Daycare Cost in North Carolina (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $950/month in North Carolina. 23% below national avg. Toddler care runs $840/month, preschool $720/month.
North Carolina average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$950
23% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$840
$10,080/year
Preschool (center)
$720
$8,640/year
School Age
$590
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$740
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,200
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
North Carolina vs. National Average
How North Carolina compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $950/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $840/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $720/mo |
| School Age — Center | $590/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $740/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,200/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in North Carolina
Full-time infant center care in North Carolina costs $11,400/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — North Carolina families pay $3,360 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$11,400
Toddler / year
$10,080
Preschool / year
$8,640
School Age / year
$7,080
Childcare Subsidies in North Carolina
North Carolina participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,400/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $680/month.
At North Carolina's average infant rate of $950/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 72% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in North Carolina
How much does daycare cost in North Carolina?
Infant center-based daycare in North Carolina averages $950/month in 2026. That's $280 below the national average of $1230/month — one of the more affordable states for childcare. Toddler care runs $840/month and preschool $720/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in North Carolina?
Center-based infant care in North Carolina averages $950/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $740/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 North Carolina?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in North Carolina averages $2,200/month versus $950/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $950 each ($1,900/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 North Carolina?
Yes — significantly. In North Carolina: infant care ($950/month) → toddler care ($840/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($720/month, 24% drop from infant) → school age ($590/month, 38% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in North Carolina
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
Charlotte
$1050/mo infant
Durham
$1050/mo infant
Fayetteville
$840/mo infant
Greensboro
$900/mo infant
Raleigh
$1090/mo infant
Winston-Salem
$900/mo infant
Or see all 100 cities across the US · compare cities side by side.
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