Average daycare costs, city comparisons, subsidy eligibility, and cost-saving strategies for Texas families.
In 2026, the average cost of child care in Texas ranks #15 most expensive among all 50 states and D.C. Infant center-based care averages $1,057 per month ($12,684 per year), which translates to approximately $244 per week or $49 per day. Costs vary significantly by city, provider type, and child's age.
Dallas-Fort Worth metro averages $1,180/month for infant center-based care, approximately 12% above the state average. Austin has seen the fastest growth, with costs rising 18% since 2022.
Texas's primary child care assistance program is the Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services. Families may qualify if their household income falls below 85% SMI (~$4,800/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, Texas 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: #15 most expensive in the U.S.
Annual Infant Care Cost: $12,684
Weekly Infant Care Cost: $244
Daily Infant Care Cost: $49
Subsidy Program: Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services
Income Limit: 85% SMI (~$4,800/month for family of 4)
Did You Know? Texas is the second-largest state by population and has one of the highest rates of child care deserts, with 44% of Texans living in areas with insufficient licensed child care supply.
Child care costs in Texas vary by location. Here are the major cities where families search for child care: Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, McKinney.
Our data covers child care providers across Texas's major counties: Harris County, Dallas County, Travis County, Bexar County, Tarrant County, Collin County, Denton County, Fort Bend County, Williamson County, Montgomery County.
The average weekly cost of infant daycare in Texas is approximately $244 per week for full-time, center-based care. Toddler care averages about $207 per week, and school-age care averages $171 per week. Part-time care (3 days/week) typically costs 60-70% of the full-time rate.
Dallas-Fort Worth metro averages $1,180/month for infant center-based care, approximately 12% above the state average. Austin has seen the fastest growth, with costs rising 18% since 2022. Use our cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your specific location and child's age.
You may qualify for the Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services if your household income is below 85% SMI (~$4,800/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 Texas, this means approximately $793-$898/month for infant care at a family home vs. $1,057/month at a center. Nanny-shares (splitting a nanny with another family) can also reduce costs by 25-40%.
Texas's average infant care cost of $1,057/month is above the national average of approximately $1,000/month. Texas ranks #15 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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