How Much Does Child Care Cost?
This guide covers typical US child care rates, the factors that change them, and practical ways to compare provider quotes.
Typical prices by job
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Mother's helper | Care while an adult remains home | $10 - $18 per hour |
| Babysitter | Occasional care for one or two children | $15 - $30 per hour |
| Family child care | Small-group care in a provider's home | $800 - $2,000 per month |
| Day care center | Scheduled group care and activities | $1,000 - $2,500 per month |
| Nanny | Dedicated in-home care and household support | $20 - $40 per hour |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What affects the price
Infant care usually costs more than care for older children because it requires closer supervision and lower child-to-adult ratios. Prices also rise for multiple children, special medical or developmental needs, transportation, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and late-night or weekend schedules.
Location matters: major cities and areas with high housing costs tend to charge more than smaller towns. Center care may cost less per hour than a one-child nanny, while a nanny offers more personal attention and schedule flexibility.
How to pay less
Ask about sibling discounts, enrollment fees, meals, supplies, late pickup charges, and holiday policies before comparing totals. Sharing a nanny, choosing part-time care, or using a licensed family child care home can reduce costs when the arrangement fits your schedule.
Get written quotes from several providers and confirm references, licensing, insurance, and background-check practices. Quotes from checked, reviewed providers on Reedleys are easier to compare against these typical ranges.
Cost questions
Many centers and home providers charge an enrollment fee, registration payment, or deposit to reserve a place. Ask whether it is refundable and when the remaining balance is due.
Quotes may cover different hours, age groups, staffing ratios, meals, transportation, and services such as homework help or housekeeping. Compare the included care and policies, not just the headline rate.
Yes. Common additions include late pickup, holiday care, transportation, supplies, activity fees, and payment processing charges. Request a complete fee schedule before signing an agreement.
Recognized Child Care businesses
Child care and early development program in Chicago's West Loop.
Home day care in Chicago offering child care, learning through play, nutritious food, and family tours.
Chicago child care center for children ages two to six.
Chicago daycare and learning center offering play-based care and preschool programs for children 15 months to 5 years.
Child care and day care center in Chicago offering programs for infants through preschoolers.
Chicago child care center offering early learning, preschool, and after-school programs.
Chicago child care and day care services open from 7am to 6pm.
Coworking space with onsite childcare for children ages 3 months to 4 years in Chicago.
Chicago early learning center offering care for children from 6 weeks to 6 years.
All-day daycare and preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years in Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood.