Average Daycare Cost in South Carolina 2026
Monthly and annual rates by age group, city, and care type
The average daycare cost in South Carolina is $850/month for infants and $640/month for preschool-age children in 2026. That's 31% below national avg for infant care ($1230 nationally). Toddler programs run $750/month, school-age aftercare $530/month. Home-based care averages $660/month for infants. Scroll down to calculate your net cost after the federal tax credit and FSA savings.
Daycare Cost by Age Group in South Carolina
| Age Group | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Infant (center) | $850/mo |
| Toddler (center) | $750/mo |
| Preschool (center) | $640/mo |
| School-age (center) | $530/mo |
| Infant (home-based) | $660/mo |
Paying too much? 1 in 6 eligible families don't claim childcare subsidies.
Check South Carolina's income limits and CCDF eligibility. Takes 2 minutes.
What can you actually do about it?
You know what daycare costs in South Carolina. These tools help you figure out your next move.
Is working worth it in South Carolina?
Net income after daycare, taxes, and commute costs
Can you afford a baby in South Carolina?
Full first-year costs: daycare, medical, gear, lost income
Total cost to raise a child in South Carolina
Full 18-year estimate: daycare, housing, food, education
What programs do you qualify for?
CCDF, Head Start, pre-K, tax credits. One scan covers all of them
What Childcare Costs at Your Income
Enter your household income. See what % goes to childcare, whether you may qualify for subsidies, and your actual monthly cost after tax savings.
South Carolina area median: $63,000/year
% of Income
CCDF Subsidy
South Carolina's income limit: $7,263/month (family of 4). Max infant subsidy: $620/month.
Check eligibility →Your income is close to the $7,263/month limit. Eligibility depends on family size and other factors.
Check eligibility →CCDF limit for family of 4: $7,263/month. Federal tax credits still apply — see net cost below.
Tax credit guide →Net Monthly Cost
—
after federal tax credits
South Carolina vs National
—
Typical US family pays ~20% of income on infant care at $75K. The HHS "affordable" benchmark is 7%.
See South Carolina income ratio data →IRS 2026 CDCTC rates used for net cost estimate. Subsidy eligibility is estimated — actual qualification depends on family size, work status, and provider availability. Consult a tax advisor for personalized advice.
South Carolina 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
$2,000
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
How Does South Carolina Daycare Cost Compare to the National Average?
In 2026, infant center-based daycare in South Carolina averages $850/month, which is 31% below the national average of $1230/month. South Carolina families pay $380/month less the typical American family for the same type of care.
| Age / Care Type | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| 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) | $2,000/mo |
How Much Does a Year of Daycare Cost in South Carolina?
Full-time infant center care in South Carolina costs $10,200/year in 2026. That is $4,560 less than the national average of $14,760/year. Costs drop as children age: toddler care runs $9,000/year and preschool $7,680/year.
Infant / year
$10,200
Toddler / year
$9,000
Preschool / year
$7,680
School Age / year
$6,360
Your Actual Cost After Tax Benefits
Gross cost isn't what you pay. The federal Child & Dependent Care Credit saves most families $600–$1,200/year. Add an FSA and you cut another $1,250–$1,900. Enter your income below.
Default: South Carolina area median (Census 2024 ACS)
Available through many employers. Reduces taxable income and FICA — worth more per dollar than the credit alone.
IRS 2026 DCTC rates. FSA savings include income + FICA (7.65%) tax reduction. Non-refundable credit — reduces tax owed, not a cash refund. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
What Childcare Subsidies Are Available in South Carolina?
South Carolina participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,263/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $620/month.
At South Carolina's average infant rate of $850/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 73% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in South Carolina
How much does daycare cost in South Carolina?
Infant center-based daycare in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
Center-based infant care in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in South Carolina averages $2,000/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 South Carolina?
Yes — significantly. In South Carolina: 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. Once kindergarten starts, most families switch to South Carolina after-school care — see the school-district, YMCA, and private-program rates, or the national after-school care cost guide.
How Much Does Daycare Cost in Different South Carolina Cities?
Daycare costs in South Carolina vary widely by city. Urban areas like major metro centers typically run 20–35% higher than the statewide average of $850/month for infant care. Below are city-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments.
Or see all 100 cities across the US · compare cities side by side.
Get your local cost
Statewide averages vary a lot by ZIP code. Enter yours to see what daycare actually costs near you.
See all 50 states
Compare South Carolina against every other state — filter by age group and care type, sorted by cost.
Daycare cost by state →Daycare Cost Data by ZIP Code in South Carolina
Statewide averages vary a lot by ZIP code. See local daycare market data for the largest communities in South Carolina.
How Does South Carolina Compare to Nearby States for Daycare?
Infant center-based daycare in South Carolina costs $850/month. Neighboring states range from $850 to $1200/month for the same care type. If you live near a state line, the savings could add up to thousands per year.
How Do Daycare Costs Change by Age in South Carolina?
Infant care is the most expensive at $850/month in South Carolina. Costs drop as children age: toddler care averages $750/month, preschool $640/month, and school-age programs $530/month. Click any age group to compare across all 50 states.
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