Daycare Cost in Kansas (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $900/month in Kansas. 27% below national avg. Toddler care runs $800/month, preschool $680/month.
Kansas average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$900
27% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$800
$9,600/year
Preschool (center)
$680
$8,160/year
School Age
$560
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$700
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,100
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Kansas vs. National Average
How Kansas compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $900/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $800/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $680/mo |
| School Age — Center | $560/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $700/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,100/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Kansas
Full-time infant center care in Kansas costs $10,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Kansas families pay $3,960 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$10,800
Toddler / year
$9,600
Preschool / year
$8,160
School Age / year
$6,720
Childcare Subsidies in Kansas
Kansas 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 $680/month.
At Kansas's average infant rate of $900/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 76% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Kansas
How much does daycare cost in Kansas?
Infant center-based daycare in Kansas averages $900/month in 2026. That's $330 below the national average of $1230/month — one of the more affordable states for childcare. Toddler care runs $800/month and preschool $680/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Kansas?
Center-based infant care in Kansas averages $900/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $700/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 Kansas?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Kansas averages $2,100/month versus $900/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $900 each ($1,800/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 Kansas?
Yes — significantly. In Kansas: infant care ($900/month) → toddler care ($800/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($680/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($560/month, 38% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
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