Moving from Illinois to Florida: Daycare Cost Change
Infant center care in Florida runs $1000/month — $400/month less than Illinois's $1400/month. That's $4,800/year saved per child.
Moving from
Illinois
$1400
infant/month
+$170 vs national avg
Moving to
Florida
$1000
infant/month
-$230 vs national avg
$4,800/year saved per child
$400/month × 12 months. 28.6% less than what you're paying now. Over 2 infant years: $9,600 total.
Full Cost Comparison by Care Type
| Care Type | Illinois | Florida | Monthly Change | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1400 | $1000 | -$400 | -$4,800 |
| Toddler — Center | $1200 | $870 | -$330 | -$3,960 |
| Preschool — Center | $1050 | $750 | -$300 | -$3,600 |
| School Age | $870 | $620 | -$250 | -$3,000 |
| Infant — Home | $1100 | $780 | -$320 | -$3,840 |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2800 | $2400 | -$400 | -$4,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I pay for daycare after moving from Illinois to Florida?
Infant center-based daycare in Florida averages $1000/month in 2026. Toddler care runs $870/month; preschool $750/month; school-age $620/month. That's $400/month less than you're paying now in Illinois.
How much can I save on childcare by moving from Illinois to Florida?
Infant center care in Florida runs $400/month less than Illinois. Per year, that's $4,800 per child. Over a typical 2-year infant care period: $9,600 total. For two children that gap doubles — $19,200 over two infant years.
How does Florida compare to the national daycare average?
The national average for infant center-based daycare is $1230/month. Florida averages $1000/month — $230 below the national average. Illinois is $1400/month — $170 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.