Daycare Cost in Washington (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1800/month in Washington. 46% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1590/month, preschool $1350/month.
Washington average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1800
46% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1590
$19,080/year
Preschool (center)
$1350
$16,200/year
School Age
$1130
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1450
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,400
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Washington vs. National Average
How Washington compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Washington |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,800/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,590/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,350/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,130/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,450/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,400/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Washington
Full-time infant center care in Washington costs $21,600/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Washington families pay $6,840 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$21,600
Toddler / year
$19,080
Preschool / year
$16,200
School Age / year
$13,560
Childcare Subsidies in Washington
Washington participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,800/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
At Washington's average infant rate of $1800/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 61% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Washington
How much does daycare cost in Washington?
Infant center-based daycare in Washington averages $1800/month in 2026. That's $570 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher wages and cost of living push prices up. Toddler care runs $1590/month and preschool $1350/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Washington?
Center-based infant care in Washington averages $1800/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $1450/month — about 19% 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 Washington?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Washington averages $3,400/month versus $1800/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1800 each ($3,600/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 Washington?
Yes — significantly. In Washington: infant care ($1800/month) → toddler care ($1590/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1350/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1130/month, 37% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in Washington
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
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