Daycare Cost: Pennsylvania vs New Jersey (2026)
Pennsylvania infant center care runs $1200/month — $500/month less than New Jersey's $1700/month. That's $6,000/year per child.
Pennsylvania
$1200
infant/month
-$30 vs national avg
New Jersey
$1700
infant/month
+$470 vs national avg
Pennsylvania vs New Jersey — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Pennsylvania | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1,200/mo ✓ | $1,700/mo |
| Toddler — Center | $1,060/mo ✓ | $1,500/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $900/mo ✓ | $1,270/mo |
| School Age | $750/mo ✓ | $1,060/mo |
| Infant — Home | $930/mo ✓ | $1,350/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,600/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, Pennsylvania costs $14,400/year vs New Jersey's $20,400/year.
Monthly savings
$500
Annual savings
$6,000
2-year infant care
$12,000
% difference
42%
Savings = New Jersey cost minus Pennsylvania cost. Infant center-based care only.
Childcare Subsidy Comparison
Pennsylvania (CCDF)
Income limit (family of 4): $6,500/mo
Max infant subsidy: $850/mo
Covers ~71% of average infant rate
New Jersey (CCDF)
Income limit (family of 4): $8,500/mo
Max infant subsidy: $1,200/mo
Covers ~71% of average infant rate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?
Pennsylvania is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1200/month, vs. $1700/month in New Jersey — a $500/month gap. Pennsylvania wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania?
Infant center-based care in Pennsylvania runs $500/month less than in New Jersey. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $12,000 saved — not counting toddler or preschool years. Keep in mind that state averages hide metro-area variation: cities in Pennsylvania can cost as much as suburbs in New Jersey.
How do both states compare to the national average?
The national average for infant center-based care is $1230/month. Pennsylvania is $30 below the national average, and New Jersey is $470 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 Pennsylvania · Daycare in New Jersey · All state comparisons · Compare cities