Daycare Cost in Indiana (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1000/month in Indiana. 19% below national avg. Toddler care runs $870/month, preschool $750/month.
Indiana average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1000
19% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$870
$10,440/year
Preschool (center)
$750
$9,000/year
School Age
$620
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$770
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,200
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Indiana vs. National Average
How Indiana compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Indiana |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,000/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $870/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $750/mo |
| School Age — Center | $620/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $770/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,200/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Indiana
Full-time infant center care in Indiana costs $12,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Indiana families pay $2,760 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,000
Toddler / year
$10,440
Preschool / year
$9,000
School Age / year
$7,440
Childcare Subsidies in Indiana
Indiana participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,500/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $700/month.
At Indiana's average infant rate of $1000/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 70% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Indiana
How much does daycare cost in Indiana?
Infant center-based daycare in Indiana averages $1000/month in 2026. That's $230 below the national average of $1230/month — one of the more affordable states for childcare. Toddler care runs $870/month and preschool $750/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Indiana?
Center-based infant care in Indiana averages $1000/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $770/month — about 23% 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 Indiana?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Indiana averages $2,200/month versus $1000/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1000 each ($2,000/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 Indiana?
Yes — significantly. In Indiana: infant care ($1000/month) → toddler care ($870/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($750/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($620/month, 38% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in Indiana
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 Indiana against every other state — filter by age group and care type, sorted by cost.
Daycare cost by state →