How Much Is Daycare in Colorado? 2026 Costs
Short answer: Full-time infant daycare in Colorado averages $1,748 a month, about $403 a week, at a licensed center (Child Care Aware of America, 2024 prices), the 7th-highest price in the country. Denver centers commonly charge $1,500 to $2,200 a month, and Universal Preschool (UPK) gives every 4-year-old free preschool hours.
Colorado centers average $1,748 a month ($403 a week) for infant care, 7th highest in the US. Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs compared, plus free UPK.
Colorado's rapidly growing population and high cost of living have pushed childcare costs well above the national average, especially along the Front Range and in mountain communities. Colorado ranks 7th of the 50 states and DC for center infant care prices in Child Care Aware of America's 2024 data, between Washington and New York. However, the state now offers Universal Preschool (UPK) for all 4-year-olds, a significant new benefit that provides 10-30 hours of free preschool weekly.
This guide breaks down what families actually pay across the Centennial State, from the expensive Boulder market to more affordable options.
Average Daycare Cost in Colorado (Latest Statewide Data)
| Age group | Center, per year | Center, per month | Center, per week | Family child care home, per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | $20,978 | $1,748 | $403 | $1,139 |
| Toddler | $17,479 | $1,457 | $336 | $1,139 |
| 4-year-old | $14,800 | $1,233 | $285 | $1,069 |
Source: Child Care Aware of America, Child Care in America: 2024 Affordability Analysis, Tables I and II. Statewide averages for full-time care at 2024 prices, the latest published. Monthly figures are the annual price divided by 12, weekly figures divided by 52.
For context, Child Care Aware of America put the national average price of care, across all ages and care types, at $13,128 a year in its 2024 Price and Supply analysis.
Colorado Daycare Cost by Region
Monthly Estimates at a Glance
| Care Type | Denver Metro | Boulder | Colorado Springs | Mountain/Rural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,500-$2,200 | $1,700-$2,400 | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,100-$1,600 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,300-$1,900 | $1,450-$2,100 | $1,000-$1,450 | $950-$1,400 |
| Preschool | $1,100-$1,600 | $1,250-$1,800 | $900-$1,300 | $850-$1,250 |
| Nanny | $3,200-$4,500 | $3,500-$5,000 | $2,600-$3,600 | $2,400-$3,400 |
| Home Daycare | $1,100-$1,500 | $1,200-$1,700 | $850-$1,200 | $750-$1,100 |
Regional ranges are estimates of typical full-time rates. Individual centers vary, so confirm current tuition with each provider.
Infant rooms cost the most because Colorado requires one teacher for every five infants (1:5). See child care ratios by state to compare.
Colorado families spend an average of 12-16% of household income on childcare, which is above the national average.
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Denver Metro Costs
City and County of Denver
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,650-$2,350 | $19,800-$28,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,450-$2,050 | $17,400-$24,600 |
| Preschool | $1,250-$1,750 | $15,000-$21,000 |
| Nanny | $3,500-$5,000 | $42,000-$60,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,250-$1,700 | $15,000-$20,400 |
By neighborhood:
| Neighborhood | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Creek | $2,100-$2,800 | $1,850-$2,500 | Premium |
| Wash Park | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,750-$2,400 | Popular with families |
| Highlands/LoHi | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,750-$2,400 | Trendy, walkable |
| Platt Park | $1,900-$2,600 | $1,650-$2,300 | Family-oriented |
| Congress Park | $1,850-$2,500 | $1,600-$2,200 | Near City Park |
| Capitol Hill | $1,750-$2,400 | $1,500-$2,100 | Urban |
| Park Hill | $1,800-$2,450 | $1,550-$2,150 | Diverse, growing |
| Central Park (Stapleton) | $1,700-$2,350 | $1,500-$2,050 | Planned community |
| Lowry | $1,700-$2,350 | $1,500-$2,050 | Former air base |
| RiNo/Five Points | $1,800-$2,450 | $1,550-$2,150 | Artsy, developing |
| Sloan's Lake | $1,850-$2,500 | $1,600-$2,200 | Lakefront |
| Green Valley Ranch | $1,400-$1,950 | $1,200-$1,700 | More affordable |
| Montbello | $1,350-$1,900 | $1,150-$1,650 | Most affordable |
Denver Suburbs
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Preschool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Hills Village | $1,900-$2,600 | $1,650-$2,300 | $1,450-$2,000 |
| Greenwood Village | $1,850-$2,550 | $1,600-$2,250 | $1,400-$1,950 |
| Centennial | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | $1,150-$1,600 |
| Highlands Ranch | $1,550-$2,150 | $1,350-$1,900 | $1,200-$1,650 |
| Littleton | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | $1,150-$1,600 |
| Englewood | $1,450-$2,000 | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,550 |
| Aurora (West) | $1,500-$2,050 | $1,300-$1,800 | $1,150-$1,600 |
| Aurora (East) | $1,350-$1,900 | $1,150-$1,650 | $1,000-$1,450 |
| Lakewood | $1,450-$2,000 | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,550 |
| Wheat Ridge | $1,400-$1,950 | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,500 |
| Westminster | $1,400-$1,950 | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,500 |
| Arvada | $1,450-$2,000 | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,550 |
| Golden | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | $1,150-$1,600 |
| Thornton | $1,350-$1,900 | $1,150-$1,650 | $1,000-$1,450 |
| Northglenn | $1,300-$1,850 | $1,100-$1,600 | $950-$1,400 |
| Commerce City | $1,250-$1,800 | $1,050-$1,550 | $900-$1,350 |
| Parker | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | $1,150-$1,600 |
| Castle Rock | $1,450-$2,050 | $1,250-$1,800 | $1,100-$1,550 |
Boulder County Costs
City of Boulder
Boulder has Colorado's most expensive childcare market, driven by limited supply, high demand from university and tech workers, and expensive real estate.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,850-$2,600 | $22,200-$31,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,600-$2,300 | $19,200-$27,600 |
| Preschool | $1,400-$2,000 | $16,800-$24,000 |
| Nanny | $4,000-$5,500 | $48,000-$66,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,350-$1,900 | $16,200-$22,800 |
By area:
- North Boulder, Mapleton Hill: Highest ($2,200-2,900)
- Downtown, University Hill: Very high ($2,000-2,700)
- Table Mesa, Martin Acres: High ($1,850-2,500)
- Gunbarrel: Slightly more moderate ($1,700-2,400)
- South Boulder: High ($1,850-2,500)
Critical shortage: Boulder has one of Colorado's worst childcare shortages. Waitlists can exceed 12-18 months for infant care. Start searching during pregnancy.
Boulder County Suburbs
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $1,700-$2,350 | $1,450-$2,050 | Premium suburb |
| Superior | $1,700-$2,350 | $1,450-$2,050 | Near Louisville |
| Lafayette | $1,550-$2,150 | $1,350-$1,900 | Growing town |
| Broomfield (part) | $1,550-$2,150 | $1,350-$1,900 | Own county |
| Longmont | $1,400-$2,000 | $1,200-$1,750 | Most affordable |
| Erie | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | Fast-growing |
| Niwot | $1,600-$2,250 | $1,400-$1,950 | Small town feel |
| Nederland | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | Mountain town, limited |
Colorado Springs Area
City of Colorado Springs
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,250-$1,750 | $15,000-$21,000 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,100-$1,550 | $13,200-$18,600 |
| Preschool | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 |
| Nanny | $2,800-$4,000 | $33,600-$48,000 |
| Home Daycare | $950-$1,350 | $11,400-$16,200 |
By area:
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadmoor | $1,550-$2,150 | $1,350-$1,900 | Premium |
| The Bluffs/Briargate | $1,400-$1,950 | $1,200-$1,700 | Growing north side |
| Flying Horse | $1,450-$2,000 | $1,250-$1,750 | Newer development |
| Downtown | $1,300-$1,800 | $1,100-$1,550 | Urban revitalization |
| Old Colorado City | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,050-$1,500 | Artsy |
| Powers Corridor | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,000-$1,450 | Commercial area |
| Southeast | $1,150-$1,600 | $1,000-$1,400 | Established |
| Cimarron Hills | $1,100-$1,550 | $950-$1,350 | More affordable |
| Security-Widefield | $1,050-$1,500 | $900-$1,300 | Near Fort Carson |
Colorado Springs Suburbs
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument | $1,400-$1,950 | $1,200-$1,700 | Between COS and Denver |
| Palmer Lake | $1,350-$1,900 | $1,150-$1,650 | Small town |
| Fountain | $1,150-$1,600 | $1,000-$1,400 | Military influence |
| Manitou Springs | $1,300-$1,850 | $1,100-$1,550 | Quirky mountain town |
| Woodland Park | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,050-$1,500 | Mountain gateway |
Military families: Fort Carson offers on-base CDC childcare with income-based fees.
Mountain Communities
Childcare in Colorado's mountain towns is extremely expensive and very limited.
| Location | Infant Daycare | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspen | $2,200-$3,000 | Very Limited | Resort town premium |
| Vail | $2,000-$2,800 | Very Limited | Ski town |
| Beaver Creek | $2,000-$2,800 | Very Limited | Near Vail |
| Breckenridge | $1,700-$2,400 | Limited | Summit County |
| Keystone/Dillon | $1,650-$2,300 | Limited | Summit County |
| Steamboat Springs | $1,600-$2,250 | Limited | Ski town |
| Telluride | $1,900-$2,700 | Very Limited | Resort town |
| Durango | $1,400-$1,950 | Moderate | College town |
| Glenwood Springs | $1,500-$2,100 | Limited | I-70 corridor |
| Estes Park | $1,400-$2,000 | Limited | Gateway to RMNP |
Mountain town challenges:
- Severe childcare shortages
- High staff housing costs
- Seasonal demand fluctuations
- Limited facility space
- Join waitlists during pregnancy
Other Colorado Cities
Fort Collins
University town (CSU) with moderate costs.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,350-$1,900 | $16,200-$22,800 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,150-$1,650 | $13,800-$19,800 |
| Preschool | $1,050-$1,500 | $12,600-$18,000 |
| Nanny | $2,900-$4,000 | $34,800-$48,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 |
By area:
- Old Town, Downtown: Highest ($1,500-2,100)
- Campus West: High ($1,400-1,950)
- South Fort Collins: Moderate ($1,300-1,850)
- Loveland: More affordable ($1,200-1,700)
- Windsor: Moderate ($1,250-1,750)
Greeley
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,150-$1,600 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 |
| Preschool | $900-$1,300 |
Pueblo
Most affordable Front Range city.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 |
| Toddler Daycare | $900-$1,250 |
| Preschool | $800-$1,150 |
Grand Junction (Western Slope)
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,100-$1,550 |
| Toddler Daycare | $950-$1,350 |
| Preschool | $850-$1,200 |
Other Cities
| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Montrose | $1,000-$1,450 | $900-$1,300 |
| Alamosa | $950-$1,350 | $850-$1,200 |
| La Junta | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 |
| Sterling | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 |
Colorado Child Care Assistance
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
Colorado's main childcare subsidy program.
Who qualifies:
- Families at or below 185% federal poverty level
- Working, in school, or searching for employment
- Some counties have higher income limits
Income limits (2024):
- Family of 3: $46,000/year
- Family of 4: $55,500/year
What you get:
- Subsidy covers most childcare costs
- Copay based on income (can be $0)
- Can use at licensed centers, family childcare, or approved informal care
How to apply: Through your county Department of Human Services
Colorado Preschool Program (CPP)
State-funded preschool for qualifying children.
Who qualifies:
- 3 and 4-year-olds with identified risk factors
- Income is one of many risk factors considered
- Children with disabilities
- English language learners
Cost: Free for qualifying children.
How to apply: Through your local school district.
Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK)
Major new program starting 2023-2024!
Colorado now offers free preschool hours for ALL 4-year-olds, regardless of income.
Base Program (All Families)
| Family Type | Free Hours/Week |
|---|---|
| All 4-year-olds | 10 hours |
| High-need areas | 15 hours |
Extended Hours (Qualifying Families)
| Qualification | Additional Hours |
|---|---|
| Income below 185% FPL | +10-15 hours |
| IEP/disability | +10-15 hours |
| Homeless/foster | +10-15 hours |
| English learner | Additional hours |
Maximum: Up to 30 hours/week for qualifying families.
UPK Savings Calculation
Without UPK: Full-time preschool = $15,000-22,000/year
With UPK (10 free hours + extended paid hours):
- UPK: FREE (10 hours)
- Extended hours: $600-1,000/month
- Total: $7,200-12,000/year
Annual savings: $5,000-15,000
How to Apply for UPK
- Create account at universalpreschool.colorado.gov
- Complete eligibility survey (when child turns 3)
- See your child's hours and any additional qualifications
- Browse participating providers
- Apply to your top choices
- Enrollment opens late winter for fall start
Colorado Shines Quality Rating
Colorado's quality rating system for childcare programs.
Rating Levels:
- Level 5: Highest quality
- Level 4: High quality
- Level 3: Quality program
- Level 2: Meets standards
- Level 1: Licensed
What to look for: Aim for Level 3-5 programs for best quality indicators.
Search: coloradoshines.com
Ways to Save on Childcare in Colorado
1. Universal Preschool (4-Year-Olds)
Savings: $5,000-15,000/year depending on hours received.
Tip: Complete eligibility survey carefully to maximize hours.
2. Dependent Care FSA
Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax.
Savings on $5,000 contributed (the limit rises to $7,500 per household for 2026 under IRS Publication 15-B, so savings run about 50 percent higher if you contribute the maximum):
- Federal tax savings: $1,100-1,500
- CO state tax savings: $220
- Total: $1,320-1,720/year
3. Colorado Child Care Tax Credit
Colorado offers a generous state credit tied to the federal credit:
- 50% of federal credit for families under $60,000
- 30% of federal credit for families $60,000-100,000
- 10% of federal credit for families over $100,000
Potential savings: $200-1,200/year depending on income.
4. Licensed Family Home Care
Home daycares cost 25-35% less than centers. Colorado has strong family childcare licensing.
5. Move East of I-25
Eastern suburbs (Aurora, Thornton, Commerce City) often cost 15-25% less than central Denver or Boulder.
6. Church and Faith-Based Programs
Colorado has many faith-based childcare options at 15-25% below market rates.
7. Employer Benefits
Major Colorado employers with childcare benefits:
- Tech: Google Boulder, Oracle, Workday
- Healthcare: UCHealth, Children's Hospital Colorado
- Aerospace: Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace
- Finance: Charles Schwab
- Military: Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Buckley SFB
Finding Childcare in Colorado
Where to Search
State resources:
- Colorado Shines (coloradoshines.com)
- Universal Preschool Colorado (universalpreschool.colorado.gov)
- Colorado Early Learning and Care
National resources:
- Care.com
- Winnie.com
- Yelp reviews
Licensing Requirements
Colorado licenses childcare centers and family childcare homes. Look for:
- Current license displayed
- Colorado Shines quality rating
- Staff-to-child ratios met
- Recent inspection reports
FAQ
Q: Does Colorado have free Pre-K?
A: Yes! Colorado now offers Universal Preschool (UPK), 10-15 free hours/week for ALL 4-year-olds, with up to 30 hours for qualifying families based on income and other factors.
Q: Is Denver or Boulder more expensive for childcare?
A: Boulder is typically 10-15% more expensive than Denver due to limited supply, high demand, and higher cost of living.
Q: Why are mountain towns so expensive?
A: Limited real estate for facilities, extreme housing costs for staff, high cost of living, and significant demand from resort workers all drive costs up.
Q: What's the most affordable city in Colorado?
A: Pueblo and Greeley offer the lowest costs along the Front Range. Grand Junction is affordable on the Western Slope. Eastern plains cities (Sterling, La Junta) are also affordable but have limited options.
Q: How do I find quality childcare in Colorado?
A: Use Colorado Shines at coloradoshines.com to search for quality-rated programs. Aim for Level 3-5 programs.
Q: When should I start looking for childcare in Colorado?
A: For Boulder: during pregnancy or before. For Denver premium neighborhoods: 6-12 months ahead. For Colorado Springs and other areas: 3-6 months ahead. For mountain towns: as early as possible.
Conclusion
Colorado childcare costs are above the national average, particularly in Boulder and mountain communities. However, the new Universal Preschool program provides significant relief for families with 4-year-olds, offering 10-30 free hours weekly depending on qualifications.
Key takeaways:
- Boulder is Colorado's most expensive market
- Universal Preschool offers free hours for ALL 4-year-olds
- Mountain towns have severe shortages and premium costs
- Colorado Shines ratings help identify quality programs
- Start early for infant care, especially in tight markets
Sources
- Child Care Aware of America, Child Care in America: 2024 Affordability Analysis, Table I (center-based prices) and Table II (family child care prices)
- Child Care Aware of America, Child Care in America: 2024 Price and Supply (national average price of care)
- Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), CCCAP and Universal Preschool: cdec.colorado.gov
- Universal Preschool Colorado: upk.colorado.gov
- IRS, Publication 15-B (2026 dependent care assistance limit of $7,500)
- ChildCarePath, child care ratios by state (licensing staff-to-child ratios)
Researched from the sources above; not professional financial, tax or legal advice. Regional ranges are estimates. Tuition and program rules change, so confirm current rates and eligibility with providers and the agencies listed.
More Colorado childcare resources:
- How Much Does Child Care Cost? →
- How to Afford Child Care →
- Free Preschool Programs →
- Best Childcare Options Compared →
- Best Nap Mat for Daycare →
- What to Pack for Daycare →
What every centre asks you to bring
Whatever else changes between programmes, the supply list barely does. These four turn up on nearly every one.
Wildkin Nap Mat with Pillow and Blanket
Mat, blanket and removable pillow in one roll, and it is machine washable, which is what decides whether a mat survives a year of daily use.
Check price on Amazon
Skip Hop Sparks Kid's Backpack
Sized for a preschooler rather than a school-age child, so it actually fits a classroom cubby.
Check price on Amazon
Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box
Leakproof compartments a small child can open unaided, which is the whole test for a daycare lunch.
Check price on Amazon
Name Bubbles Custom Name Labels (95 Labels)
Ninety-five waterproof labels in six sizes. Every centre requires everything named, and this covers a full year.
Check price on AmazonThe purchases that actually move the budget
Wipes and labels are noise. These four are where the money in the first two years genuinely goes, and each one is bought roughly once.
Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
Converts from rear-facing infant seat through to a booster, so it is bought once instead of three times. The single largest line on most first-year budgets.
Check price on Amazon
Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump
Hospital-grade and quiet enough to use at a desk. Worth pricing against formula before you assume it is an expense rather than a saving.
Check price on Amazon
Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Monitor
A dedicated parent unit with no app and no account, so there is nothing to hack and nothing for a sitter to configure.
Check price on Amazon
Toddleroo 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
Turns any room into a safe space you can leave a toddler in, which is the difference between working from home and not.
Check price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Colorado?+
Colorado child care centers average $20,978 a year for infants, about $1,748 a month or $403 a week, per Child Care Aware of America's 2024 data. Toddler care averages $1,457 a month and 4-year-old care $1,233. A family child care home averages $13,666 a year for an infant.
How much is infant daycare in Denver?+
Denver infant daycare commonly runs about $1,650 to $2,350 a month in the city and $1,500 to $2,200 across the metro, with Cherry Creek at the top ($2,100 to $2,800). Boulder runs about $1,700 to $2,400.
Does Colorado offer free preschool?+
Yes. Colorado's Universal Preschool (UPK) program provides free preschool hours for every 4-year-old in the year before kindergarten, regardless of income, with more hours for qualifying families. Families apply through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
What childcare assistance does Colorado offer?+
Beyond Universal Preschool, Colorado offers the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) for income-eligible families through the Department of Early Childhood, plus Head Start and the federal Dependent Care FSA, which shelters up to $7,500 per household per year pre-tax starting in 2026 (IRS Publication 15-B).
Written by
ChildCarePath Team
Our team is dedicated to helping families find quality child care options through well-researched guides and resources.
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