Average daycare costs, city comparisons, subsidy eligibility, and cost-saving strategies for California families.
In 2026, the average cost of child care in California ranks #5 most expensive among all 50 states and D.C. Infant center-based care averages $1,596 per month ($19,152 per year), which translates to approximately $368 per week or $74 per day. Costs vary significantly by city, provider type, and child's age.
San Francisco Bay Area is the most expensive region, with infant care averaging $2,100/month in San Francisco proper. Los Angeles metro averages $1,650/month, while Sacramento offers relative affordability at $1,350/month.
California's primary child care assistance program is the California CalWORKs Stage 1/2/3 & Alternative Payment. Families may qualify if their household income falls below 85% SMI (~$6,800/month for family of 4). Eligible families receive vouchers or direct payments to licensed child care providers, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
In addition to state subsidies, California families can reduce child care costs through federal tax benefits. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) allows you to claim up to 35% of $3,000 in expenses for one child ($1,050 max) or $6,000 for two or more children ($2,100 max). A Dependent Care FSA lets you set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax annually. Combined, these can offset $3,000-$7,000 in annual child care costs.
State Ranking: #5 most expensive in the U.S.
Annual Infant Care Cost: $19,152
Weekly Infant Care Cost: $368
Daily Infant Care Cost: $74
Subsidy Program: California CalWORKs Stage 1/2/3 & Alternative Payment
Income Limit: 85% SMI (~$6,800/month for family of 4)
Did You Know? California has the largest child care workforce in the nation with over 200,000 providers, yet still faces a shortage of approximately 900,000 licensed child care slots relative to the number of children under 5.
Child care costs in California vary by location. Here are the major cities where families search for child care: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, Oakland, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Anaheim.
Our data covers child care providers across California's major counties: Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Santa Clara County, Alameda County, Sacramento County, San Francisco County, Contra Costa County.
The average weekly cost of infant daycare in California is approximately $368 per week for full-time, center-based care. Toddler care averages about $313 per week, and school-age care averages $258 per week. Part-time care (3 days/week) typically costs 60-70% of the full-time rate.
San Francisco Bay Area is the most expensive region, with infant care averaging $2,100/month in San Francisco proper. Los Angeles metro averages $1,650/month, while Sacramento offers relative affordability at $1,350/month. Use our cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your specific location and child's age.
You may qualify for the California CalWORKs Stage 1/2/3 & Alternative Payment if your household income is below 85% SMI (~$6,800/month for family of 4). Eligibility also depends on employment status, child's age, and citizenship/residency. Use our subsidy eligibility calculator to check your qualification instantly.
Licensed family child care homes are typically the most affordable option, costing 15-30% less than center-based care. In California, this means approximately $1,197-$1,357/month for infant care at a family home vs. $1,596/month at a center. Nanny-shares (splitting a nanny with another family) can also reduce costs by 25-40%.
California's average infant care cost of $1,596/month is above the national average of approximately $1,000/month. California ranks #5 out of 51 (50 states + D.C.) for child care costs, making it one of the more expensive states for child care.
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