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👨👩👧 Family
Am I paying too much for childcare?
Compare your childcare costs to the average in your area.
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How much does childcare cost?
In the US, the average cost of center-based childcare is $1,230/month per child (Care.com 2023) — that's $14,760/year, exceeding the cost of in-state college tuition. Costs vary enormously by state: from $700/month in Mississippi to $2,200+ in Massachusetts.
Average monthly childcare costs by type (US)
- Daycare center: $1,230/month (infant) / $1,000/month (toddler)
- Family home care: $900/month
- Nanny: $2,500–$3,500/month (full-time)
International comparison
- United States: $1,230/month — 24% of median household income
- United Kingdom: £1,100/month (among highest in Europe)
- Canada: C$1,000/month (except Quebec: C$180)
- Australia: A$500/month (after subsidies)
- Germany: €300/month (heavily subsidized)
The US is the most expensive country in the OECD for childcare relative to income, and one of only a few with no national paid parental leave.