Daycare Cost Comparisons by State (2026)
Side-by-side monthly cost data for popular state pairs. Useful for families weighing a relocation — daycare costs vary by $500–$1,000/month between states.
California vs Texas
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New York vs Florida
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California vs Florida
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Texas vs Florida
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New York vs New Jersey
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California vs Washington
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Illinois vs Texas
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Massachusetts vs New York
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Colorado vs California
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Virginia vs Maryland
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North Carolina vs Georgia
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Ohio vs Michigan
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Pennsylvania vs New Jersey
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Arizona vs California
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Washington vs Oregon
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Infant center-based daycare costs range from under $800/month in Mississippi to over $2,300/month in Massachusetts. For families considering a move, the state-level cost gap can easily rival the housing cost gap.
These comparisons use ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey data (2025) for statewide averages. Urban metros within a state typically run 20–35% above the state average.
Want more detail? See daycare costs for all 50 states or compare costs by city.