How much does daycare cost in NYC in 2025-2026
Full-time daycare (center-based) for infants in New York City typically costs $2,500 to $3,200+ per month, depending on facility, location, and included services. Some reports show NYC center-based infant care estimated at $3,003 per month in certain districts. On average, daycare for children under age two can cost between $15,000 and $20,000 annually for full-time care. For toddlers or preschoolers, monthly rates are slightly lower, often ranging $1,800 to $2,800, though still far above national averages.
These prices often include full-day service, staff ratios, meals, activities, and basic supplies. Many centers also charge additional fees for late pickups, extra hours, field trips, or materials. Because NYC has high demand and limited slots, many daycare centers are operating near capacity, further driving up prices for incoming families.
Childcare and daycare costs in New York City are among the highest in the United States. For parents seeking reliable, quality care for infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, the expense often becomes one of the biggest household burdens. In this guide, we break down current 2025–2026 daycare rates, cost drivers, borough comparisons, subsidies, and tips to manage these steep costs.
Why daycare is expensive in New York
There are several reasons why daycare in New York is so costly:
- High real estate and rent costs in NYC push up facility overhead.
- Strict regulations and high staffing ratios require more staff per child, especially for infants.
- Labor costs, including wages and benefits, are high in an expensive labor market.
- Limited supply and high demand—many neighborhoods have daycare “deserts.”
- Extra operational expenses such as insurance, curriculum, meals, utilities, and security.
All these factors combine to push daycare costs in New York well above national averages, making childcare one of the heaviest fixed costs for urban parents.
Daycare cost by borough in New York City
Costs vary by borough due to neighborhood desirability, facility type, and operating costs. Below is a rough borough-wise breakdown:
| Borough | Infant / Under-2 Full-Time Monthly | Toddler / Preschool Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | $2,500 – $3,200+ | $2,200 – $2,800 |
| Brooklyn | $2,200 – $3,000 | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Queens | $2,000 – $2,800 | $1,700 – $2,400 |
| Bronx | $1,800 – $2,500 | $1,500 – $2,200 |
| Staten Island | $1,900 – $2,600 | $1,600 – $2,300 |
In Manhattan, daycare centers in affluent neighborhoods often charge toward the upper end of that range. In outer boroughs like the Bronx or Staten Island, costs tend to be more moderate, though still substantial.
Centers with more premium features—such as bilingual programming, extended hours, or enriched curriculum—usually charge more. Some families end up in waitlists or paying “neighborhood premium” rates simply because of location scarcity.
Subsidies, assistance, and free/low-cost options
Given how high daycare costs are in NYC, many families seek subsidies or reduced rate programs. The city and state provide programs such as Infant & Toddler Programs and Early Head Start that offer free or low-cost daycare for eligible families, particularly for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.
Additionally, tax credits, voucher programs, and publicly funded preschool programs may offset costs for preschool-aged children. It’s essential to explore eligibility and apply early, since many subsidized spots fill quickly.
Cost comparison – NYC vs national averages
Nationally, average center-based childcare tends to run $1,200 to $1,500 per month for infants in many metro areas. By contrast, NYC’s daycare costs often double those national averages. The average cost of center-based care in NYC is estimated at about $26,000 per year for infants. These figures place New York among the most expensive cities in the country for daycare.
In many states with lower real estate and labor costs—such as in parts of the Midwest or South—childcare may cost $600 to $1,200 monthly for infants, highlighting the stark difference in urban centers like New York.
Trends and future outlook
Childcare costs in New York have risen sharply. Reports show average child care costs statewide reaching $14,621, making New York the second highest in the U.S. This growth reflects inflation, labor shortages, and mounting operational pressures on daycare providers.
As demand for early childhood care increases, and with limited capacity, many centers are raising rates or restricting acceptance. For parents, this means planning budgets well in advance, securing spots early, and staying alert to subsidy programs.
Tips to manage daycare costs in NYC
- Compare centers across boroughs—you might find lower rates just one subway stop away.
- Enroll early and get on waitlists, since popular centers often fill months in advance.
- Look for subsidies or voucher eligibility immediately after child’s birth or pre-birth.
- Consider part-time, shared care, or family daycare home models, which often cost less.
- Ask about additional fees—late pickup, supplies, meals, extra hours.
- Negotiate sibling discounts if you enroll more than one child.
- Explore employer-assisted childcare benefits or FSA flexible spending accounts.
Summary Table
| Topic | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Full-time infant daycare in NYC | $2,500 – $3,200+ per month |
| Toddler / preschool care | $1,800 – $2,800 monthly depending on borough |
| Borough differences | Manhattan highest, Bronx & Staten Island lowest |
| Subsidies & programs | Free/low-cost options available for eligible families |
| National comparison | NYC rates often double many U.S. averages |
| Cost drivers | Real estate, staffing, demand, regulation |
| Cost trends | Rapid growth, limited capacity, rising provider expenses |
FAQs About Daycare Cost in New York
Q: What does daycare in NYC typically include?
A: Full-day care typically includes meals, diapering, educational activities, and staffing, though some extras (supplies, field trips) cost more.
Q: Can I get daycare subsidies in NYC?
A: Yes, programs like Infant & Toddler care, Early Head Start, and vouchers may offer free or low-cost care for eligible families.
Q: Do preschool programs cost less than daycare?
A: Often yes—preschool costs for ages 3–5 tend to be lower, though the difference depends on the facility and service hours.
Q: Are there lower-cost home care options?
A: Yes, family day care or group home settings typically charge lower rates than formal centers.
Q: How early should I apply for daycare?
A: As early as possible—many sought-after centers require parents to join waitlists months (or even a year) in advance.