What is the average cost of daycare in Arizona?
What is the average cost of daycare in Arizona?
$950 – $1,900 average cost per month (infant)
$850 – $1,500 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Arizona
The average cost of childcare in Arizona is $850 to $1,900 per month or $10,200 to $22,800 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of care you choose, and where you live in the state. Daycare costs are higher than average in metropolitan areas like Raliegh and Charlotte compared to smaller cities and rural communities throughout Arizona.
| Child’s age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $950 – $1,900 | $11,400 – $22,800 |
| Toddler | $850 – $1,500 | $10,200 – $18,000 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Cost of center vs. in-home daycare in Arizona
The choice between center-based and family home daycare impacts the cost and the type of experience your child receives. Childcare centers offer structured educational programs, staff with early childhood development training, and comprehensive facilities. In-home daycare offers a more intimate, family-like environment with smaller group sizes and personalized attention.
The table below shows the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in Arizona.
| Child’s age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,200 – $1,900 | $950 – $1,500 |
| Toddler | $1,000 – $1,500 | $850 – $1,100 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Cost of daycare in Arizona for infants
The average cost of daycare for infants in Arizona is $950 to $1,900 per month for five days per week of full-time care, with lower rates for part-time care. Infant care costs more than toddler care due to the higher staff-to-child ratio requirements and specialized attention needed.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time infant daycare in Arizona.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $950 – $1,900 |
| Part-time | $800 – $1,700 |
Cost of childcare in Arizona for toddlers
The average cost of childcare for toddlers in Arizona is $850 to $1,500 per month for five days per week, with lower rates for half-day care or fewer days per week. Toddler daycare programs incorporate structured educational activities, potty training support, and more social interaction opportunities.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in Arizona.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $850 – $1,500 |
| Part-time | $650 – $1,200 |
What affects the cost of daycare in Arizona?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in Arizona:
Child's age: Infant care costs more than toddler care due to Arizona's requirements for lower child-to-caregiver ratios and the specialized care needs of younger children.
Location within Arizona: Childcare providers in metropolitan areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson charge premium rates due to higher costs of living, increased demand, and greater competition for quality staff.
Center vs. in-home daycare: Childcare centers charge higher rates for their structured programs, certified staff, and advanced facilities. In-home family daycare providers offer lower rates while maintaining smaller group sizes but may not provide the same enrichment programs or educational resources.
Program quality: Daycare centers with enhanced curricula, specialized enrichment programs such as music or STEM activities, and premium facilities charge more for their services. High-quality programs often feature lower child-to-staff ratios, advanced playground equipment, and educational technology.
Staff qualifications: Programs that employ teachers with early childhood education degrees, specialized certifications, and extensive experience charge higher rates.
Supplies included: Some daycares include diapers, meals, snacks, and educational supplies in their base rate, while others charge separately for these supplies or require parents to provide their own.
Additional services: Daycare providers that offer additional services like transportation, extended hours, or special programs may charge premium rates.
Many childcare providers offer discounts for siblings enrolled together, active-duty military personnel, or families that pay monthly or quarterly in advance instead of weekly.
Regional differences in Arizona daycare costs
Childcare costs vary significantly across different regions of Arizona:
Phoenix metro area: The Valley of the Sun, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale, has the highest childcare costs in Arizona.
Tucson area: Southern Arizona's largest city offers moderate to high childcare pricing. Daycares in Oro Valley and Catalina Foothills charge premium rates, while those in central Tucson are slightly more affordable.
Flagstaff region: Northern Arizona's mountain communities have higher daycare costs due to limited provider options and the area's appeal to educated professionals working at Northern Arizona University and other employers.
Yuma and border communities: These areas have some of the most affordable childcare rates in Arizona, though families may have fewer provider choices to choose from and limited access to specialized programs.
Rural Arizona: Providers in small towns and rural communities throughout the state have the lowest costs but may have waiting lists.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
These other childcare options often cost more than daycare but may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule:
A nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,400 to $2,100 per month.
Childcare assistance in Arizona
Arizona offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
Arizona Child Care Administration (CCA) provides financial assistance through the Child Care Development Fund for low-income working families, students, and job training participants. The program helps cover childcare costs at licensed providers throughout the state.
Arizona Early Head Start and Head Start programs serve low-income families with children from birth to age 5, providing comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services at no cost to eligible families.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible families with children.
Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) offers additional resources and referrals to help families access affordable childcare options and support services.
FAQs about childcare in Arizona
How far in advance should I apply for daycare in Arizona?
Most childcare experts recommend applying for daycare at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially for infant care. High-quality programs often have waiting lists, and the best centers fill up quickly. Start your search early to ensure you have adequate time to visit multiple facilities, complete application processes, and secure your preferred start date.
Are meals included in Arizona daycare costs?
Some Arizona daycare centers include breakfast, lunch, and snacks in their base tuition rate, while others charge separately for meals or require parents to provide their own food. Always ask about meal policies, dietary accommodation options, and whether the center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
What happens if my child gets sick at daycare?
Arizona daycare centers must follow strict health and safety guidelines for sick children. Most facilities require children to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to care. Centers will isolate sick children and contact parents immediately for pickup.
Review your center's sick child policy before enrollment to make sure you understand the expectations and financial implications.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating Arizona daycare providers, follow these steps to help you choose the best daycare center or family daycare home for your child:
Read reviews of daycare providers near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit potential daycares to observe daily activities, interactions between staff and children, and the overall environment.
Confirm the facilities are safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Meet with directors and teachers to assess their qualifications and approach to early childhood education.
Review the center's curriculum, schedule, and enrichment activities to ensure they align with your child's needs and your family's values.
Ask about operating hours, tuition rates, and which services and supplies are included in the base fee.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare providers:
How long has your daycare been operating?
What are your hours of operation and holiday closures?
What training and qualifications do your teachers have?
Do all staff members maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications?
What is your current child-to-staff ratio for my child's age group?
What educational curriculum do you offer?
What enrichment programs and activities do you offer? Do they cost extra?
What meals and snacks do you provide?
Which supplies and services are included in your base tuition rate?
How much outdoor playtime do children receive daily?
Do you provide regular progress reports or parent-teacher conferences?
What is your sick child policy, and how do you communicate with parents about illnesses or injuries?
How do you handle discipline and behavioral guidance for children?
What security measures do you have in place for pickup and drop-off?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.