Daycare Cost in District of Columbia (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2400/month in District of Columbia. 95% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2100/month, preschool $1800/month.
District of Columbia average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2400
95% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2100
$25,200/year
Preschool (center)
$1800
$21,600/year
School Age
$1500
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1900
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,200
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
District of Columbia vs. National Average
How District of Columbia compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,400/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,100/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,800/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,500/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,900/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,200/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in District of Columbia
Full-time infant center care in District of Columbia costs $28,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — District of Columbia families pay $14,040 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$28,800
Toddler / year
$25,200
Preschool / year
$21,600
School Age / year
$18,000
Childcare Subsidies in District of Columbia
District of Columbia participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $9,200/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,500/month.
At District of Columbia's average infant rate of $2400/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 63% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in District of Columbia
How much does daycare cost in District of Columbia?
Infant center-based daycare in District of Columbia averages $2400/month in 2026. That's $1170 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher wages and cost of living push prices up. Toddler care runs $2100/month and preschool $1800/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in District of Columbia?
Center-based infant care in District of Columbia averages $2400/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $1900/month — about 21% 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 District of Columbia?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in District of Columbia averages $4,200/month versus $2400/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $2400 each ($4,800/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 District of Columbia?
Yes — significantly. In District of Columbia: infant care ($2400/month) → toddler care ($2100/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($1800/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1500/month, 38% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in District of Columbia
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
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