Childcare costs
County childcare prices from the Department of Labor’s National Database of Childcare Prices.
Center-Based vs. Home-Based Childcare Cost
Denver center infant care runs $430 a week vs $223 at licensed homes (NDCP 2022), $13,145 a year apart today. Home care is cheaper in 333 of 360 metros.
Cheapest States for Childcare (NDCP Data)
Alabama's metros average $162 a week for center infant care in 2026 dollars ($8,440 a year); DC averages $599 ($31,147). Every state ranked on NDCP prices.
Child Tax Credit 2026: What Families Get
The 2026 Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per child, up to $1,700 refundable, phasing out above $200,000 ($400,000 joint). A $120k couple with two kids gets $4,400.
How Much Does Daycare Cost by County?
Center infant care costs $607 a week in San Francisco County (NDCP 2022), about $38,559 a year in 2026 dollars, against $194 in Dallas County. Every big metro.
Infant Care Cost vs. Preschool Cost
Center infant care in Boston costs 69% more than preschool, a $15,256-a-year premium (NDCP 2022, in 2026 dollars). In a typical metro the premium is 18%.