How Much Does Childcare Cost in Illinois? 2026 Prices by County
Illinois childcare costs $900-$2,500/mo for infants, highest in Chicago. See Chicago, suburbs, and downstate daycare and preschool prices.
Quick answer: Childcare in Illinois costs about $900 to $2,500 per month for infant daycare, with Chicago highest ($1,800 to $2,500) and downstate lowest ($900 to $1,300). Toddler care runs $750 to $2,100 and preschool $650 to $1,800. Illinois ranks among the top 10 most expensive states, driven by Chicago metro prices.
Illinois childcare costs vary dramatically between Chicago, the suburbs, and downstate communities. The Windy City commands some of the highest prices in the Midwest, while downstate areas offer significantly more affordable options. This guide covers what families actually pay across the Prairie State, from the most expensive North Shore enclaves to budget-friendly central Illinois communities.
Average Child Care Costs in Illinois
Quick Overview
| Care Type | Chicago | Suburbs | Downstate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,800-$2,500 | $1,400-$2,000 | $900-$1,300 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,200-$1,700 | $750-$1,100 |
| Preschool | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,000-$1,500 | $650-$1,000 |
| Nanny | $3,500-$5,000 | $3,000-$4,200 | $2,400-$3,200 |
| Home Daycare | $1,200-$1,600 | $900-$1,300 | $600-$900 |
Illinois ranks among the top 10 most expensive states for childcare, driven primarily by Chicago metro costs. Families in Illinois spend an average of 14-17% of household income on childcare, which exceeds the federal affordability threshold of 7%.
Cost Comparison to National Average
| Care Type | IL Average | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,650/month | $1,350/month | 22% above |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,400/month | $1,200/month | 17% above |
| Preschool | $1,200/month | $1,100/month | 9% above |
The Chicago metro area drives these averages up significantly. Downstate Illinois is actually at or below national averages for most care types.
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Chicago Area Costs
City of Chicago
Chicago's childcare market is one of the most expensive in the Midwest, with significant variation across neighborhoods.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,800-$2,600 | $21,600-$31,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,500-$2,200 | $18,000-$26,400 |
| Preschool | $1,300-$2,000 | $15,600-$24,000 |
| Nanny | $3,800-$5,500 | $45,600-$66,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 |
By neighborhood:
- Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast: Highest costs ($2,200-2,800 for infants)
- Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown: High ($1,900-2,400)
- Roscoe Village, North Center: High-moderate ($1,700-2,200)
- Hyde Park, Pilsen, Bridgeport: Moderate ($1,500-2,000)
- Rogers Park, Edgewater: Moderate ($1,400-1,900)
- South and West Sides: More affordable ($1,200-1,700)
Lincoln Park/Lakeview specifics:
- Premium centers: $2,500-3,000/month for infants
- Waitlists: 12-18 months for top programs
- Nanny shares popular to offset costs
- Church-based programs offer some relief
Wicker Park/Logan Square specifics:
- Growing family population driving up prices
- Many creative, arts-focused programs
- Spanish immersion options available
- Co-op preschools offer savings
North Shore Suburbs
The North Shore represents the premium suburban market with costs rivaling or exceeding Chicago.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,800-$2,400 | $21,600-$28,800 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,500-$2,000 | $18,000-$24,000 |
| Preschool | $1,300-$1,800 | $15,600-$21,600 |
| Nanny | $3,500-$4,800 | $42,000-$57,600 |
| Home Daycare | $1,300-$1,700 | $15,600-$20,400 |
By community:
| Town | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winnetka | $2,000-$2,500 | $1,700-$2,200 | Most expensive, limited options |
| Wilmette | $1,900-$2,400 | $1,600-$2,100 | High demand, good quality |
| Kenilworth | $2,000-$2,500 | $1,700-$2,200 | Very limited availability |
| Highland Park | $1,850-$2,350 | $1,550-$2,000 | More options, Jewish programs |
| Lake Forest | $1,900-$2,400 | $1,600-$2,100 | Premium market |
| Evanston | $1,700-$2,200 | $1,400-$1,900 | More diverse options |
| Glencoe | $1,900-$2,400 | $1,600-$2,100 | Limited spots |
| Northbrook | $1,700-$2,200 | $1,400-$1,900 | More availability |
North Shore tip: Many families use Evanston or Northbrook as more affordable alternatives while still accessing North Shore schools.
Western Suburbs
Slightly more affordable than North Shore with excellent school districts.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,500-$2,100 | $18,000-$25,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,300-$1,800 | $15,600-$21,600 |
| Preschool | $1,100-$1,600 | $13,200-$19,200 |
| Nanny | $3,200-$4,200 | $38,400-$50,400 |
| Home Daycare | $1,100-$1,500 | $13,200-$18,000 |
By community:
| Town | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinsdale | $1,800-$2,300 | $1,500-$2,000 | Premium western suburb |
| Oak Park | $1,600-$2,100 | $1,350-$1,850 | Urban village feel |
| Naperville | $1,500-$2,000 | $1,300-$1,750 | Large market, many options |
| Wheaton | $1,450-$1,950 | $1,250-$1,700 | Good value |
| Downers Grove | $1,400-$1,900 | $1,200-$1,650 | Growing availability |
| Elmhurst | $1,500-$2,000 | $1,300-$1,750 | Family-friendly |
| Glen Ellyn | $1,450-$1,950 | $1,250-$1,700 | Great schools |
| La Grange | $1,550-$2,050 | $1,350-$1,800 | Village atmosphere |
Naperville specifics:
- Large childcare market with many centers
- More competitive pricing than North Shore
- Multiple chain centers (Kindercare, Bright Horizons)
- Good availability for most ages
Northwest Suburbs
Growing suburban market with moderate to high costs.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,400-$1,900 | $16,800-$22,800 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,200-$1,650 | $14,400-$19,800 |
| Preschool | $1,000-$1,500 | $12,000-$18,000 |
Key communities: Arlington Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Libertyville
South Suburbs
Most affordable options in the Chicago metro area.
| 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 | $850-$1,300 | $10,200-$15,600 |
| Home Daycare | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 |
Key communities: Orland Park, Tinley Park, Homewood, Olympia Fields, Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox
South suburb tip: Families working in the Loop can save $500-800/month by living in the south suburbs while still having reasonable commute times.
Downstate Illinois Costs
Springfield (Capital Region)
State capital with moderate costs and good availability.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $950-$1,300 | $11,400-$15,600 |
| Toddler Daycare | $800-$1,100 | $9,600-$13,200 |
| Preschool | $700-$1,000 | $8,400-$12,000 |
| Nanny | $2,400-$3,200 | $28,800-$38,400 |
| Home Daycare | $650-$900 | $7,800-$10,800 |
Springfield notes:
- State employee benefits often include childcare subsidies
- Good Head Start and Preschool for All availability
- More home daycare options than centers
Champaign-Urbana
University community with moderate costs and research-backed programs.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 |
| Toddler Daycare | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 |
| Preschool | $750-$1,100 | $9,000-$13,200 |
| Nanny | $2,600-$3,400 | $31,200-$40,800 |
Champaign-Urbana specifics:
- University of Illinois early childhood center highly sought after
- Many graduate students provide quality nanny care at lower rates
- Child Development Lab offers research-based programs
- Significant international community creates diverse options
Peoria
Central Illinois hub with affordable childcare.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $900-$1,250 | $10,800-$15,000 |
| Toddler Daycare | $750-$1,050 | $9,000-$12,600 |
| Preschool | $650-$950 | $7,800-$11,400 |
| Home Daycare | $550-$800 | $6,600-$9,600 |
Rockford
Northern Illinois city with affordable options.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $900-$1,200 | $10,800-$14,400 |
| Toddler Daycare | $750-$1,050 | $9,000-$12,600 |
| Preschool | $650-$900 | $7,800-$10,800 |
| Home Daycare | $550-$800 | $6,600-$9,600 |
Other Downstate Cities
| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington-Normal | $950-$1,300 | $800-$1,100 | University town, good quality |
| Decatur | $850-$1,150 | $700-$1,000 | Very affordable |
| Quincy | $800-$1,100 | $650-$950 | Most affordable |
| Carbondale | $850-$1,200 | $700-$1,000 | SIU university town |
| Galesburg | $750-$1,050 | $600-$900 | Rural community pricing |
Illinois Child Care Assistance Programs
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Illinois offers one of the more generous subsidy programs in the country.
Who qualifies:
- Working families at or below 225% of federal poverty level
- Parents in approved education or training programs
- Teen parents completing high school
Income limits (2024):
- Family of 2: $43,710/year
- Family of 3: $54,930/year
- Family of 4: $66,250/year
- Family of 5: $77,570/year
What's covered:
- Licensed daycare centers
- Licensed family childcare
- License-exempt providers (with limitations)
- Before/after school care
Copay structure:
- Based on income and family size
- Can be as low as $1/month for lowest incomes
- Maximum copay around $200-300/month
How to apply:
- Contact Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Apply through local Child Care Resource & Referral agency
- Call Illinois DHS at 1-877-524-5263
- Apply online at abe.illinois.gov
Processing time: 30-45 days typically.
Preschool for All (State Pre-K)
Illinois's highly-rated early education program.
Who qualifies:
- Children ages 3-5
- Priority for at-risk children (income, disability, English learners)
- Available to all based on capacity
Program details:
- 2.5 hours/day minimum (many offer 6+ hours)
- Free for qualifying families
- Sliding scale for others
- Both public school and community-based sites
At-risk criteria include:
- Income below 185% poverty level
- Developmental delay
- Limited English proficiency
- Homelessness
- Teen parent child
How to find programs:
- Contact your local school district
- Use Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map (IECAM)
- Call local Child Care Resource & Referral
Chicago Early Learning
Chicago-specific program with extensive free and low-cost options.
Programs offered:
- Head Start (ages 3-5, income-based, free)
- Early Head Start (birth-3, income-based, free)
- Preschool for All (ages 3-5, at-risk, free)
- Child-Parent Centers (high-quality, community-based)
Apply at: chicagoearlylearning.org
Chicago specifics:
- Lottery system for popular programs
- Apply early (applications often open in spring)
- Many neighborhood options available
- Full-day and half-day programs
Head Start
Who qualifies:
- Families at or below 100% federal poverty level
- Foster children (automatically eligible)
- Homeless families (automatically eligible)
- TANF recipients
What's included:
- Free preschool education
- Health and developmental screenings
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Family support services
- Parent engagement activities
Cost: Completely free.
Ways to Save on Childcare in Illinois
1. Use CCAP If Eligible
Illinois has relatively high income limits—many working families qualify who don't realize it. A family of 4 earning $66,000 may still receive assistance.
Potential savings: $500-1,500/month depending on income
2. Dependent Care FSA
Save up to $5,000 pre-tax for childcare expenses.
Illinois advantage: State income tax (4.95%) adds to federal savings.
| Income Level | Federal Savings | IL State Savings | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $600 | $248 | $848 |
| $75,000 | $1,100 | $248 | $1,348 |
| $100,000 | $1,200 | $248 | $1,448 |
| $150,000+ | $1,600 | $248 | $1,848 |
3. Illinois EITC
If you qualify for federal Earned Income Tax Credit, Illinois adds 20% as a state credit.
Example: If you receive $3,000 federal EITC, Illinois adds $600.
4. Consider Downstate or South Suburbs
| Location | Infant Cost | vs. Lincoln Park |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | $2,500 | baseline |
| South Suburbs | $1,400 | -$1,100/month |
| Springfield | $1,100 | -$1,400/month |
| Peoria | $1,000 | -$1,500/month |
Annual savings: $13,200-18,000 by living downstate.
5. Licensed Home Daycare
Licensed family childcare costs 25-35% less than centers.
Illinois licensing: Look for "license-exempt" vs. "licensed" status. Licensed homes meet stricter standards.
Finding quality home daycare:
- Use inccrra.org (Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies)
- Check ExceleRate Illinois quality ratings
- Ask for references
6. Employer Benefits
Major Illinois employers with childcare benefits:
Chicago-based:
- Allstate (backup care, FSA)
- United Airlines (childcare discounts)
- Abbott Laboratories (on-site care)
- McDonald's headquarters (childcare benefits)
- Baxter International (backup care)
- Kraft Heinz (childcare assistance)
Tech companies:
- Salesforce Chicago (generous parental leave)
- Google Chicago (childcare subsidies)
- Groupon (flexible work)
7. Nanny Share Arrangements
Split costs with another family and save 30-40%.
| Arrangement | Per Family Cost |
|---|---|
| Private nanny | $4,000/month |
| Nanny share | $2,500/month |
| Savings | $1,500/month |
Popular in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and western suburbs.
Finding Childcare in Illinois
Quality Rating System: ExceleRate Illinois
Illinois uses the ExceleRate quality rating system:
- Bronze Circle of Quality: Meets licensing plus additional quality standards
- Silver Circle of Quality: Higher quality indicators
- Gold Circle of Quality: Highest quality level
How to check ratings:
- Visit inccrra.org
- Call local Child Care Resource & Referral
- Ask providers directly
Licensing Information
Illinois licenses:
- Child care centers: Group programs
- Family child care homes: Up to 12 children
- Group child care homes: 13-16 children
Check license status: DCFS provider lookup online.
FAQ
Q: Does Illinois have free preschool?
A: Yes. Illinois Preschool for All offers free preschool for at-risk children (ages 3-5) and sliding scale fees for others. Chicago Early Learning also provides free Head Start and Pre-K options. Availability varies by area, so apply early.
Q: How long are Chicago daycare waitlists?
A: Waitlists vary significantly by neighborhood:
- Lincoln Park/Lakeview: 12-18 months for top centers
- Wicker Park/Logan Square: 9-12 months
- Other neighborhoods: 3-9 months
- Downstate: Usually 1-3 months
Start looking as soon as you know you need care.
Q: What's the cheapest childcare in the Chicago area?
A: South suburbs and licensed home daycares offer the most affordable options while staying in the metro area. Areas like Orland Park, Tinley Park, and Homewood offer savings of $400-800/month compared to North Shore or Lincoln Park.
Q: Is childcare tax deductible in Illinois?
A: While childcare isn't directly deductible, you can use:
- Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax)
- Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (20-35% of expenses)
- Illinois EITC (if you qualify for federal EITC)
Q: How do I verify a childcare provider's license?
A: Use the Illinois DCFS license lookup at dcfs.illinois.gov or call DCFS at 1-877-746-0829. Check for any violations or complaints on file.
Q: What's the difference between CCAP and Head Start?
A: CCAP is a subsidy that helps pay for childcare at licensed providers of your choice. Head Start is a specific free program with comprehensive services. You may qualify for one or both.
Conclusion
Illinois childcare costs range dramatically from the expensive North Shore and Chicago neighborhoods to the affordable downstate communities. The state offers strong assistance programs, including CCAP with relatively high income limits and quality Preschool for All programs.
Key takeaways:
- Chicago and North Shore are most expensive; South suburbs and downstate offer significant savings
- CCAP income limits are generous—check if you qualify even at middle incomes
- Preschool for All and Chicago Early Learning provide free options for many families
- Start waitlists early, especially for infant care in Chicago
- ExceleRate Illinois ratings help identify quality programs
More Illinois childcare resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does infant daycare cost in Illinois?+
Infant daycare in Illinois ranges from about $1,800 to $2,500 per month in Chicago, $1,400 to $2,000 in the suburbs, and $900 to $1,300 downstate. The statewide average is roughly $1,650 per month, about 22 percent above the national average.
Is childcare cheaper downstate than in Chicago?+
Yes, dramatically. Downstate Illinois infant daycare runs about $900 to $1,300 per month, at or below the national average, versus $1,800 to $2,500 in Chicago. The Chicago metro drives the statewide averages up.
What childcare assistance does Illinois offer?+
Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for income-eligible working families, the Preschool for All program, Head Start, and the federal Dependent Care FSA that shelters up to $5,000 per year pre-tax.
How much of their income do Illinois families spend on childcare?+
Illinois families spend an average of 14 to 17 percent of household income on childcare, exceeding the federal affordability threshold of 7 percent. Chicago-area families typically carry the heaviest burden.
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Written by
ChildCarePath Team
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