Daycare Cost in North Dakota (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1000/month in North Dakota. 19% below national avg. Toddler care runs $880/month, preschool $750/month.
North Dakota average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1000
19% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$880
$10,560/year
Preschool (center)
$750
$9,000/year
School Age
$630
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$780
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 Dakota vs. National Average
How North Dakota compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,000/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $880/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $750/mo |
| School Age — Center | $630/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $780/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,200/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in North Dakota
Full-time infant center care in North Dakota costs $12,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — North Dakota families pay $2,760 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$12,000
Toddler / year
$10,560
Preschool / year
$9,000
School Age / year
$7,560
Childcare Subsidies in North Dakota
North Dakota participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $6,200/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $800/month.
At North Dakota's average infant rate of $1000/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 80% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in North Dakota
How much does daycare cost in North Dakota?
Infant center-based daycare in North Dakota averages $1000/month in 2026. That's $230 below the national average of $1230/month — one of the more affordable states for childcare. Toddler care runs $880/month and preschool $750/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in North Dakota?
Center-based infant care in North Dakota averages $1000/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $780/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 Dakota?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in North Dakota averages $2,200/month versus $1000/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1000 each ($2,000/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 North Dakota?
Yes — significantly. In North Dakota: infant care ($1000/month) → toddler care ($880/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($750/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($630/month, 37% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
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