Average daycare costs, city comparisons, subsidy eligibility, and cost-saving strategies for Georgia families.
In 2026, the average cost of child care in Georgia ranks #22 most expensive among all 50 states and D.C. Infant center-based care averages $893 per month ($10,716 per year), which translates to approximately $206 per week or $41 per day. Costs vary significantly by city, provider type, and child's age.
Metro Atlanta (Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett counties) averages $1,050/month for infant care, approximately 18% above the state average. Savannah and Augusta average $800-$850/month. Rural Georgia can be as low as $600/month.
Georgia's primary child care assistance program is the Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS). Families may qualify if their household income falls below 85% SMI (~$4,600/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, Georgia 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: #22 most expensive in the U.S.
Annual Infant Care Cost: $10,716
Weekly Infant Care Cost: $206
Daily Infant Care Cost: $41
Subsidy Program: Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS)
Income Limit: 85% SMI (~$4,600/month for family of 4)
Did You Know? Georgia offers one of the most generous employer child care tax credits in the nation — up to 100% of eligible employee child care expenses — making it one of the best states for employers to implement child care benefit programs.
Child care costs in Georgia vary by location. Here are the major cities where families search for child care: Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Athens, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Macon, Johns Creek, Alpharetta.
Our data covers child care providers across Georgia's major counties: Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Cobb County, DeKalb County, Chatham County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, Henry County, Richmond County, Hall County.
The average weekly cost of infant daycare in Georgia is approximately $206 per week for full-time, center-based care. Toddler care averages about $175 per week, and school-age care averages $144 per week. Part-time care (3 days/week) typically costs 60-70% of the full-time rate.
Metro Atlanta (Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett counties) averages $1,050/month for infant care, approximately 18% above the state average. Savannah and Augusta average $800-$850/month. Rural Georgia can be as low as $600/month. Use our cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your specific location and child's age.
You may qualify for the Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) if your household income is below 85% SMI (~$4,600/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 Georgia, this means approximately $670-$759/month for infant care at a family home vs. $893/month at a center. Nanny-shares (splitting a nanny with another family) can also reduce costs by 25-40%.
Georgia's average infant care cost of $893/month is below the national average of approximately $1,000/month. Georgia ranks #22 out of 51 (50 states + D.C.) for child care costs, making it one of the less expensive states for child care.
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