Daycare Cost in Alabama (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $700/month in Alabama. 43% below national avg. Toddler care runs $620/month, preschool $520/month.
Alabama average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$700
43% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$620
$7,440/year
Preschool (center)
$520
$6,240/year
School Age
$430
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$480
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,800
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Alabama vs. National Average
How Alabama compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $700/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $620/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $520/mo |
| School Age — Center | $430/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $480/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,800/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Alabama
Full-time infant center care in Alabama costs $8,400/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Alabama families pay $6,360 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$8,400
Toddler / year
$7,440
Preschool / year
$6,240
School Age / year
$5,160
Childcare Subsidies in Alabama
Alabama participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $4,800/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $500/month.
At Alabama's average infant rate of $700/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 71% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Alabama
How much does daycare cost in Alabama?
Infant center-based daycare in Alabama averages $700/month in 2026. That's $530 below the national average of $1230/month — one of the more affordable states for childcare. Toddler care runs $620/month and preschool $520/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Alabama?
Center-based infant care in Alabama averages $700/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $480/month — about 31% less. Home-based care typically has smaller groups and more flexible hours. Centers tend to offer more structured programs. Both are licensed by the state.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Alabama?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Alabama averages $1,800/month versus $700/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $700 each ($1,400/month) often exceeds a single nanny cost. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator to compare.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Alabama?
Yes — significantly. In Alabama: infant care ($700/month) → toddler care ($620/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($520/month, 26% drop from infant) → school age ($430/month, 39% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in Alabama
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
Or see all 100 cities across the US · compare cities side by side.
See all 50 states
Compare Alabama against every other state — filter by age group and care type, sorted by cost.
Daycare cost by state →