Moving from Illinois to Texas: Daycare Cost Change
Infant center care in Texas runs $900/month — $500/month less than Illinois's $1400/month. That's $6,000/year saved per child.
Moving from
Illinois
$1400
infant/month
+$170 vs national avg
Moving to
Texas
$900
infant/month
-$330 vs national avg
$6,000/year saved per child
$500/month × 12 months. 35.7% less than what you're paying now. Over 2 infant years: $12,000 total.
Full Cost Comparison by Care Type
| Care Type | Illinois | Texas | Monthly Change | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1400 | $900 | -$500 | -$6,000 |
| Toddler — Center | $1200 | $800 | -$400 | -$4,800 |
| Preschool — Center | $1050 | $680 | -$370 | -$4,440 |
| School Age | $870 | $560 | -$310 | -$3,720 |
| Infant — Home | $1100 | $700 | -$400 | -$4,800 |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2800 | $2200 | -$600 | -$7,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I pay for daycare after moving from Illinois to Texas?
Infant center-based daycare in Texas averages $900/month in 2026. Toddler care runs $800/month; preschool $680/month; school-age $560/month. That's $500/month less than you're paying now in Illinois.
How much can I save on childcare by moving from Illinois to Texas?
Infant center care in Texas runs $500/month less than Illinois. Per year, that's $6,000 per child. Over a typical 2-year infant care period: $12,000 total. For two children that gap doubles — $24,000 over two infant years.
How does Texas compare to the national daycare average?
The national average for infant center-based daycare is $1230/month. Texas averages $900/month — $330 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.