What is the average cost of daycare in North Carolina?
What is the average cost of daycare in North Carolina?
$750 – $1,400 average cost per month (infant)
$650 – $1,200 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in North Carolina
The average cost of childcare in North Carolina is $650 to $1,400 per month or $7,800 to $16,800 per year, depending on your child's age, whether you choose a center or in-home daycare, and your location within the state. Daycare costs are higher than average in metropolitan areas like Raleigh and Charlotte compared to smaller cities and rural communities.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $750 – $1,400 | $9,000 – $16,800 |
| Toddler | $650 – $1,200 | $7,800 – $14,400 |
*For full-time care
Cost of center vs. in-home daycare in North Carolina
The choice between center-based and in-home daycare impacts both the cost and your child's experience. Daycare centers offer structured educational programs, staff with early childhood education backgrounds, and comprehensive facilities including playgrounds and learning resources. In-home daycares offer a more intimate, home-like environment with smaller group sizes.
The table below shows the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in North Carolina.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,000 – $1,400 | $750 – $1,100 |
| Toddler | $800 – $1,200 | $650 – $1,000 |
*For full-time care
Cost of daycare in North Carolina for infants
The average cost of daycare for infants in North Carolina is $1,000 to $1,400 per month for five days per week of full-time care, with lower rates for half-day care or fewer days per week. Infant care has the highest cost due to the higher staff-to-child ratio and specialized attention required.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time infant daycare in North Carolina.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $750 – $1,400 |
| Part-time | $600 – $1,200 |
Cost of childcare in North Carolina for toddlers
The average cost of childcare for toddlers in North Carolina is $650 to $1,200 per month for five days per week, with lower rates for part-time care. Toddler programs incorporate more structured learning activities, potty training support, and increased social interaction opportunities.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in North Carolina.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $650 – $1,200 |
| Part-time | $450 – $1,000 |
What affects the cost of daycare in North Carolina?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in North Carolina:
Child's age: Infant care costs more than toddler care due to state-mandated lower child-to-caregiver ratios and the intensive care requirements for babies, including specialized feeding schedules, frequent diaper changes, and individualized developmental support.
Center vs. in-home daycare: Licensed daycare centers charge higher rates for their structured educational programs, certified teaching staff, age-appropriate playgrounds, and safety equipment. In-home family daycare providers offer more affordable rates with smaller group sizes but may have fewer enrichment activities.
Program quality: Higher-quality childcare programs with enhanced curricula and specialized enrichment activities like music classes, art programs, or early literacy instruction charge premium rates for their additional educational services.
Staff qualifications: Childcare providers that employ teachers with degrees in early childhood education, child development, or related fields charge higher rates than centers with less credentialed staff.
Services and supplies included: Some daycare providers include meals, snacks, diapers, and educational supplies in their base rate, while others charge separately for these items or require parents to provide their own food and supplies. Centers that offer additional services like transportation, extended hours, or summer camp programs may charge additional fees.
Location within North Carolina: Childcare costs vary significantly across the state, with providers in urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham charging higher rates. Rural areas and smaller towns offer more affordable options but may have fewer provider choices.
Many childcare providers offer discounts for siblings enrolled together, active-duty military personnel, or families that pay monthly or quarterly instead of weekly.
Regional differences in North Carolina daycare costs
Childcare costs vary significantly across different regions of North Carolina:
Charlotte Metro area: Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas have the highest childcare costs in North Carolina. Daycares in communities like South Charlotte, Ballantyne, and Matthews charge higher-than-average rates.
Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill): Wake, Durham, and Orange counties offer moderate-to-high childcare pricing. Areas such as Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill have higher-than-average daycare rates due to their proximity to major universities and research institutions.
Asheville and Western North Carolina: The mountain region offers moderate childcare costs, with Asheville having higher rates than the surrounding rural areas.
Wilmington and coastal areas: Eastern North Carolina coastal communities have moderate childcare costs, with Wilmington leading regional pricing due to its status as a major port city and university town.
Rural counties: North Carolina's rural counties offer the most affordable childcare rates in the state, though families may have fewer licensed provider options and longer commutes to quality programs.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
Other childcare options may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs, but they often cost more than daycare:
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 North Carolina
North Carolina offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
Child Care Subsidy program provides financial assistance to low-income working families, students, and those participating in job training programs to help cover childcare costs at licensed providers throughout the state.
NC Pre-K Program offers free, high-quality pre-kindergarten education to eligible 4-year-olds from low-income families. The program operates in public schools, private childcare centers, and Head Start programs across the state.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve low-income families with children from birth to age 5, providing early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services at no cost to eligible families.
Smart Start initiatives provide funding for childcare quality improvements, professional development for childcare providers, and family support services in all North Carolina counties.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps childcare centers and family daycare homes serve nutritious meals and snacks to children, reducing food costs for providers and families.
FAQs about childcare in North Carolina
How far in advance should I apply for daycare in North Carolina?
You should begin searching for daycare at least 6 to 12 months before you need care, especially for infant programs which have limited capacity. Popular centers in urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh often have long waiting lists, so early application is essential. Some centers accept applications during pregnancy to secure future spots.
Are meals included in North Carolina daycare costs?
Many licensed daycare centers include breakfast, lunch, and snacks in their tuition rates, while others charge separately for meals or require parents to pack food. Family daycare providers often include meals but may charge additional fees for special dietary needs or organic options.
What happens if my child gets sick at daycare?
Most North Carolina daycares have specific sick child policies requiring children with a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious illnesses to stay home until symptom-free for 24 hours. Some centers offer separate sick child care services or have partnerships with backup care providers.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating North Carolina 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 each daycare during operating hours to observe staff interactions and daily routines.
Assess the facility's cleanliness, safety measures, age-appropriate equipment, and indoor and outdoor play areas.
Meet with directors and teachers to discuss their qualifications, experience, and philosophy toward early childhood education.
Review the center's curriculum and enrichment activities to ensure they align with your child's developmental needs.
Verify the provider has a current childcare license and no violations.
Ask for references from current families and contact them about their experiences.
Get a written contract that details all costs, services included, schedules, and policies.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare centers:
How long has your daycare been operating?
What are your hours of operation, and which holidays do you observe?
What is your current child-to-staff ratio for my child's age group?
What education, certifications, and experience do your teachers have in early childhood development?
Do all staff members maintain current CPR, first aid, and other required certifications?
What educational curriculum and enrichment activities do you offer?
How much outdoor playtime do children receive daily?
What meals and snacks are included in your rates?
Which supplies and services are included in your rates, and what additional costs should I expect?
What is your sick child policy?
What is your discipline and behavior management approach?
How do you communicate with parents about daily activities and developmental progress?
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.