Daycare Cost in California (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1800/month in California. 46% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1600/month, preschool $1300/month.
California average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1800
46% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1600
$19,200/year
Preschool (center)
$1300
$15,600/year
School Age
$1100
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1400
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,500
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
California vs. National Average
How California compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | California |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,800/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,600/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,300/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,100/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,400/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,500/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in California
Full-time infant center care in California costs $21,600/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — California families pay $6,840 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$21,600
Toddler / year
$19,200
Preschool / year
$15,600
School Age / year
$13,200
Childcare Subsidies in California
California participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,800/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
At California's average infant rate of $1800/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 61% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in California
How much does daycare cost in California?
Infant center-based daycare in California averages $1800/month in 2026. That's $570 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher wages and cost of living push prices up. Toddler care runs $1600/month and preschool $1300/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in California?
Center-based infant care in California averages $1800/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $1400/month — about 22% 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 California?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in California averages $3,500/month versus $1800/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1800 each ($3,600/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 California?
Yes — significantly. In California: infant care ($1800/month) → toddler care ($1600/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1300/month, 28% drop from infant) → school age ($1100/month, 39% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in California
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
Anaheim
$2250/mo infant
Bakersfield
$1710/mo infant
Chula Vista
$2160/mo infant
Fremont
$2480/mo infant
Fresno
$1800/mo infant
Irvine
$2480/mo infant
Long Beach
$2300/mo infant
Los Angeles
$2340/mo infant
Modesto
$1800/mo infant
Riverside
$1980/mo infant
Sacramento
$2070/mo infant
San Bernardino
$1800/mo infant
San Diego
$2250/mo infant
San Francisco
$2660/mo infant
San Jose
$2520/mo infant
Santa Ana
$2160/mo infant
Stockton
$1800/mo infant
Or see all 100 cities across the US · compare cities side by side.
See all 50 states
Compare California against every other state — filter by age group and care type, sorted by cost.
Daycare cost by state →