Child Care Costs in New York 2026: NYC, Long Island & Upstate Prices

New York has the second-highest childcare costs in the nation, trailing only Massachusetts. The differences within the state are dramatic—Manhattan childcare can cost more than college tuition, while upstate cities like Buffalo and Syracuse offer rates closer to the national average. However, New York City's universal Pre-K and 3-K programs provide significant relief for families with children ages 3-4.

This guide breaks down what families actually pay across the Empire State, from the most expensive Manhattan neighborhoods to more affordable upstate options.

Average Child Care Costs in New York

Quick Overview

| Care Type | NYC | Suburbs | Upstate | |-----------|-----|---------|---------| | Infant Daycare | $2,200-$3,500 | $1,800-$2,600 | $1,200-$1,700 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,900-$3,000 | $1,500-$2,200 | $1,000-$1,500 | | Preschool | $1,600-$2,800 | $1,300-$2,000 | $900-$1,300 | | Nanny | $4,000-$6,000 | $3,500-$5,000 | $2,800-$3,800 | | Home Daycare | $1,500-$2,200 | $1,200-$1,800 | $900-$1,300 |

New York families spend an average of 15-20% of household income on childcare—among the highest burdens nationwide.

Cost Comparison to National Average

| Care Type | NY Average | National Average | Difference | |-----------|------------|------------------|------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,800/month | $1,350/month | 33% above | | Toddler Daycare | $1,550/month | $1,200/month | 29% above | | Preschool | $1,400/month | $1,100/month | 27% above |

These averages blend NYC costs with upstate, so the actual premium in New York City is even higher—often 50-100% above national averages.

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New York City Costs

Manhattan

Manhattan has the most expensive childcare market in the United States. Full-time infant care at premium centers can exceed $50,000 annually.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $2,800-$4,200 | $33,600-$50,400 | | Toddler Daycare | $2,400-$3,600 | $28,800-$43,200 | | Preschool | $2,000-$3,500 | $24,000-$42,000 | | Nanny | $5,000-$7,500 | $60,000-$90,000 | | Home Daycare | $2,000-$2,800 | $24,000-$33,600 |

By neighborhood:

• Tribeca, Upper East Side, Upper West Side: $3,800-4,800/month for infants
• SoHo, West Village, Chelsea: $3,400-4,400/month
• Midtown East/West, Murray Hill: $3,000-4,000/month
• Lower East Side, East Village: $2,600-3,500/month
• Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood: $2,200-3,000/month

Premium programs (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, language immersion) can exceed $5,000/month.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn has seen rapid childcare cost increases, particularly in gentrified neighborhoods. Some areas now rival Manhattan.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $2,400-$3,400 | $28,800-$40,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $2,000-$2,900 | $24,000-$34,800 | | Preschool | $1,800-$2,700 | $21,600-$32,400 | | Nanny | $4,500-$6,500 | $54,000-$78,000 | | Home Daycare | $1,800-$2,500 | $21,600-$30,000 |

By neighborhood:

• Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Cobble Hill: Highest costs ($3,000-4,000)
• Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill: Very high ($2,800-3,600)
• Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Fort Greene: High ($2,400-3,200)
• Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Clinton Hill: Moderate-high ($2,000-2,800)
• Bed-Stuy, Bushwick: Moderate ($1,800-2,500)
• Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Bensonhurst: More affordable ($1,500-2,200)
• East New York, Brownsville: Most affordable ($1,300-1,900)

Queens

Queens offers more affordable options while maintaining good accessibility to Manhattan.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,800-$2,600 | $21,600-$31,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,500-$2,300 | $18,000-$27,600 | | Preschool | $1,300-$2,100 | $15,600-$25,200 | | Nanny | $4,000-$5,500 | $48,000-$66,000 | | Home Daycare | $1,400-$2,000 | $16,800-$24,000 |

By neighborhood:

• Long Island City, Astoria (near Manhattan): Highest ($2,200-3,000)
• Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Rego Park: High ($1,900-2,600)
• Bayside, Douglaston, Little Neck: High ($1,900-2,600)
• Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Woodside: Moderate ($1,600-2,200)
• Flushing, Fresh Meadows: Moderate ($1,500-2,100)
• Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans: More affordable ($1,400-1,900)
• Far Rockaway: Most affordable ($1,200-1,700)

Bronx

The Bronx offers NYC's most affordable childcare, with many options serving immigrant and working-class communities.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,500-$2,200 | $18,000-$26,400 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,300-$1,950 | $15,600-$23,400 | | Preschool | $1,100-$1,700 | $13,200-$20,400 | | Home Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 |

By area:

• Riverdale, Fieldston: Highest, similar to Westchester ($2,000-2,800)
• Pelham Bay, Country Club: Higher ($1,700-2,400)
• Parkchester, Morris Park: Moderate ($1,400-2,000)
• Fordham, University Heights: More affordable ($1,300-1,800)
• South Bronx (Hunts Point, Mott Haven): Most affordable ($1,200-1,700)

Staten Island

Staten Island offers suburban-style living with moderate NYC costs.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,600-$2,400 | $19,200-$28,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,400-$2,100 | $16,800-$25,200 | | Preschool | $1,200-$1,900 | $14,400-$22,800 | | Nanny | $3,500-$4,800 | $42,000-$57,600 |

By area:

• Todt Hill, Grymes Hill: Highest ($2,000-2,800)
• Great Kills, New Dorp: Moderate ($1,600-2,200)
• St. George, Port Richmond: More affordable ($1,400-2,000)

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Suburban New York Costs

Westchester County

Westchester is among the most expensive suburban markets in the country, with costs rivaling Manhattan in some communities.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $2,100-$2,900 | $25,200-$34,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,800-$2,500 | $21,600-$30,000 | | Preschool | $1,600-$2,300 | $19,200-$27,600 | | Nanny | $4,200-$5,800 | $50,400-$69,600 |

By town: | Town | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | |------|---------------|-----------------| | Scarsdale | $2,400-$3,200 | $2,100-$2,800 | | Bronxville | $2,400-$3,200 | $2,100-$2,800 | | Larchmont/Mamaroneck | $2,200-$2,900 | $1,900-$2,600 | | Rye | $2,200-$2,900 | $1,900-$2,600 | | Chappaqua | $2,100-$2,800 | $1,800-$2,500 | | White Plains | $1,900-$2,600 | $1,650-$2,300 | | Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow | $1,900-$2,600 | $1,650-$2,300 | | New Rochelle | $1,800-$2,500 | $1,550-$2,200 | | Yonkers | $1,700-$2,400 | $1,500-$2,100 | | Mount Vernon | $1,600-$2,300 | $1,400-$2,000 |

Long Island

Nassau County (closer to NYC) costs more than Suffolk County.

Nassau County:

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $2,000-$2,700 | $24,000-$32,400 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,700-$2,350 | $20,400-$28,200 | | Preschool | $1,500-$2,100 | $18,000-$25,200 | | Nanny | $3,800-$5,200 | $45,600-$62,400 |

By area: | Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | |------|---------------|-----------------| | Great Neck | $2,300-$3,000 | $2,000-$2,600 | | Manhasset | $2,300-$3,000 | $2,000-$2,600 | | Garden City | $2,100-$2,800 | $1,850-$2,450 | | Roslyn | $2,100-$2,800 | $1,850-$2,450 | | Syosset | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,750-$2,350 | | Oceanside, Massapequa | $1,800-$2,500 | $1,550-$2,200 | | Hempstead | $1,600-$2,300 | $1,400-$2,000 |

Suffolk County:

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,700-$2,400 | $20,400-$28,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,450-$2,050 | $17,400-$24,600 | | Preschool | $1,250-$1,800 | $15,000-$21,600 | | Nanny | $3,400-$4,800 | $40,800-$57,600 |

By area: | Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | |------|---------------|-----------------| | Huntington | $1,900-$2,600 | $1,650-$2,250 | | Cold Spring Harbor | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,750-$2,350 | | Smithtown | $1,700-$2,400 | $1,450-$2,050 | | Commack, Hauppauge | $1,650-$2,300 | $1,400-$2,000 | | Patchogue, Bay Shore | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | | Riverhead, eastern Suffolk | $1,400-$2,000 | $1,200-$1,700 |

Hudson Valley

More affordable than Westchester while maintaining Metro North access.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,500-$2,100 | $18,000-$25,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,300-$1,850 | $15,600-$22,200 | | Preschool | $1,100-$1,600 | $13,200-$19,200 |

By area: | Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | |------|---------------|-----------------| | Rockland County (Nyack, etc.) | $1,600-$2,200 | $1,400-$1,900 | | Putnam County | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | | Orange County (Newburgh, etc.) | $1,400-$1,950 | $1,200-$1,700 | | Dutchess County (Poughkeepsie) | $1,350-$1,900 | $1,150-$1,650 | | Ulster County (Kingston) | $1,250-$1,800 | $1,100-$1,550 |

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Upstate New York Costs

Albany Capital Region

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,350-$1,900 | $16,200-$22,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,150-$1,600 | $13,800-$19,200 | | Preschool | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 | | Nanny | $2,900-$4,000 | $34,800-$48,000 |

By area:

• Saratoga Springs: Highest in region ($1,500-2,100)
• Delmar, Guilderland: Upper-moderate ($1,350-1,850)
• Albany city, Latham: Moderate ($1,250-1,750)
• Troy, Schenectady: More affordable ($1,100-1,550)

Buffalo

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,150-$1,600 | $13,800-$19,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 | | Preschool | $850-$1,250 | $10,200-$15,000 | | Nanny | $2,600-$3,600 | $31,200-$43,200 |

By area:

• Williamsville, East Amherst: Highest ($1,300-1,800)
• Amherst, Clarence: Upper-moderate ($1,200-1,650)
• Buffalo city (Elmwood, North): Moderate ($1,050-1,500)
• Cheektowaga, Tonawanda: More affordable ($950-1,350)
• South Buffalo, West Side: Most affordable ($850-1,250)

Rochester

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,050-$1,500 | $12,600-$18,000 | | Preschool | $900-$1,300 | $10,800-$15,600 | | Nanny | $2,700-$3,700 | $32,400-$44,400 |

By area:

• Pittsford, Brighton: Highest ($1,400-1,900)
• Victor, Fairport: Upper-moderate ($1,250-1,700)
• Greece, Henrietta: Moderate ($1,100-1,550)
• Rochester city: More affordable ($950-1,400)

Syracuse

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,150-$1,650 | $13,800-$19,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,000-$1,450 | $12,000-$17,400 | | Preschool | $850-$1,250 | $10,200-$15,000 |

By area:

• Fayetteville-Manlius, DeWitt: Highest ($1,300-1,800)
• Liverpool, Baldwinsville: Moderate ($1,100-1,550)
• Syracuse city: More affordable ($950-1,400)

Other Upstate Cities

| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | |------|---------------|-----------------| | Ithaca | $1,300-$1,850 | $1,100-$1,600 | | Binghamton | $1,000-$1,450 | $900-$1,300 | | Utica | $1,000-$1,400 | $900-$1,250 | | Elmira | $950-$1,350 | $850-$1,200 |

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New York Child Care Assistance Programs

NYC 3-K and Pre-K for All

New York City's universal programs are game-changers for families with 3-4 year olds.

3-K (3-year-olds):

• Free, full-day program (6+ hours)
• Expanding to all NYC districts
• Available at DOE sites and community organizations
• Apply at MySchools.nyc
• Priority deadline typically December

Pre-K for All (4-year-olds):

• Free, full-day program
• Universal access—available to ALL NYC 4-year-olds
• No income requirements
• Available at public schools, Pre-K centers, and community organizations
• Extended day options available (at additional cost)

Savings: $20,000-40,000/year compared to private programs

NY State Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Who qualifies:

• Families at or below 85% State Median Income
• Working, in school, or in approved job training
• Higher income limits in NYC and Long Island

Income limits (2024): | Family Size | NYC/Long Island | Rest of State | |-------------|-----------------|---------------| | 3 | $65,637/year | $55,250/year | | 4 | $79,070/year | $66,563/year |

What you get:

• Subsidy covers most childcare costs
• Copay based on income (can be $0)
• Can use at licensed centers, homes, or approved relatives

How to apply: Through local Department of Social Services or at ocfs.ny.gov

Head Start and Early Head Start

Who qualifies:

• Families at or below federal poverty level
• Foster children
• Homeless families
• Children with disabilities

What's included:

• Free childcare/preschool
• Health and developmental screenings
• Family support services
• Meals included

How to apply: Contact your local Head Start agency

Early Intervention (Birth-3)

Free evaluation and services for children with developmental delays. Available statewide regardless of income.

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NYC-Specific Programs

ACS EarlyLearn

Subsidized childcare for income-eligible NYC families from 6 weeks to 5 years.

Income limits: Similar to CCAP (up to 85% SMI)

How to apply: Through NYC Administration for Children's Services

Universal Free Meals

All NYC public Pre-K and 3-K programs include free breakfast and lunch.

Extended Day/Year Programs

Many 3-K and Pre-K programs offer:

• Extended day (before/after school care) for additional fee
• Summer programs
• Wraparound services

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Ways to Save on New York Childcare

1. NYC Pre-K and 3-K (Ages 3-4)

The single biggest savings opportunity in New York.

Savings: $20,000-40,000/year by using free public programs.

Tip: Apply early—popular programs and schools fill quickly. Use MySchools.nyc.

2. Dependent Care FSA

New York State has high income taxes (4-10.9%), making FSA savings significant.

Savings on $5,000 contributed:

• Federal tax savings: $1,100-1,500
• NY state tax savings: $250-550
• NYC tax savings (if applicable): $150-200
• Total: $1,500-2,250/year

3. NY Child and Dependent Care Credit

New York offers a refundable state credit in addition to federal:

• Up to $2,310 for families under $25,000 income
• Phases out as income increases
• Can still receive partial credit at higher incomes

4. Nanny Share

Manhattan nanny share: $2,800-3,500/family vs. $5,500+ solo. Brooklyn nanny share: $2,400-3,000/family vs. $5,000+ solo.

How it works: Two families share one nanny, splitting costs while each child gets more attention than daycare.

5. Licensed Family Childcare (Home Daycare)

Save 25-40% compared to centers. NYC has many excellent licensed home daycares.

NYC tip: Use the NYC Child Care Connect portal to find licensed family providers.

6. Sliding Scale Programs

Many NYC nonprofit childcare centers offer income-based sliding scales.

7. Employer Benefits

Major NYC employers with childcare benefits:

• Finance: Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Citi (backup care, subsidies)
• Tech: Google, Meta, Amazon, Spotify (generous benefits)
• Media: NBCUniversal, Disney, WarnerMedia
• Law Firms: Most large firms offer emergency childcare
• Healthcare: NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, Columbia (on-site or subsidized)

8. Consider Outer Boroughs or Suburbs

Moving from Manhattan to Queens or Bronx can save $500-1,500/month on childcare alone.

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Finding Childcare in New York

Where to Search

NYC:

• MySchools.nyc (3-K and Pre-K)
• NYC Child Care Connect
• ACS provider search

State:

• ocfs.ny.gov
• QUALITYstarsNY.org

National:

• Care.com
• Winnie.com

Quality Ratings

QUALITYstarsNY is the state's quality rating system:

• ★★★★★ (5 stars): Highest quality
• ★★★★ (4 stars): High quality
• ★★★ (3 stars): Quality program
• ★★ (2 stars): Meets standards
• ★ (1 star): Licensed

Look for 3+ stars when possible.

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FAQ

Q: Is NYC Pre-K really free?

A: Yes, Pre-K for All is completely free for all 4-year-olds in NYC regardless of income. 3-K for 3-year-olds is also free but availability varies by district—apply early.

Q: How long are NYC daycare waitlists?

A: Popular Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn centers: 12-24 months. Apply during pregnancy. Queens, Bronx, and outer Brooklyn: 3-9 months.

Q: What's the cheapest childcare option in NYC?

A: Licensed family childcare in Bronx, outer Queens, or eastern Brooklyn. For 3-4 year olds, free 3-K and Pre-K programs.

Q: Can I get help paying for childcare in New York?

A: Yes. Apply for CCAP through your local DSS (or HRA in NYC). NYC residents can also apply for ACS EarlyLearn vouchers. Income limits are relatively high in NYC (nearly $80,000 for family of 4).

Q: Is it worth moving upstate to save on childcare?

A: Potentially yes. Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse childcare costs 40-60% less than NYC. However, consider salary differences and career opportunities.

Q: When should I start looking for infant care in NYC?

A: Immediately upon learning you're pregnant, especially for Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, and Westchester. Some families join waitlists before conception.

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Conclusion

New York childcare costs are among the highest in the nation, but the state also offers significant assistance. NYC's free universal 3-K and Pre-K programs save families tens of thousands of dollars, and generous income limits for CCAP make subsidies accessible to many middle-class families.

Key takeaways:

• Manhattan and premium Brooklyn neighborhoods are the most expensive in the country
• Free 3-K and Pre-K are essential—apply early at MySchools.nyc
• Outer boroughs and upstate offer significantly lower costs
• Start your childcare search early, especially for infants
• High state taxes make FSA savings more valuable in New York

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More New York childcare resources:

• How Much Does Child Care Cost? →
• How to Afford Child Care →
• Nanny vs Daycare Comparison →
• Best Childcare Options Compared →