What is the average cost of daycare in Utah?
What is the average cost of daycare in Utah?
$700 – $1,800 average cost per month (infant)
$650 – $1,600 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Utah
The average cost of daycare in Utah is $650 to $1,800 per month or $7,800 to $21,600 per year, depending on your child's age and the type of care. Costs are lowest in rural regions but can reach up to $2,000 to $2,700 in Salt Lake City or high-demand areas.
Utah's daycare prices are below the national average but remain a significant budget item, especially for families with multiple children.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $700 – $1,800 | $8,400 – $21,600 |
| Toddler | $650 – $1,600 | $7,800 – $19,200 |
*For full-time care
Center vs. in-home daycare cost in Utah
Center-based daycare offers structured curricula and more services but is pricier at $800 to $1,800 per month. In-home daycare offers smaller group sizes and a home-like environment at a lower cost of $650 to $1,500 per month, depending on the child's age.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $900 – $1,800 | $700 – $1,500 |
| Toddler | $800 – $1,600 | $650 – $1,300 |
*For full-time care
Average daycare cost in Utah for infants
The average cost for infants in Utah is $700 to $1,800 per month for full-time care, with lower rates for part-time care. Infant care is costliest due to high staff-to-child ratios and specialized care.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $700 – $1,800 |
| Part-time | $600 – $1,200 |
Cost of childcare in Utah for toddlers
Daycare for toddlers averages $650 to $1,600 per month for full-time care, with part-time schedules available at lower rates. Toddler programs include more educational activities and socialization.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $650 – $1,600 |
| Part-time | $500 – $900 |
What affects the cost of daycare in Utah?
Several factors impact daycare costs in Utah:
Child's age: Infant care is more expensive than toddler or preschool-age care due to higher staffing needs. School-age daycare offers even lower rates.
Quality and curriculum: Enhanced educational programs or extra activities increase prices.
Staff qualifications: Programs with highly educated staff are pricier.
Supplies or services included: Centers that cover meals and supplies may charge more.
Extras: Extended hours, transportation, or field trips add cost.
Discounts may apply for siblings, full-month payments, or certain groups like military families. Always ask about available reductions.
Regional differences in Utah daycare costs
Urban areas like Salt Lake City (SLC) have higher daycare costs, reaching up to $2,000 to $2,700 per month, while rural towns offer more in-home options at lower prices. However, rural families may face long waitlists and fewer choices.
Some of the priciest towns and cities for childcare in Utah include:
Salt Lake City
Orem
Provo
Park City
Daycare vs. other childcare options
If you need more flexibility or services that a standard daycare doesn't provide, there are a few non-traditional options to consider:
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 Utah
In Utah, the primary daycare assistance is through the Utah Child Care Subsidy Program, managed by the Department of Workforce Services, which offers financial help based on income to make childcare affordable. The state's Caring About Childcare website can help locate approved providers.
Additionally, families can explore other programs like Head Start and Early Head Start, which provide comprehensive child development services and financial support to low-income families. Local religious institutions may also offer community-based or low-cost programs.
FAQs about childcare in Utah
What safety checks and training must childcare staff complete in Utah?
All licensed providers must pass a criminal background check, complete regular inspections, and receive training in CPR, first aid, and child development. Staff must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma, and complete 20 hours of annual training to uphold state licensing requirements.
How do waitlists work at Utah childcare centers?
Childcare centers often maintain a waitlist that updates regularly throughout the year. Families should contact providers directly to check current status. Some programs give priority to student parents or employees, while others are available to the general community depending on capacity.
How to find the best daycare near you
To find the best Utah daycare possible, follow these tips:
Read reviews of Utah daycare centers on TrustedCare and Google to get feedback from other families.
Schedule visits to each daycare to see how staff interact with the children and observe daily activities firsthand.
Talk with directors and teachers to learn more about their experience, credentials, and approach to early childhood learning.
Check that the center is clean, safe, and equipped with age-appropriate toys, learning materials, and both indoor and outdoor play areas.
Ask about the facility's operating hours, observed holidays, tuition rates, and which services or supplies are included with enrollment.
Confirm the daycare's active Utah child care license and review their record for any recent violations or compliance issues.
Questions to ask childcare providers
You can get a feel for the quality and safety of a daycare center by asking these questions:
How many years has your daycare been operating in Utah?
What are your standard operating hours?
Which holidays do you observe?
What is your child-to-caregiver ratio for children in my child's age group?
What certifications and education do your staff members and teachers have?
Does every staff member keep current CPR and first aid certifications as required by Utah law?
What enrichment and educational programs are part of your daily schedule?
Which meals, snacks, or drinks do you provide for the children each day?
Which supplies and services are covered within the base tuition?
How often do children get outdoor playtime?
What are your policies when a child is sick?
How is discipline addressed and managed in the classroom?
How do you share updates or communicate progress with parents?
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.