Child Care Costs in Colorado 2026: Denver, Boulder & Statewide Price Guide

Colorado's rapidly growing population and high cost of living have pushed childcare costs above the national average, especially along the Front Range and in mountain communities. 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 Child Care Costs in Colorado

Quick Overview

| 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 |

Colorado families spend an average of 12-16% of household income on childcare, which is above the national average.

Cost Comparison to National Average

| Care Type | Colorado Average | National Average | Difference | |-----------|------------------|------------------|------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,550/month | $1,350/month | 15% above | | Toddler Daycare | $1,350/month | $1,200/month | 13% above | | Preschool | $1,200/month | $1,100/month | 9% above |

Boulder and mountain towns can exceed national averages by 30-50%, while eastern plains cities are closer to or below averages.

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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 |

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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 |

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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.

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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

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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 |

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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.

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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

1. Create account at universalpreschool.colorado.gov
2. Complete eligibility survey (when child turns 3)
3. See your child's hours and any additional qualifications
4. Browse participating providers
5. Apply to your top choices
6. Enrollment opens late winter for fall start

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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

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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:

• 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

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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

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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.

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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

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More Colorado childcare resources:

• How Much Does Child Care Cost? →
• How to Afford Child Care →
• Free Preschool Programs →
• Best Childcare Options Compared →