Daycare Cost in New York (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1900/month in New York. 54% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1680/month, preschool $1430/month.
New York average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1900
54% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1680
$20,160/year
Preschool (center)
$1430
$17,160/year
School Age
$1190
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1550
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,700
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
New York vs. National Average
How New York compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | New York |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,900/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,680/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,430/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,190/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,550/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,700/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in New York
Full-time infant center care in New York costs $22,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — New York families pay $8,040 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$22,800
Toddler / year
$20,160
Preschool / year
$17,160
School Age / year
$14,280
Childcare Subsidies in New York
New York participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $8,200/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,200/month.
At New York's average infant rate of $1900/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 63% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in New York
How much does daycare cost in New York?
Infant center-based daycare in New York averages $1900/month in 2026. That's $670 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher wages and cost of living push prices up. Toddler care runs $1680/month and preschool $1430/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in New York?
Center-based infant care in New York averages $1900/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $1550/month — about 18% 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 York?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in New York averages $3,700/month versus $1900/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1900 each ($3,800/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 New York?
Yes — significantly. In New York: infant care ($1900/month) → toddler care ($1680/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1430/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1190/month, 37% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in New York
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
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