Daycare Cost in Minnesota (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1400/month in Minnesota. 14% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1230/month, preschool $1050/month.
Minnesota average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1400
14% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1230
$14,760/year
Preschool (center)
$1050
$12,600/year
School Age
$880
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1100
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,900
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Minnesota vs. National Average
How Minnesota compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,400/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,230/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,050/mo |
| School Age — Center | $880/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,100/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,900/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Minnesota
Full-time infant center care in Minnesota costs $16,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Minnesota families pay $2,040 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$16,800
Toddler / year
$14,760
Preschool / year
$12,600
School Age / year
$10,560
Childcare Subsidies in Minnesota
Minnesota participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,200/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,000/month.
At Minnesota's average infant rate of $1400/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 71% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Minnesota
How much does daycare cost in Minnesota?
Infant center-based daycare in Minnesota averages $1400/month in 2026. That's $170 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher wages and cost of living push prices up. Toddler care runs $1230/month and preschool $1050/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Minnesota?
Center-based infant care in Minnesota averages $1400/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $1100/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 Minnesota?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Minnesota averages $2,900/month versus $1400/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1400 each ($2,800/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 Minnesota?
Yes — significantly. In Minnesota: infant care ($1400/month) → toddler care ($1230/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1050/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($880/month, 37% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in Minnesota
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
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