Daycare Cost in Mississippi (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $650/month in Mississippi. 47% below national avg. Toddler care runs $580/month, preschool $490/month.
Mississippi average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$650
47% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$580
$6,960/year
Preschool (center)
$490
$5,880/year
School Age
$410
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$470
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,700
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Mississippi vs. National Average
How Mississippi compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $650/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $580/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $490/mo |
| School Age — Center | $410/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $470/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,700/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Mississippi
Full-time infant center care in Mississippi costs $7,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Mississippi families pay $6,960 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$7,800
Toddler / year
$6,960
Preschool / year
$5,880
School Age / year
$4,920
Childcare Subsidies in Mississippi
Mississippi participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $4,400/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $450/month.
At Mississippi's average infant rate of $650/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 69% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Mississippi
How much does daycare cost in Mississippi?
Infant center-based daycare in Mississippi averages $650/month in 2026. That's $580 below the national average of $1230/month — one of the more affordable states for childcare. Toddler care runs $580/month and preschool $490/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Mississippi?
Center-based infant care in Mississippi averages $650/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $470/month — about 28% 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 Mississippi?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Mississippi averages $1,700/month versus $650/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $650 each ($1,300/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 Mississippi?
Yes — significantly. In Mississippi: infant care ($650/month) → toddler care ($580/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($490/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($410/month, 37% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
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