The cost of child care can vary widely. Facilities generally cost less than hiring a nanny, but there are a number of factors that impact cost when making a decision about child care for your precious little one.
According to babycenter.com, the average cost of center-based daycare in the United States is $11,666 per year ($972 a month), but prices range from
$3,582 to $18,773 a year ($300 to $1,564 monthly), according to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies. Some parents can pay more than $2,000 a month for infant care in cities like Boston, New York and San Francisco.
The average home daycare charges about $7,761 a year ($646 a month) for babies and toddlers. Prices start at $3,582 a year and go up to $11,940 a year ($300 to $995 a month), but in large cities this cost is likely to be higher and in some cases much higher.
Factors Impacting Cost
- Geographical location
- Age of child(ren)
- Amount of day care needed (full-time/part-time)
- Number of children in a program
- Discounted rates for siblings in the same program
- Ratio of staff members to children (each state has designated policies and regulations)
- Private or public facility
- Teaching certifications and licenses
- Food/meals
- Instruction
- Speech therapy or occupational therapy
- Early/late drop-off and pick-up fees
All of these are important factors when looking into day care. You need to decide which options are important to you. Do you want your child to be with children close to their age, in small groups or in a classroom setting? Do you want your daycare to use an educational curriculum to help prepare your children for school? All of these are legitimate questions, and for new or expecting parents, these are difficult decisions before you even start to consider cost.
**Most Expensive and Least Expensive Cities for Average Child Care Costs
Monthly averages are based on a three-year-old child attending a center-based childcare five days a week.
Most Expensive
Minneapolis, MN $1,387
Boston, MA $1,367
New York, NY $1,348
Washington, DC $1,235
Philadelphia, PA $1,116
Wilmington, DE $1,113
Manchester, NH $1,075
Anchorage, AK $1,055
Chicago, IL $1,048
San Diego, CA $1,047
Least Expensive
Tampa, FL $522
Jackson, MS $563
Mobile, AL $604
Billings, MT $630
New Orleans, LA $650
Springfield, IL $650
Charleston, WV $652
Little Rock, AR $654
Albuquerque, NM $678
Columbia, SC $680
**Source: Runzheimer International
Cost is one consideration, but you also need to feel comfortable with the place or person that is responsible for your child while you are at work! Take the time to look for the right place for you and your family.
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