $9,600 over two infant years.
How does Colorado compare to the national daycare average?
The national average for infant center-based daycare is $1230/month. Colorado averages $1600/month — $370 above the national average. California is $1800/month — $570 above the national average.
Other Popular Relocation Routes
State cost details
Source: HHS Administration for Children and Families National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP), 2026 estimates. Monthly figures reflect full-time center-based care.