Daycare Cost in New Hampshire (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1500/month in New Hampshire. 22% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1300/month, preschool $1100/month.
New Hampshire average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1500
22% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1300
$15,600/year
Preschool (center)
$1100
$13,200/year
School Age
$930
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1200
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.
New Hampshire vs. National Average
How New Hampshire compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,500/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,300/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,100/mo |
| School Age — Center | $930/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,200/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,900/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in New Hampshire
Full-time infant center care in New Hampshire costs $18,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — New Hampshire families pay $3,240 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$18,000
Toddler / year
$15,600
Preschool / year
$13,200
School Age / year
$11,160
Childcare Subsidies in New Hampshire
New Hampshire participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,800/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,050/month.
At New Hampshire's average infant rate of $1500/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 70% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in New Hampshire
How much does daycare cost in New Hampshire?
Infant center-based daycare in New Hampshire averages $1500/month in 2026. That's $270 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher wages and cost of living push prices up. Toddler care runs $1300/month and preschool $1100/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in New Hampshire?
Center-based infant care in New Hampshire averages $1500/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $1200/month — about 20% 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 New Hampshire?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in New Hampshire averages $2,900/month versus $1500/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1500 each ($3,000/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 New Hampshire?
Yes — significantly. In New Hampshire: infant care ($1500/month) → toddler care ($1300/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($1100/month, 27% drop from infant) → school age ($930/month, 38% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
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