Daycare Cost: Colorado vs California (2026)
Colorado infant center care runs $1600/month — $200/month less than California's $1800/month. That's $2,400/year per child.
Colorado
$1600
infant/month
+$370 vs national avg
California
$1800
infant/month
+$570 vs national avg
Colorado vs California — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Colorado | California |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1,600/mo ✓ | $1,800/mo |
| Toddler — Center | $1,400/mo ✓ | $1,600/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,200/mo ✓ | $1,300/mo |
| School Age | $1,000/mo ✓ | $1,100/mo |
| Infant — Home | $1,200/mo ✓ | $1,400/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,200/mo ✓ | $3,500/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, Colorado costs $19,200/year vs California's $21,600/year.
Monthly savings
$200
Annual savings
$2,400
2-year infant care
$4,800
% difference
13%
Savings = California cost minus Colorado cost. Infant center-based care only.
Childcare Subsidy Comparison
Colorado (CCDF)
Income limit (family of 4): $7,200/mo
Max infant subsidy: $950/mo
Covers ~59% of average infant rate
California (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 Colorado or California?
Colorado is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1600/month, vs. $1800/month in California — a $200/month gap. Colorado wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from California to Colorado?
Infant center-based care in Colorado runs $200/month less than in California. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $4,800 saved — not counting toddler or preschool years. Keep in mind that state averages hide metro-area variation: cities in Colorado can cost as much as suburbs in California.
How do both states compare to the national average?
The national average for infant center-based care is $1230/month. Colorado is $370 above the national average, and California 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 Colorado · Daycare in California · All state comparisons · Compare cities