Child Care Costs in North Carolina 2026: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham Prices

North Carolina's booming metro areas have pushed childcare costs up significantly over the past decade. The Research Triangle and Charlotte regions now rival many larger cities in terms of childcare expenses. However, the state offers strong Pre-K programs for 4-year-olds and various assistance options for qualifying families.

This guide breaks down what families actually pay across the Tar Heel State, from the most expensive neighborhoods to the most affordable options.

Average Child Care Costs in North Carolina

Quick Overview

| Care Type | Charlotte | Triangle | Other Cities | Rural | |-----------|-----------|----------|--------------|-------| | Infant Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,300-$1,800 | $900-$1,300 | $700-$1,000 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,000-$1,500 | $1,100-$1,600 | $800-$1,150 | $600-$900 | | Preschool | $900-$1,300 | $950-$1,400 | $750-$1,050 | $550-$850 | | Nanny | $2,800-$3,800 | $3,000-$4,200 | $2,400-$3,200 | $2,000-$2,800 | | Home Daycare | $800-$1,200 | $850-$1,300 | $650-$950 | $500-$750 |

North Carolina families spend an average of 12-15% of household income on childcare, which is close to the national average but varies significantly by region.

Cost Comparison to National Average

| Care Type | NC Average | National Average | Difference | |-----------|------------|------------------|------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,250/month | $1,350/month | 7% below | | Toddler Daycare | $1,100/month | $1,200/month | 8% below | | Preschool | $1,000/month | $1,100/month | 9% below |

While North Carolina is slightly below the national average overall, the Triangle and Charlotte metros are now at or above national averages due to rapid population and economic growth.

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Charlotte Metro Costs

Charlotte has experienced explosive growth, and childcare costs have followed suit. The Queen City is now one of the more expensive markets in the Southeast.

City of Charlotte

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,300-$1,800 | $15,600-$21,600 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,100-$1,600 | $13,200-$19,200 | | Preschool | $950-$1,400 | $11,400-$16,800 | | Nanny | $3,000-$4,200 | $36,000-$50,400 | | Home Daycare | $900-$1,300 | $10,800-$15,600 |

By neighborhood:

• Myers Park, Dilworth, SouthPark: Highest costs ($1,600-2,000 for infants)
• Plaza Midwood, NoDa, South End: High ($1,400-1,800)
• University Area, Steele Creek: Moderate ($1,200-1,600)
• West Charlotte, North Charlotte: More affordable ($1,000-1,400)

Charlotte Suburbs

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Ballantyne | $1,400-$1,800 | $1,200-$1,600 | Premium suburb, many upscale centers | | Lake Norman (Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville) | $1,300-$1,700 | $1,100-$1,500 | Growing area, high demand | | Matthews/Mint Hill | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | More affordable, good quality options | | Concord/Kannapolis | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | Cabarrus County, moderate costs | | Gastonia | $950-$1,300 | $800-$1,100 | Most affordable in metro | | Fort Mill, SC | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | Many Charlotte commuters, SC taxes |

Charlotte tip: Many families living in South Charlotte commute to Fort Mill, SC for childcare—South Carolina's lower costs can offset the drive.

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Triangle Area Costs (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill)

The Research Triangle has become one of the hottest job markets in the country, and childcare costs reflect that growth. Tech companies, universities, and healthcare systems create high demand for quality care.

Raleigh

As the state capital and a major tech hub, Raleigh has seen substantial childcare cost increases.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,350-$1,850 | $16,200-$22,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,150-$1,650 | $13,800-$19,800 | | Preschool | $1,000-$1,450 | $12,000-$17,400 | | Nanny | $3,200-$4,400 | $38,400-$52,800 | | Home Daycare | $950-$1,350 | $11,400-$16,200 |

By area:

• North Hills, Downtown, ITB (Inside the Beltline): Highest ($1,600-2,100)
• Cary, Apex: High but excellent schools ($1,400-1,800)
• Garner, Wake Forest, Holly Springs: More moderate ($1,200-1,600)
• Knightdale, Wendell: Most affordable Wake County ($1,100-1,500)

Durham

Durham's growth, driven by Duke University and the biotech industry, has pushed costs nearly as high as Raleigh.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,300-$1,800 | $15,600-$21,600 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,100-$1,550 | $13,200-$18,600 | | Preschool | $950-$1,400 | $11,400-$16,800 | | Home Daycare | $900-$1,300 | $10,800-$15,600 |

By area:

• Downtown Durham, Trinity Park, Duke area: Highest ($1,500-2,000)
• Southpoint, Hope Valley: High ($1,300-1,700)
• North Durham, East Durham: More affordable ($1,000-1,400)

Chapel Hill/Carrboro

Premium market due to UNC presence and limited availability.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,400-$1,900 | $16,800-$22,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 | | Preschool | $1,050-$1,500 | $12,600-$18,000 |

Chapel Hill challenges:

• Very limited availability—join waitlists early
• UNC-affiliated centers have long waitlists but excellent quality
• Many families use Durham or Carrboro options

Triangle Suburbs

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | |------|---------------|-----------------| | Cary | $1,400-$1,800 | $1,200-$1,600 | | Apex | $1,350-$1,750 | $1,150-$1,550 | | Morrisville | $1,350-$1,800 | $1,150-$1,600 | | Holly Springs | $1,250-$1,650 | $1,050-$1,450 | | Fuquay-Varina | $1,150-$1,550 | $1,000-$1,350 | | Clayton | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 |

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Other NC Cities

Greensboro/Winston-Salem (Triad)

The Piedmont Triad offers significantly lower costs than Charlotte or the Triangle.

| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Preschool | |------|---------------|-----------------|-----------| | Greensboro | $950-$1,350 | $800-$1,150 | $700-$1,000 | | Winston-Salem | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,100 | $700-$1,000 | | High Point | $850-$1,200 | $750-$1,050 | $650-$950 | | Burlington | $850-$1,200 | $750-$1,050 | $650-$950 |

Asheville

Mountain city with costs higher than expected due to limited supply and tourism-driven cost of living.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | |-----------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,100-$1,550 | | Toddler Daycare | $950-$1,350 | | Preschool | $850-$1,200 |

Asheville challenges:

• Very limited availability in popular areas
• Childcare shortage is acute
• Many families commute from surrounding counties

Wilmington

Beach city with moderate costs and growing demand.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | |-----------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,000-$1,450 | | Toddler Daycare | $900-$1,250 | | Preschool | $800-$1,100 |

Fayetteville

Military community with lower costs, influenced by Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty).

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | |-----------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $850-$1,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $750-$1,050 | | Preschool | $650-$950 |

Military families: On-base childcare at Fort Liberty offers subsidized rates based on pay grade.

Other Cities

| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | |------|---------------|-----------------| | Jacksonville (Camp Lejeune) | $800-$1,150 | $700-$1,000 | | Greenville (ECU area) | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,100 | | Hickory | $800-$1,150 | $700-$1,000 | | Rocky Mount | $750-$1,100 | $650-$950 |

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North Carolina Child Care Assistance

NC Pre-K Program

North Carolina's Pre-K program is one of the highest-rated in the country.

Who qualifies:

• 4-year-olds from families at or below 75% State Median Income
• Children with disabilities
• Children with limited English proficiency
• Other at-risk factors considered

Income limits (2024):

• Family of 3: ~$56,000/year
• Family of 4: ~$67,500/year

Program details:

• Full-day (6.5 hours) or school-day program
• 10 months (school year)
• Available in public schools and private centers
• High-quality, research-based curriculum

Cost: Free for qualifying families.

How to apply:

1. Contact your local Smart Start partnership
2. Contact your school district
3. Apply through local NC Pre-K administrator

Tip: Apply early—NC Pre-K spots fill quickly, especially in high-demand areas like the Triangle and Charlotte.

Child Care Subsidy Program

Who qualifies:

• Working families at or below 200% federal poverty level
• Parents in approved education or training

Income limits (2024):

• Family of 3: $49,720/year
• Family of 4: $60,000/year

What you get:

• Subsidy covers portion of childcare costs
• Copay based on income (can be as low as $0)
• Can use at licensed centers or homes

How to apply: Through your local Department of Social Services (DSS)

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 preschool (Head Start) or infant/toddler care (Early Head Start)
• Health and developmental screenings
• Family support services
• Nutritious meals

How to apply: Contact your local Head Start program or visit eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov

Smart Start

North Carolina's early childhood initiative provides local resources:

• Childcare referrals
• Quality improvement for centers
• Family support programs
• Subsidy information

Find your local Smart Start: smartstart.org

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Ways to Save on Childcare in North Carolina

1. NC Pre-K (Age 4)

If you qualify, NC Pre-K saves $10,000-15,000 in the year before kindergarten. Even if your income is borderline, apply—other risk factors can qualify your child.

2. Dependent Care FSA

North Carolina has a flat 5.25% state income tax.

Savings on $5,000 contributed:

• Federal tax savings: $1,100-1,500
• NC state tax savings: $263
• Total: $1,363-1,763/year

3. Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

Federal credit of 20-35% of childcare expenses (up to $3,000 for one child, $6,000 for two or more).

Potential savings: $600-1,200/year

4. Licensed Family Childcare

Home daycares cost 25-35% less than centers. In NC, look for:

• 3-5 star rated homes (NC's star rating system)
• Licensed (not just registered)
• Good reviews and references

5. Consider Surrounding Areas

If you work in Charlotte or the Triangle, living 15-20 miles out can save $200-400/month on childcare.

6. Church-Based Programs

North Carolina has many faith-based childcare options at 15-25% below market rates.

7. Military Benefits

If you're near Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, or other installations:

• On-base childcare is income-based
• MilitaryChildCare.com for waitlist management
• Fee assistance programs available

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Finding Childcare in North Carolina

Where to Search

State resources:

• NCchildcare.nc.gov (official search)
• Smart Start (local partnerships)

National resources:

• Care.com
• Winnie.com
• Yelp reviews

What to Look For

NC Star Rating:

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

Aim for 3+ stars for best quality indicators.

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FAQ

Q: Does NC have free Pre-K?

A: NC Pre-K is free for income-qualifying 4-year-olds (up to 75% state median income). It's one of the highest-rated Pre-K programs in the country, but spots are limited. Apply early through your local Smart Start or school district.

Q: Is Charlotte or Raleigh more expensive for childcare?

A: The Triangle (Raleigh-Durham area) is slightly more expensive due to tech industry growth and university presence. However, both metros have seen significant increases and now rival each other in cost.

Q: What's the cheapest area in NC for childcare?

A: Rural areas and smaller cities like Fayetteville, Rocky Mount, and eastern NC communities have the lowest costs. For metros, the Piedmont Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem) offers the best value among larger cities.

Q: How do I find quality childcare in NC?

A: Use North Carolina's star rating system. Look for 3-5 star programs at NCchildcare.nc.gov. Also check references and visit in person.

Q: When should I start looking for childcare in NC?

A: For infant care in Charlotte or the Triangle, start looking as soon as you know you're expecting. Waitlists can be 6-12 months or longer for popular centers.

Q: Are there childcare deserts in NC?

A: Yes, particularly in rural eastern NC and some mountain communities. The NC Division of Child Development tracks this and is working on solutions.

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Conclusion

North Carolina offers a range of childcare options, from premium centers in Charlotte's Myers Park to affordable home daycares in smaller communities. The state's NC Pre-K program is a significant resource for 4-year-olds from qualifying families, and various assistance programs help make childcare more accessible.

Key takeaways:

• Triangle and Charlotte are most expensive; plan accordingly
• NC Pre-K is excellent—apply early if you might qualify
• Star ratings help identify quality programs
• Rural and smaller cities offer significant savings
• Join waitlists early, especially for infant care

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More NC childcare resources:

• How Much Does Child Care Cost? →
• How to Afford Child Care →
• Best Childcare Options Compared →
• Childcare Costs in Georgia →