Preschool vs. daycare cost
Preschool vs. daycare cost
$400 – $1,300 average preschool cost per month
$540 – $1,500+ average daycare cost per month
Daycare vs. preschool cost
Costs are a major factor for families choosing between daycare and preschool. Preschools charge $400 to $1,300 per month on average, while daycare costs $540 to $1,500 or more per month. While both provide early childhood care and learning, their prices can differ significantly based on age group, location, and program type.
| Type | Average cost per month | Average cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | $400 – $1,300 | $4,000 – $13,000 |
| Daycare | $540 – $1,500+ | $6,480 – $18,000+ |
Preschool
Preschool costs $400 to $1,300 per month on average. This may seem more affordable than daycare, but preschools can actually be more expensive overall because they have shorter operating hours, and many close during the summer.
Higher per-hour rates reflect the higher standards for curriculum, teacher qualifications, and class sizes. Families also could see higher rates for programs with advanced academic enrichment or limited hours.
Daycare
Daycare costs $540 to $1,500+, depending on the type, location, and the child's age. Infant care costs the most, especially in large cities. Daycares are more affordable than preschools if you break it down by the hour, especially for full-day care.
In-home daycare centers typically charge less than center-based daycares or nationwide centers like KinderCare. However, the flexible schedules offered by some daycare centers may offer convenience that makes up for the higher monthly cost compared to in-home daycares.
Cost factors for preschool and daycare
The following factors play a part in preschool and daycare rates:
Child's age: Infant care is more expensive than care for toddlers, preschoolers, or older children.
Program schedule: Full-time care costs more than part-time or half-day programs. Parents who choose preschools that close during the summer may need additional care.
Facility type: Center-based care usually costs more than home-based options.
Location: Preschools and daycare centers in urban areas and certain states like California, New York, and Massachusetts have higher rates.
Free preschool: Many states offer free preschool programs for eligible families via government-funded programs or vouchers.
Number of children: If you have multiple children enrolling, your costs will increase quite a bit. However, many centers offer discounts for siblings.
Difference between daycare and preschool
Choosing between daycare versus preschool is a crucial choice for families looking for early childhood care. Although both offer supportive environments, they vary in age groups served, educational approaches, teacher qualifications, and flexibility. The following table highlights the main differences:
| Feature | Daycare | Preschool |
|---|---|---|
| Age range | Infants to 5+ years | 2.5 to 5 years |
| Educational focus | Mostly play-based | Structured; more academic |
| Schedule | Flexible; year-round; long hours | Set hours; school-year calendar |
| Teacher qualifications | Basic childcare training | Early childhood education certificates |
| Class size | Large, mixed-age groups | Small, age-specific classes |
| Cost | $540 – $1,500+ per month Higher cost for more hours |
$400 – $1,300 per month Lower cost but limited hours |
If you have older kids and are curious about Pre-K and TK, check out our guide on the difference between preschool, Pre-K, and TK.
Alternatives
If you're not sure what kind of child care is best for you, explore some of these alternative methods:
| Child care type | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Nanny cost | $2,300 – $4,300 |
| Live-in nanny cost | $3,000 – $5,200 |
| Nanny share cost | $1,500 – $2,600 |
| In-home daycare cost | $540 – $1,000 |
| Private homeschool teacher cost | $3,900 – $7,600 |
| Montessori school cost | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Au pair cost | $1,400 – $2,100 |
Tips for choosing a preschool or daycare
When searching for a preschool or daycare near you, follow these steps:
Get recommendations from friends and family you trust.
Read reviews on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit the daycare or preschool to check if indoor and outdoor areas are clean, safe, and welcoming.
Take your child along on a visit to see how they respond.
Verify class sizes and teacher-to-child ratios.
Ensure the curriculum is hands-on, age-appropriate, and includes plenty of outdoor play.
Select licensed preschools with experienced teachers who stay long-term.
Questions to ask child care directors
On your tour or during an interview with a center director, make sure you ask these questions:
How long have you served as director here, and what experience do you have in childcare?
What is your approach to early childhood education?
How do you create and update your curriculum?
How do you make sure activities fit each age group and support development?
How do you support children with special needs or behavioral challenges?
What training and qualifications do your teachers and staff have?
What steps do you take to keep staff turnover low and ensure consistency?
What is your staff-to-child ratio?
How do you maintain a safe and clean environment?
What are your procedures for handling illnesses and emergencies?
How do you keep parents informed about their child’s progress and daily experiences?
How do you address concerns or conflicts from parents?
Do you offer ways for parents to get involved or volunteer?
What are your operating hours and holiday schedule?
How do you manage discipline and guide children’s behavior?
What are your policies for meals, nap times, and outdoor play?
How do you handle enrollment and waiting lists?
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.