Daycare Cost in Tennessee (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $850/month in Tennessee. 31% below national avg. Toddler care runs $750/month, preschool $640/month.
Tennessee average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$850
31% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$750
$9,000/year
Preschool (center)
$640
$7,680/year
School Age
$530
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$660
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,100
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Tennessee vs. National Average
How Tennessee compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $850/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $750/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $640/mo |
| School Age — Center | $530/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $660/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,100/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Tennessee
Full-time infant center care in Tennessee costs $10,200/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Tennessee families pay $4,560 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$10,200
Toddler / year
$9,000
Preschool / year
$7,680
School Age / year
$6,360
Childcare Subsidies in Tennessee
Tennessee participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $5,100/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $630/month.
At Tennessee's average infant rate of $850/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 74% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Tennessee
How much does daycare cost in Tennessee?
Infant center-based daycare in Tennessee averages $850/month in 2026. That's $380 below the national average of $1230/month — one of the more affordable states for childcare. Toddler care runs $750/month and preschool $640/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Tennessee?
Center-based infant care in Tennessee averages $850/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $660/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 Tennessee?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Tennessee averages $2,100/month versus $850/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $850 each ($1,700/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 Tennessee?
Yes — significantly. In Tennessee: infant care ($850/month) → toddler care ($750/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($640/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($530/month, 38% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in Tennessee
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
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