Average daycare cost in California

In California, the estimated median price of full-time infant care at a licensed center is about $1,670 per month (around $1,125 in home-based family child care), based on federal market-rate data. Prices drop as children get older.

These are estimates, not quotes. They come from California's childcare Market Rate Survey (2016–2018 collection, shown in 2023 dollars via the childcare CPI) as published by the U.S. Department of Labor. These are median prices across every licensed program — half of programs charge more, and well-regarded metro centers commonly charge 50–100% above the median. Prices have also risen since the survey period. Always confirm current rates directly with the daycare.

Estimated median price by age group

Age group	Center / month	Center / week	Home-based / month	Center / year
Infant	$1,670	$385	$1,125	$20,039
Toddler	$1,185	$274	$1,025	$14,225
Preschool	$1,185	$274	$1,025	$14,225
School age (part day)	$996	$230	$849	$11,957

Median market-rate price for one child. School-age reflects part-day care during the school year. "—" = not reported in the federal dataset.

Price is half the picture

A price only means something next to the program's safety record. Browse licensed daycares in California to see each facility's official inspection history and violations, or check California in the Childcare Safety & Supply Index for the statewide picture. Our guide to looking up daycare violations shows how to read what inspectors found.

Source: National Database of Childcare Prices, Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor (state-level estimates, retrieved 2026-08-08). Figures are federal estimates, not quotes from any facility.