Daycare Cost: California vs Washington (2026)
California infant center care runs $1800/month — $0/month less than Washington's $1800/month. That's $0/year per child.
California
$1800
infant/month
+$570 vs national avg
Washington
$1800
infant/month
+$570 vs national avg
California vs Washington — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | California | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1,800/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Toddler — Center | $1,600/mo | $1,590/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,300/mo ✓ | $1,350/mo |
| School Age | $1,100/mo ✓ | $1,130/mo |
| Infant — Home | $1,400/mo ✓ | $1,450/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,500/mo | $3,400/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, California costs $21,600/year vs Washington's $21,600/year.
Monthly savings
$0
Annual savings
$0
2-year infant care
$0
% difference
0%
Savings = Washington cost minus California cost. Infant center-based care only.
Childcare Subsidy Comparison
California (CCDF)
Income limit (family of 4): $7,800/mo
Max infant subsidy: $1,100/mo
Covers ~61% of average infant rate
Washington (CCDF)
Income limit (family of 4): $7,800/mo
Max infant subsidy: $1,100/mo
Covers ~61% of average infant rate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in California or Washington?
California is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1800/month, vs. $1800/month in Washington — a $0/month gap. California wins on 3 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from Washington to California?
Infant center-based care in California runs $0/month less than in Washington. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $0 saved — not counting toddler or preschool years. Keep in mind that state averages hide metro-area variation: cities in California can cost as much as suburbs in Washington.
How do both states compare to the national average?
The national average for infant center-based care is $1230/month. California is $570 above the national average, and Washington is $570 above.
Do costs vary a lot within each state?
Yes — significantly. Major metro areas typically run 20–35% above the statewide average shown here. For example, San Francisco costs nearly double the California state average. Use the city comparison tool to compare specific metro areas.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in California · Daycare in Washington · All state comparisons · Compare cities