Daycare Cost: Washington vs Idaho (2026)
Idaho infant center care runs $900/month — $900/month less than Washington's $1800/month. That's $10,800/year per child.
Washington
$1800
infant/month
+$570 vs national avg
Idaho
$900
infant/month
-$330 vs national avg
Washington vs Idaho — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Washington | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1,800/mo | $900/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $1,590/mo | $780/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,350/mo | $660/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,130/mo | $550/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $1,450/mo | $680/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,400/mo | $2,000/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, Idaho costs $10,800/year vs Washington's $21,600/year.
Monthly savings
$900
Annual savings
$10,800
2-year infant care
$21,600
% difference
100%
Savings = Washington cost minus Idaho cost. Infant center-based care only.
Childcare Subsidy Comparison
Washington (CCDF)
Income limit (family of 4): $7,800/mo
Max infant subsidy: $1,100/mo
Covers ~61% of average infant rate
Idaho (CCDF)
Income limit (family of 4): $5,200/mo
Max infant subsidy: $650/mo
Covers ~72% of average infant rate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in Washington or Idaho?
Idaho is cheaper for infant center-based care at $900/month, vs. $1800/month in Washington — a $900/month gap. Idaho wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from Washington to Idaho?
Infant center-based care in Idaho runs $900/month less than in Washington. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $21,600 saved — not counting toddler or preschool years. Keep in mind that state averages hide metro-area variation: cities in Idaho 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. Washington is $570 above the national average, and Idaho is $330 below.
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 Washington · Daycare in Idaho · All state comparisons · Compare cities