What is the average cost of daycare in Oregon?
What is the average cost of daycare in Oregon?
$1,100 – $2,100 average cost per month (infant)
$950 – $1,900 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of childcare in Oregon
The average cost of daycare in Oregon is $950 to $2,100 per month or $11,400 to $25,200 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of care provider you choose, and your location within the state. Childcare costs are higher in areas close to Portland and Salem compared to more rural regions of the state.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,100 – $2,100 | $13,200 – $25,200 |
| Toddler | $950 – $1,900 | $11,400 – $22,800 |
*For full-time care
Cost of center vs. in-home daycare in Oregon
The choice between a center or in-home daycare influences both the cost and your child's experience. Center-based programs offer structured curricula, staff with early childhood education credentials, enrichment programs, and comprehensive facilities, while in-home daycare provides a more intimate, family-like environment with smaller group sizes.
The table below compares the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in Oregon.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,400 – $2,100 | $1,100 – $1,700 |
| Toddler | $1,100 – $1,900 | $950 – $1,400 |
*For full-time care
Infant daycare rates in Oregon
The average cost of childcare for infants in Oregon is $1,100 to $2,100 per month for full-time care five days per week, with lower rates for part-time care. Infant care requires lower child-to-caregiver ratios and specialized attention, making it the most expensive age group for childcare services.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,100 – $2,100 |
| Part-time | $900 – $1,600 |
Toddler daycare rates in Oregon
The average cost of daycare for toddlers in Oregon is $950 to $1,900 per month for five days per week of full-time care, with lower rates for half-day care or fewer days per week. Toddler programs incorporate more structured learning activities and social interaction.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $950 – $1,900 |
| Part-time | $700 – $1,300 |
What affects the cost of daycare in Oregon?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in Oregon:
Child's age: Infant care is typically the most expensive since it requires more caregivers per child and specialized attention to meet developmental and safety needs.
Center vs. in-home daycare: Childcare centers usually have higher tuition because they offer structured learning environments, certified educators, and well-equipped facilities with playgrounds and learning materials. In-home daycares are often more affordable, with smaller groups and a more home-like setting, though they may have fewer enrichment options.
Program quality: Centers that offer robust educational programs or enrichment activities like art, language, or music classes tend to have higher tuition to reflect the added value of these experiences.
Staff qualifications and certifications: Programs that employ teachers with formal degrees or specialized training in early childhood education often charge more.
Supplies included: Some providers bundle essentials such as meals, snacks, diapers, and classroom materials into their tuition, while others charge extra or ask parents to supply them.
Many daycares offer reduced rates for families enrolling multiple children together. Some providers also offer discounts for military personnel and first responders.
Regional daycare costs in Oregon
Daycare costs in Oregon vary significantly depending on the region. Families in larger cities, especially around Portland and Salem, tend to pay more for daycare compared to those in rural communities. This difference is due to higher operating costs and greater demand in urban areas.
Daycare cost vs. other childcare options
These other childcare alternatives may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule, but they typically 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 $1,500 to $2,250 per month.
Childcare assistance in Oregon
Oregon offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
Oregon's Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program provides financial assistance for eligible families who are working, in school, or receiving assistance from the TANF program.
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.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible families with children, which parents can use toward childcare expenses while working or participating in approved training programs.
FAQs about childcare in Oregon
Do Oregon daycare rates include meals?
Many Oregon daycares include meals and snacks in their base tuition rate, but specific offerings vary by provider. Always confirm the meal and snack policies and any related fees during your initial meeting.
Do daycares in Oregon need a license?
Yes, childcare providers in Oregon must be licensed. Licensed facilities are inspected and must meet Oregon's health, safety, and quality standards to protect children in care. The state offers several types of licenses:
Registered Family Child Care (RF): Up to 10 children in a home setting
Certified Family Child Care (CF): Up to 16 children in a home setting, usually with more than one care provider on staff
Certified Child Care Center (CC): A child care business operated in a commercial building
Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care (ONB): Child care business operated in a primarily outdoor, natural space, following a philosophy where nature is central to children's learning and development
Verify a provider's licensing status and check for any violations through the state's childcare safety portal before enrolling your child.
How far in advance should I look for daycare in Oregon?
For infant care, experts recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists during pregnancy—ideally in the first or second trimester—since many childcare providers operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For toddler or preschool care, begin your search at least one year before your desired start date.
Waitlists at quality centers can be lengthy, especially in urban areas where demand is high. Register with multiple providers to increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it, and check in periodically to maintain your position on the list.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycare centers in Oregon, follow these steps to help you choose the best provider for your child:
Read reviews of daycares on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit daycares during operating hours to observe daily activities and interactions between staff and children.
Confirm the facility is safe, clean, and has age-appropriate equipment.
Meet with the director and teachers to assess their qualifications, experience, and approach to early childhood education.
Review the center's curriculum and enrichment activities to ensure they align with your child's needs and your family's values.
Ask about their operating hours, base rates, and services and supplies included.
Confirm the daycare is licensed and has no violations.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare centers:
How long has your daycare center been open?
What are your hours of operation, and which holidays are you closed?
What is your current child-to-staff ratio for my child's age group?
What qualifications and certifications do your teachers have?
Do all staff members maintain current CPR and first aid certifications?
What meals and snacks do you provide, and can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Which supplies does your base tuition rate include?
What enrichment activities and educational programs do you offer?
How much outdoor playtime do children receive daily?
What is your sick child policy?
How do you communicate with parents about their child's daily activities and 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.