Average Toddler Daycare Cost 2026: What Toddler Care Costs by State
Full-time toddler daycare averages $1,080/month nationally for center-based care. That’s $150 less per month than infant care. The drop happens because state licensing allows one caregiver to supervise more toddlers than infants. Less staff per child = lower cost per child.
2026 Toddler Care Costs at a Glance
Toddler Daycare Cost by State (2026)
Full-time center-based care. 1–2 years. Source: HHS/ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey.
| State | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $2,100 | $25,200 |
| Massachusetts | $1,950 | $23,400 |
| New York | $1,680 | $20,160 |
| California | $1,600 | $19,200 |
| Connecticut | $1,600 | $19,200 |
| Washington | $1,590 | $19,080 |
| Rhode Island | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| New Jersey | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| Colorado | $1,400 | $16,800 |
| Maryland | $1,400 | $16,800 |
| Oregon | $1,320 | $15,840 |
| Vermont | $1,320 | $15,840 |
| New Hampshire | $1,300 | $15,600 |
| Hawaii | $1,300 | $15,600 |
| Minnesota | $1,230 | $14,760 |
| Virginia | $1,230 | $14,760 |
| Illinois | $1,200 | $14,400 |
| Alaska | $1,200 | $14,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,060 | $12,720 |
| Wisconsin | $1,060 | $12,720 |
| Maine | $1,050 | $12,600 |
| Delaware | $1,050 | $12,600 |
| Michigan | $970 | $11,640 |
| Iowa | $880 | $10,560 |
| Ohio | $880 | $10,560 |
| Montana | $880 | $10,560 |
| Nevada | $880 | $10,560 |
| North Dakota | $880 | $10,560 |
| Nebraska | $880 | $10,560 |
| Arizona | $880 | $10,560 |
| Indiana | $870 | $10,440 |
| Florida | $870 | $10,440 |
| North Carolina | $840 | $10,080 |
| Utah | $840 | $10,080 |
| Texas | $800 | $9,600 |
| Missouri | $800 | $9,600 |
| Georgia | $800 | $9,600 |
| Kansas | $800 | $9,600 |
| Wyoming | $790 | $9,480 |
| Idaho | $780 | $9,360 |
| South Carolina | $750 | $9,000 |
| South Dakota | $750 | $9,000 |
| Tennessee | $750 | $9,000 |
| New Mexico | $750 | $9,000 |
| Kentucky | $700 | $8,400 |
| Oklahoma | $660 | $7,920 |
| West Virginia | $660 | $7,920 |
| Louisiana | $620 | $7,440 |
| Alabama | $620 | $7,440 |
| Arkansas | $600 | $7,200 |
| Mississippi | $580 | $6,960 |
When Does Infant Rate Drop to Toddler Rate?
Most centers transition kids to the toddler room around 12–15 months, though it varies. The specific age depends on the child’s development (walking is common for transitions) and room capacity. Ask the center exactly when the rate changes and what triggers it — you could be paying the infant rate longer than necessary if you don’t ask.
Home-Based vs. Center-Based for Toddlers
Family home-based care runs close to center rates for toddlers ($780–$970/month nationally), unlike infant care where the home/center gap is larger. That’s partly because toddlers are easier to manage in a home setting, so more home providers offer toddler care. Check both options in your area — the quality variation is wide in both settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does toddler daycare cost per month?
Full-time toddler center-based care averages $1,080/month nationally in 2026. That’s $150/month less than infant care. Low-cost states like Mississippi average $580/month; Washington DC averages $2,100/month. The drop from infant to toddler rates happens because states allow higher child-to-caregiver ratios for toddlers.
When do daycare rates drop from infant to toddler?
Most daycare centers transition children to the toddler room between 12 and 18 months. The exact timing depends on the child’s development (walking independently is common for the transition), room capacity, and the center’s policy. Ask your daycare the exact age and trigger criteria — you may be paying the higher infant rate longer than necessary.
How much does toddler daycare cost per year?
Full-time toddler center-based care averages $12,960/year nationally ($1,080 x 12 months). Low-cost states run $6,960–$7,440/year. Washington DC averages $25,200/year. Most children spend 18–24 months in toddler care before moving to the preschool room and a lower rate.
Data: ACF Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Market Rate Surveys, BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, ACF CCDF Policy Database
Last updated: January 2026
How we calculate this · Subsidy eligibility estimates are indicative only. Contact your state's childcare resource agency for current availability.