Daycare Cost in Vermont (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1500/month in Vermont. 22% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1320/month, preschool $1120/month.
Vermont average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1500
22% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1320
$15,840/year
Preschool (center)
$1120
$13,440/year
School Age
$940
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.
Vermont vs. National Average
How Vermont compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Vermont |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,500/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,320/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,120/mo |
| School Age — Center | $940/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,200/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,900/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Vermont
Full-time infant center care in Vermont costs $18,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Vermont families pay $3,240 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$18,000
Toddler / year
$15,840
Preschool / year
$13,440
School Age / year
$11,280
Childcare Subsidies in Vermont
Vermont participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,200/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,000/month.
At Vermont's average infant rate of $1500/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 67% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Vermont
How much does daycare cost in Vermont?
Infant center-based daycare in Vermont 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 $1320/month and preschool $1120/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Vermont?
Center-based infant care in Vermont 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 Vermont?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Vermont 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 Vermont?
Yes — significantly. In Vermont: infant care ($1500/month) → toddler care ($1320/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1120/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($940/month, 37% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
See all 50 states
Compare Vermont against every other state — filter by age group and care type, sorted by cost.
Daycare cost by state →