What is the average cost of daycare in New York?
What is the average cost of daycare in New York?
$1,100 – $2,200 average cost per month (infant)
$1,000 – $2,000 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in New York
The average cost of daycare in New York is $1,000 to $2,200 per month or $12,000 to $26,400 per year, depending on the child's age, the daycare type, and where in the state you live. Childcare costs are lower in rural communities and suburbs, compared to $2,000 to $4,200 per month in New York City.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,100 – $2,200 | $13,200 – $26,400 |
| Toddler | $1,000 – $2,000 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Center vs. home daycare cost in New York
The type of provider you choose can affect the cost and your child's experience at the daycare. Centers are more structured and often have staff with early childhood development training. Home daycares have a more personal, family-style atmosphere with smaller groups, which allows for more individualized attention.
The following table shows the average cost of a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in New York.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
Home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,300 – $2,200 | $1,100 – $1,500 |
| Toddler | $1,100 – $2,000 | $1,000 – $1,300 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Infant daycare cost in New York
Daycare for infants in New York state costs $1,100 to $2,200 per month on average for full-time care five days per week. If you only need half-day care or fewer days per week, you'll see lower prices.
Infant daycare costs more than toddler care because it requires a higher staff-to-child ratio and more attention. The table below shows the average prices for full-time and part-time infant care in New York.
| Schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| Part-time | $750 – $1,600 |
Toddler daycare cost in New York
Daycare for toddlers in New York state costs an average of 1,000 to $2,000 per month for full-time care five days per week or less for part-time schedules. Toddler daycare programs use structured educational activities to help children develop language skills, independence, and motor skills and help foster social interaction.
The table below shows the cost for full-time and part-time toddler daycare in New York State.
| Schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Part-time | $500 – $1,400 |
Daycare prices in NYC
The average cost of daycare in New York City is $2,000 to $4,200 per month, depending on the child's age and schedule. NYC consistently ranks as one of the priciest places for childcare, significantly exceeding the statewide average. High-end daycare centers in Manhattan and Brooklyn tend to charge the highest rates.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* |
|---|---|
| Infant | $2,500 – $4,200 |
| Toddler | $2,000 – $3,400 |
*For full-time care five days per week
What affects daycare prices in New York?
Several factors influence the cost of childcare in New York:
Location: Costs in urban and suburban regions, especially NYC, Westchester, and Long Island, run much higher compared to rural counties.
Type of program: Center-based care is more expensive than family (in-home) daycare, reflecting facility amenities, regulated staff ratios, and program quality.
Staff qualifications: Programs that employ teachers with early childhood education degrees, certifications, or specialized training charge higher rates.
Program quality: Enhanced curricula, enrichment offerings (music, language, STEM), and premium facilities increase tuition.
Included services: Some daycare centers include meals, diapers, and learning materials, while others charge fees for these essentials.
Schedule: Full-time care costs more; part-time options are available but limited at some providers, especially for infants.
Extra Fees: Expect additional costs for late pickups, extracurriculars, or extended hours, particularly at NYC facilities.
Many daycares offer sibling discounts if you enroll multiple children together. They may also give lower rates to first responders active-duty military, or families who pay monthly instead of weekly.
Regional differences in New York daycare costs
Childcare costs vary across different areas of New York State:
New York City: Daycare prices in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or other neighborhoods in NYC are the highest in the state, fueled by real estate, staff shortages, and high demand.
Suburbs: Prices in suburbs like Westchester, Nassau, Albany, or Suffolk are slightly below NYC rates but far exceed upstate or rural costs.
Upstate / rural: Smaller towns and cities like Oswego, Buffalo, Syracuse, or Ithaca offer the lowest rates, though they may still be above the national average due to strict state regulations and staffing requirements.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
There are other childcare options besides daycare. Many families in New York use nannies, especially if their schedules fall outside of normal hours. The following options might cost more than traditional daycare, depending on your location, but they could offer more flexibility:
A nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,500 to $2,250 per month.
Childcare assistance in New York
The state of New York offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
New York State Child Care Assistance Program (NYS CCAP) provides assistance to eligible families to help cover some or all of their child care costs.
The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) distributes vouchers to help families in NYC cover the cost of child care for children from 6 weeks to 13 years, or up to 19 years old for children with disabilities.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs help children up to age 5 with a wide range of free services for qualifying families.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) gives cash assistance to families below a certain income threshold to help cover childcare expenses.
Large employers may offer childcare subsidies or on-site daycare.
FAQs about childcare in New York
Is daycare free in NYC?
Daycare is not free in NYC for infants and toddlers. However, Universal Pre-K is available for 4-year-olds at no cost through city programs. Financial assistance for paid daycare is available to eligible families through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
Do daycares in New York include meals?
Many New York daycare centers provide meals and snacks, but offerings vary by provider. Always ask about meal policies before enrolling, as some centers charge extra or expect parents to pack food.
How far in advance do I need to look for daycare in New York?
You should start looking for daycare at least 6 to 12 months before you need care, especially in NYC, where competition is high and waitlists are common for popular centers.
Do daycares in New York need a license?
Yes, all daycares caring for more than two children in New York must be licensed by the state. This ensures programs meet health, safety, and staffing standards. Always verify a provider's license before enrolling.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycare centers in New York, take these steps to choose the right provider for your child:
Research providers on TrustedCare and Google and read family reviews.
Visit during operating hours to observe activities, staff–child interactions, and the facility's atmosphere. Inspect for cleanliness, safety, age-appropriate equipment, and sufficient play spaces.
Meet with the director and staff to discuss their experience and qualifications.
Review the curriculum, daily schedule, and enrichment programs for developmental fit.
Ask about tuition, payment terms, and included services or supplies.
Verify the license status and check for violations with the state agency.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these key questions when touring daycare centers:
How long has the center operated?
What are the hours, holiday closures, and inclement weather policies?
What's the current child-to-staff ratio for my child's age group?
What education, training, and certifications do teachers hold?
Do all staff maintain CPR and first aid certification?
What meals or snacks do you serve, and how do you handle dietary needs?
What supplies, materials, and services do you include in tuition?
What curriculum and enrichment programs do you offer?
How much time do children spend outside each day?
What is the policy for sick children?
How do you share updates on a child's activities, behavior, and progress?
What's your approach to behavior and discipline?
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.