What is the average cost of daycare in New Jersey?
What is the average cost of daycare in New Jersey?
$1,200 – $2,200 average cost per month (infant)
$1,000 – $1,800 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of childcare in New Jersey
The average cost of daycare in New Jersey is $1,000 to $2,200 per month or $12,000 to $26,400 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of provider, the program quality, and your location. Childcare costs are highest in urban areas, especially in northern and central New Jersey cities with close proximity to New York or Philadelphia.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,200 – $2,200 | $14,400 – $24,000 |
| Toddler | $1,000 – $1,800 | $12,000 – $21,600 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Center vs. home daycare prices in New Jersey
The type of provider you select affects the cost and your child's experience. Childcare centers charge more but have comprehensive educational programs, certified staff, and extensive facilities. Family home daycare providers offer a more personal, family-style environment with smaller group sizes but limited facilities.
The table below shows the average cost of childcare in New Jersey at a daycare center versus a home daycare.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
Home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,500 – $2,200 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Toddler | $1,200 – $1,800 | $1,000 – $1,400 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Infant daycare rates in New Jersey
Daycare for infants in New Jersey costs $1,200 to $2,200 per month for full-time care five days per week, with lower prices for half-day care or fewer days per week. Infant daycare costs more than toddler care because it requires a higher staff-to-child ratio and more specialized attention, including frequent diaper changes and bottle feeding.
The table below shows the average cost for full-time and part-time infant daycare in New Jersey.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| Part-time | $900 – $1,500 |
Toddler daycare rates in New Jersey
Daycare for toddlers in New Jersey costs $1,000 to $1,800 per month on average for five days per week of full-time care, with lower prices for part-time care. Toddler programs include more educational activities and structured play to help children develop language, motor, and social skills.
The table below shows the average cost for full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in New Jersey.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Part-time | $700 – $1,400 |
What affects the cost of childcare in New Jersey?
In addition to your child's age, these other factors also affect the cost of childcare in New Jersey:
Center vs. in-home daycare: In-home daycare providers charge less than childcare centers but may not offer the same learning experience or amenities. In addition, the staff may not have the same experience or certifications.
Program quality: Higher quality daycares with extensive educational curricula, lower child-to-teacher ratios, enrichment programs, and better facilities charge higher rates.
Staff qualifications: Programs that employ more experienced and educated staff, particularly those with degrees in early childhood education, often charge more.
Supplies included: Some daycares include meals, snacks, and supplies like diapers and baby wipes in their rates while others charge extra or require parents to provide their own food and supplies.
Extra-curricular activities: Many providers offer additional activities like music or art instruction, sports, or language programs for an additional fee.
Additional services: Programs that offer transportation, extended hours, field trips, summer camps, or other specialized services charge higher rates.
Many childcare providers offer discounts for active-duty military personnel, first responders, families that enroll siblings together, or those that pay monthly instead of weekly.
Regional differences in New Jersey daycare rates
Childcare costs vary significantly across different regions of New Jersey, with factors like proximity to major metropolitan areas and local cost of living driving these differences:
Northern New Jersey and New York City metro area: The counties near New York City, including Hudson, Bergen, Essex, and Morris counties, have some of the highest childcare rates in the state. These areas benefit from high-paying jobs but also face greater demand for quality childcare services.
Central New Jersey: Areas like Mercer County (Princeton) and Middlesex County have moderate to high childcare rates, reflecting their proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia employment markets.
Southern New Jersey: Counties in South Jersey, including Atlantic, Cumberland, and Cape May counties, offer more moderately priced childcare options while still maintaining access to quality programs.
Northwestern New Jersey: Rural areas and smaller communities in counties like Warren, Sussex, and Hunterdon have some of the lowest childcare rates in the state, but families may have fewer provider options to choose from.
Jersey Shore regions: Coastal communities experience seasonal variations in demand and may have limited year-round childcare availability, particularly in resort areas.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
These other childcare alternatives may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule, but these options cost more than daycare:
A full-time nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A full-time babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,500 to $2,250 per month plus room and board.
Childcare assistance in New Jersey
New Jersey offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses, though funding limitations affect availability:
Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) participants may be eligible for a childcare subsidy when they need care to work, look for work, or participate in approved work activities. Transitional childcare benefits may be available for up to two years after participants leave cash assistance.
Kinship Navigator Program offers childcare assistance to grandparents, relatives, and friends who provide care for children unable to live with their birth parents.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve children from birth to age 5, providing early childhood education and other family support services at no cost to qualifying low-income families.
Free preschool programs are expanding across New Jersey school districts as part of the state's long-term goal to provide free, full-day preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds. Many districts now offer free Pre-K programs, with continued expansion planned through additional state funding.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provided financial assistance to eligible low-income working families, students, and job training participants. However, due to limited funding, the program stopped accepting new applications as of August 1, 2025, and additional funding is not anticipated in the foreseeable future.
FAQs about daycare in New Jersey
Do New Jersey daycare rates include meals?
Many New Jersey daycare providers include meals, snacks, and other supplies in their rates, but these offerings vary by provider. During your first consultation, be sure to confirm which meals and supplies the provider's base rate includes and which ones cost extra.
How far in advance should I look for daycare in New Jersey?
Start your daycare search at least 9 months before you need care. Applying early gives you time to visit several facilities, compare their programs and offerings, and secure a spot on the waitlist if needed. It's never too early to start looking for childcare as many popular centers have lengthy waitlists.
Do daycares in New Jersey need to be licensed?
New Jersey requires licensing for providers who care for three or more children:
"Child care center" refers to any provider that cares for six or more children under age 13 in a dedicated facility or private residence.
"Family child care home" refers to any provider who cares for three to five children under age 13 in the provider's residence.
Licensed childcare providers must meet comprehensive health and safety standards, pass regular inspections, and maintain specific minimum staff-to-child ratios. Always verify the provider's current license status before enrolling your child.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycares in New Jersey, follow these steps to help you choose the best option for your child:
Read reviews of local childcare providers on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit each daycare in person to evaluate the facility and staff.
Confirm the home or center is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Meet with the director and staff to discuss their qualifications and approach to early childhood education.
Ask about staff-to-child ratios, operating hours, and services and supplies included in the base rate.
Confirm the provider has a current childcare license and no violations on record.
Get a contract in writing before your child's first day.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare providers:
How long has your daycare been open?
What is the staff-to-child ratio for my child's age group?
What qualifications and certifications do your staff members have?
Do your staff members have CPR and first aid training?
What educational curriculum do you offer?
What enrichment programs and activities do you offer?
What meals and snacks do you provide? Do they cost extra?
Which supplies and services are included in your tuition rate?
How much daily outdoor playtime do the children get?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
Do you provide regular progress reports or parent-teacher conferences?
How often do your staff members send pictures or updates?
What are your illness and discipline policies?
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.