Daycare Cost in New York 2026: 29 Areas Compared, and What Moves the Price
What daycare actually costs across 29 areas of New York, from the most expensive metros to the cheapest, plus infant against toddler pricing, the subsidies you may qualify for, and the factors that move a quote by hundreds a month.
Quick answer: Childcare in New York costs about $1,200 to $3,500 per month for infant daycare, with NYC highest ($2,200 to $3,500) and upstate lowest ($1,200 to $1,700). Toddler care runs $1,000 to $3,000 and preschool $900 to $2,800. New York has the second-highest childcare costs in the nation, but NYC offers free Pre-K and 3-K.
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)
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 |
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 |
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
More New York childcare resources:
- How Much Does Child Care Cost? →
- How to Afford Child Care →
- Nanny vs Daycare Comparison →
- 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.
Makemake Organics Organic Cotton Nap Mat
GOTS-certified with a removable, machine-washable cover, 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.
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Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box
Leakproof compartments a small child can open unaided, which is the whole test for a daycare lunch.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 AmazonFree Life Insurance Quote
Free Life Insurance Quote for Parents
Childcare is one of the biggest line items in a young family's budget. Life insurance is how many parents make sure that care, and the rest of daily life, can keep going for their kids no matter what. Enter your details to start a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does infant daycare cost in New York?+
Infant daycare in New York ranges from about $2,200 to $3,500 per month in New York City, $1,800 to $2,600 in the suburbs, and $1,200 to $1,700 upstate. The statewide average is roughly $1,800 per month, but NYC costs run 50 to 100 percent above national averages.
Is childcare cheaper upstate than in New York City?+
Yes, dramatically. Upstate cities like Buffalo and Syracuse run about $1,200 to $1,700 per month for infant daycare, close to the national average, versus $2,200 to $3,500 in New York City.
Does New York City offer free preschool?+
Yes. New York City offers free universal Pre-K for 4-year-olds and free 3-K for 3-year-olds, which provides significant relief for families with children ages 3 and 4. Spots are applied for through the NYC public school system.
What childcare assistance does New York offer?+
New York offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for income-eligible working families, NYC's free Pre-K and 3-K, Head Start, and the federal Dependent Care FSA that shelters up to $5,000 per year pre-tax.
How much does NYC daycare cost per month?+
NYC daycare costs about $2,200 to $3,500 per month for infants, $1,900 to $3,000 for toddlers, and $1,600 to $2,800 for preschool. Free universal Pre-K for 4-year-olds and 3-K for 3-year-olds substantially reduce costs once a child turns 3.
Childcare Financial Planner
Budget worksheets, tax credit calculator, cost projections, and FSA guide.
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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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