Child Care Costs in Arizona 2026: Phoenix, Tucson & Statewide Price Guide

Arizona offers relatively affordable childcare compared to coastal states, making it an attractive option for families relocating from higher-cost areas. While Phoenix-area costs have risen with the state's rapid population growth, childcare remains more accessible than in many other Sunbelt states experiencing similar booms. This guide breaks down what families actually pay across the Grand Canyon State.

Average Child Care Costs in Arizona

Quick Overview

| Care Type | Phoenix Metro | Tucson | Other Cities | Rural | |-----------|---------------|--------|--------------|-------| | Infant Daycare | $1,100-$1,600 | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 | $650-$950 | | Toddler Daycare | $950-$1,400 | $800-$1,150 | $700-$1,000 | $550-$850 | | Preschool | $850-$1,250 | $700-$1,000 | $600-$900 | $500-$750 | | Nanny | $2,600-$3,800 | $2,200-$3,200 | $2,000-$2,800 | $1,800-$2,500 | | Home Daycare | $750-$1,100 | $650-$950 | $550-$850 | $450-$700 |

Arizona childcare costs run approximately 15-20% below the national average, making it one of the more affordable states in the Southwest.

Cost Comparison to National Average

| Care Type | AZ Average | National Average | Difference | |-----------|------------|------------------|------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,200/month | $1,350/month | 11% below | | Toddler Daycare | $1,050/month | $1,200/month | 13% below | | Preschool | $950/month | $1,100/month | 14% below |

Arizona families spend an average of 10-13% of household income on childcare, which is below the national average but still above the federal affordability threshold of 7%.

Why Arizona Childcare Is More Affordable

Several factors contribute to Arizona's relatively lower childcare costs:

1. Lower cost of living: Real estate and wages are lower than coastal states
2. Less regulation: Arizona has fewer requirements than some other states
3. No union presence: Childcare workers aren't unionized
4. Population growth: New centers opening to meet demand, increasing competition
5. Warm climate: Lower facility costs (less heating, outdoor play year-round)

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Phoenix Metro Costs

Central Phoenix

Central Phoenix offers a range of options from premium to affordable.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,000-$1,500 | $12,000-$18,000 | | Preschool | $900-$1,350 | $10,800-$16,200 | | Nanny | $2,800-$4,000 | $33,600-$48,000 | | Home Daycare | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 |

By area:

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Arcadia | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,800 | Premium neighborhood | | Biltmore | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,800 | Upscale, limited spots | | Paradise Valley | $1,600-$2,200 | $1,400-$1,900 | Highest in Phoenix | | Ahwatukee | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,500 | Family-oriented | | Central Phoenix | $1,150-$1,650 | $1,000-$1,450 | Diverse options | | Encanto | $1,100-$1,550 | $950-$1,400 | Historic area | | Maryvale | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 | Most affordable | | West Phoenix | $950-$1,350 | $850-$1,200 | Budget-friendly |

Central Phoenix specifics:

• Arcadia and Biltmore command premium prices
• Downtown Phoenix has growing options for working parents
• South Mountain area offers good value
• Many chain centers (Kindercare, Bright Horizons) in business districts

Scottsdale

Premium market with the highest childcare costs in Arizona.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,400-$2,000 | $16,800-$24,000 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 | | Preschool | $1,050-$1,550 | $12,600-$18,600 | | Nanny | $3,200-$4,500 | $38,400-$54,000 | | Home Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 |

By area:

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | North Scottsdale | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | DC Ranch, Troon area | | Central Scottsdale | $1,400-$1,950 | $1,200-$1,750 | Old Town adjacent | | South Scottsdale | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,550 | More affordable |

Scottsdale specifics:

• Highest concentration of premium centers in Arizona
• Many Montessori and Reggio Emilia programs
• Shorter waitlists than coastal cities
• Resort-area families may have seasonal needs

East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe)

Growing family population with good options at moderate prices.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,050-$1,550 | $12,600-$18,600 | | Toddler Daycare | $900-$1,350 | $10,800-$16,200 | | Preschool | $800-$1,200 | $9,600-$14,400 | | Nanny | $2,500-$3,600 | $30,000-$43,200 | | Home Daycare | $725-$1,050 | $8,700-$12,600 |

By city:

| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Gilbert | $1,150-$1,600 | $1,000-$1,400 | Top schools, family-oriented | | Chandler | $1,100-$1,550 | $950-$1,350 | Intel, tech employers | | Tempe | $1,100-$1,550 | $950-$1,350 | ASU influence | | Mesa | $1,000-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | Diverse, more affordable | | Queen Creek | $1,050-$1,500 | $900-$1,300 | Growing suburb | | Apache Junction | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 | Most affordable East Valley |

East Valley specifics:

• Gilbert consistently rated among best places to raise a family
• Intel and tech employers in Chandler offer childcare benefits
• ASU in Tempe provides educated childcare workforce
• Many new centers opening to meet growing demand

West Valley (Glendale, Peoria, Surprise)

Best value in the Phoenix metro with growing options.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $950-$1,400 | $11,400-$16,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 | | Preschool | $750-$1,100 | $9,000-$13,200 | | Nanny | $2,300-$3,300 | $27,600-$39,600 | | Home Daycare | $650-$950 | $7,800-$11,400 |

By city:

| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Peoria | $1,000-$1,400 | $900-$1,250 | Good schools | | Glendale | $950-$1,350 | $850-$1,200 | Diverse options | | Surprise | $950-$1,350 | $850-$1,200 | Growing rapidly | | Goodyear | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 | Newer communities | | Buckeye | $850-$1,250 | $750-$1,100 | Most affordable | | Avondale | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 | Good value |

West Valley specifics:

• Fastest-growing area in Phoenix metro
• New centers opening regularly
• Many church-based programs
• Good value for quality care

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Tucson Area Costs

City of Tucson

Arizona's second-largest city offers significantly lower costs than Phoenix.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $950-$1,350 | $11,400-$16,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 | | Preschool | $750-$1,050 | $9,000-$12,600 | | Nanny | $2,400-$3,400 | $28,800-$40,800 | | Home Daycare | $700-$1,000 | $8,400-$12,000 |

By area:

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Catalina Foothills | $1,200-$1,600 | $1,050-$1,450 | Premium area | | Oro Valley | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,350 | Affluent suburb | | Midtown | $1,000-$1,400 | $900-$1,250 | Near University | | Sam Hughes | $1,050-$1,450 | $925-$1,300 | Historic neighborhood | | East Tucson | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 | Moderate costs | | Northwest Tucson | $950-$1,350 | $850-$1,200 | Growing area | | South Tucson | $800-$1,150 | $700-$1,000 | Most affordable | | Downtown | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 | Limited options |

Tucson specifics:

• University of Arizona creates educated workforce
• Strong outdoor education programs (desert ecology)
• Davis-Monthan AFB provides military childcare
• Generally 15-25% cheaper than Phoenix

Tucson Suburbs

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Oro Valley | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | Northwest suburb | | Marana | $950-$1,350 | $850-$1,200 | Northwest, growing | | Sahuarita | $850-$1,200 | $750-$1,050 | South of Tucson | | Green Valley | $800-$1,150 | $700-$1,000 | Retirement/family mix | | Vail | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 | Southeast suburb |

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Other Arizona Cities

Flagstaff

Northern Arizona university town with higher cost of living due to limited supply.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $900-$1,250 | $10,800-$15,000 | | Preschool | $800-$1,150 | $9,600-$13,800 | | Nanny | $2,500-$3,500 | $30,000-$42,000 | | Home Daycare | $750-$1,100 | $9,000-$13,200 |

Flagstaff challenges:

• Limited availability due to small market
• Higher costs than expected due to housing costs
• Northern Arizona University provides some options
• Severe childcare shortage—start looking early

Prescott/Prescott Valley

Retirement community with growing family population.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $900-$1,250 | $10,800-$15,000 | | Toddler Daycare | $800-$1,100 | $9,600-$13,200 | | Preschool | $700-$1,000 | $8,400-$12,000 | | Home Daycare | $650-$900 | $7,800-$10,800 |

Prescott area notes:

• Limited options due to older population
• Growing demand as families move in
• Lower costs than Phoenix

Yuma

Southwest Arizona with military influence.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $800-$1,100 | $9,600-$13,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $700-$1,000 | $8,400-$12,000 | | Preschool | $600-$900 | $7,200-$10,800 | | Nanny | $2,000-$2,800 | $24,000-$33,600 | | Home Daycare | $550-$800 | $6,600-$9,600 |

Yuma specifics:

• MCAS Yuma provides military childcare
• Agricultural community influence
• Some of the lowest costs in Arizona
• Hot summers may limit outdoor play options

Lake Havasu City

Western Arizona resort/retirement community.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $850-$1,150 | $10,200-$13,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $750-$1,050 | $9,000-$12,600 | | Preschool | $650-$950 | $7,800-$11,400 | | Home Daycare | $600-$850 | $7,200-$10,200 |

Sierra Vista

Military community near Fort Huachuca.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $800-$1,100 | $9,600-$13,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $700-$1,000 | $8,400-$12,000 | | Preschool | $600-$900 | $7,200-$10,800 |

Military families: On-post childcare at Fort Huachuca offers income-based rates.

Other Cities

| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Casa Grande | $850-$1,200 | $750-$1,050 | Between Phoenix/Tucson | | Kingman | $800-$1,100 | $700-$1,000 | Northwest Arizona | | Bullhead City | $800-$1,100 | $700-$1,000 | Colorado River | | Show Low | $750-$1,050 | $650-$950 | White Mountains |

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Arizona Child Care Assistance

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Arizona's primary childcare subsidy program.

Who qualifies:

• Families at or below 165% federal poverty level
• Working, in school, or in approved job training
• Teen parents completing education

Income limits (2024):

| Family Size | Maximum Income | |-------------|----------------| | 2 | $30,800/year | | 3 | $41,000/year | | 4 | $49,500/year | | 5 | $58,000/year |

What's covered:

• Licensed child care centers
• Certified family child care homes
• In-home care (with restrictions)

Copay structure:

• Based on income and family size
• Ranges from $0 to ~$150/week

How to apply:

1. Visit des.az.gov
2. Create an account on Arizona's DES portal
3. Complete CCAP application
4. Provide documentation (income, work schedule)
5. Processing takes approximately 30 days

First Things First

Arizona's unique early childhood development organization.

What they offer:

• Quality First scholarships for childcare
• Free developmental screenings
• Parent education programs
• Community health initiatives

Quality First Scholarships:

• For families who don't qualify for CCAP
• Available at Quality First-rated centers
• Income limits higher than CCAP
• Varying subsidy amounts based on need

Check eligibility: firstthingsfirst.org

Head Start & Early Head Start

Who qualifies:

• Families at or below 100% federal poverty level
• Foster children (automatic eligibility)
• Homeless families (automatic eligibility)
• Children with disabilities

What's included:

• Free preschool (Head Start: ages 3-5)
• Free infant/toddler care (Early Head Start: birth-3)
• Health screenings
• Nutritious meals
• Family support services

Cost: Completely free.

Arizona District-Based Pre-K

Some Arizona school districts offer free or low-cost preschool:

| District | Program Details | |----------|-----------------| | Mesa Public Schools | Free Pre-K for qualifying families | | Phoenix Union | Pre-K programs at select schools | | Tempe Elementary | Early childhood programs | | Tucson Unified | Pre-K options available | | Gilbert Public Schools | Limited Pre-K offerings |

Check your district: Contact your local school department for availability.

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Ways to Save on Childcare in Arizona

1. Quality First Scholarships

Check if you qualify—income limits are higher than CCAP, and many families don't realize they're eligible.

Potential savings: $200-800/month depending on income

2. Dependent Care FSA

Arizona has a flat tax rate of 2.5%, so state tax savings are modest, but federal savings remain significant.

Savings on $5,000 contributed:

| Income Level | Federal Savings | AZ State Savings | Total Savings | |--------------|-----------------|------------------|---------------| | $50,000 | $600 | $125 | $725 | | $75,000 | $1,100 | $125 | $1,225 | | $100,000 | $1,200 | $125 | $1,325 | | $150,000+ | $1,600 | $125 | $1,725 |

3. Licensed Home Daycare

Family child care costs 30-40% less than centers in Arizona.

| Care Type | Center Cost | Home Daycare | Savings | |-----------|------------|--------------|---------| | Infant (Phoenix) | $1,400/month | $950/month | $450/month | | Toddler (Phoenix) | $1,200/month | $825/month | $375/month |

Annual savings: $4,500-5,400/year

4. Church-Based Programs

Arizona has numerous faith-based childcare options at 20-30% below market rates.

Benefits:

• Lower costs
• Values-based curriculum
• Community connections
• Many are Quality First rated

5. West Valley and South Phoenix Living

| Location | Infant Cost | vs. Scottsdale | |----------|-------------|----------------| | Scottsdale | $1,700 | baseline | | Gilbert | $1,350 | -$350/month | | Mesa | $1,200 | -$500/month | | Glendale | $1,150 | -$550/month | | Buckeye | $1,050 | -$650/month |

Annual savings: $4,200-7,800 by choosing West Valley.

6. Military Family Benefits

Arizona has several military installations:

| Installation | Location | Childcare Services | |--------------|----------|-------------------| | Luke Air Force Base | Glendale | On-base CDC | | Davis-Monthan AFB | Tucson | On-base CDC | | Fort Huachuca | Sierra Vista | On-post CDC, FCC | | MCAS Yuma | Yuma | On-base CDC |

Military childcare benefits:

• Income-based fees (often 40-50% less than civilian)
• Priority placement
• Fee assistance programs
• MilitaryChildCare.com for waitlist management

7. Summer Camp Planning

Arizona's year-round school options (many districts offer multi-track schedules) can help with childcare scheduling by providing more consistent care needs.

8. Nanny Share Arrangements

Split costs with another family.

| Arrangement | Per Family Cost (Phoenix) | |-------------|--------------------------| | Private nanny | $3,200/month | | Nanny share | $2,000/month | | Savings | $1,200/month |

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Finding Childcare in Arizona

DES Child Care Provider Search

Arizona Department of Economic Security maintains a searchable database.

Visit: des.az.gov/childcare

Search for:

• Licensed child care centers
• Certified family child care homes
• CCAP-accepting providers

Quality First Ratings

Arizona's quality rating system administered by First Things First.

Rating levels:

• Quality First Participant: Enrolled in quality improvement
• 1 Star: Committed to quality
• 2 Stars: Approaching quality standards
• 3 Stars: Meeting quality standards
• 4 Stars: Exceeding quality standards
• 5 Stars: Highest quality

How to use it:

• Search at qualityfirstaz.com
• Look for 3+ stars for quality assurance
• Quality First scholarships available at participating centers

Licensing Requirements

Arizona has moderate licensing requirements:

| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Maximum Group Size | |-----------|-------------------|-------------------| | Infants (0-12 months) | 1:5 | 10 | | Toddlers (12-24 months) | 1:6 | 12 | | 2-year-olds | 1:8 | 16 | | 3-year-olds | 1:13 | 26 | | 4-5 year-olds | 1:15 | 30 |

Note: Arizona has higher ratios than many states, which contributes to lower costs.

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FAQ

Q: Is Phoenix or Tucson cheaper for childcare?

A: Tucson is 15-25% cheaper than Phoenix for comparable care. The cost of living difference between the cities extends to childcare.

Q: Does Arizona have free Pre-K?

A: Not universally, but some school districts offer free Pre-K programs, and Quality First scholarships help many families access quality care at reduced cost. Head Start is free for income-qualifying families.

Q: What's the cheapest area in Arizona for childcare?

A: Rural areas and smaller cities like Yuma, Sierra Vista, and smaller towns have the lowest costs. Within metros, West Phoenix/Buckeye and South Tucson are most affordable.

Q: How does Arizona compare to other states?

A: Arizona is significantly cheaper than California, Washington, or Colorado (25-40% less), about the same as Texas, and slightly more expensive than some other Sunbelt states. It's a good value for childcare in the Southwest.

Q: What's the childcare situation in Flagstaff?

A: Flagstaff has a severe childcare shortage due to its small market and high housing costs. Start looking very early (before birth for infant care), and expect higher prices than Phoenix despite being a smaller city.

Q: Are Arizona daycare waitlists long?

A: Generally shorter than coastal cities. Phoenix: 3-9 months for quality centers. Scottsdale: 6-12 months. Tucson: 1-6 months. Flagstaff: 6-12 months (due to shortage). Rural areas: usually immediate availability.

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Conclusion

Arizona offers relatively affordable childcare compared to coastal states, making it an attractive destination for families relocating from higher-cost areas. The state's Quality First system helps identify quality programs, and various assistance programs provide support for lower-income families.

Key takeaways:

• Arizona is 15-20% below national average for childcare costs
• Scottsdale is most expensive; West Valley and rural areas offer best value
• Quality First scholarships help families who don't qualify for CCAP
• Tucson is 15-25% cheaper than Phoenix
• Military families have excellent on-base options
• Flagstaff has a childcare shortage—plan early
• Year-round school options can help with childcare scheduling

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More Arizona childcare resources:

• How Much Does Child Care Cost? →
• How to Afford Child Care →
• Childcare Costs in California →
• Childcare Costs in Colorado →