Average Daycare Cost in Ohio 2026 (Per Month)
Short answer: Full-time infant daycare in Ohio averages $1,148 a month, about $265 a week, at a licensed center (Child Care Aware of America, 2024 prices). Centers in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati commonly charge $1,000 to $1,500 a month, while small cities and rural areas run about $650 to $1,100.
Ohio centers average $1,148 a month ($265 a week) for infant care. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and rural Ohio compared, plus PFCC help.
Ohio offers relatively affordable childcare compared to coastal states, making it an attractive option for families seeking quality care without breaking the bank. Statewide, Ohio ranks 28th of the 50 states and DC for center infant care prices in Child Care Aware of America's 2024 data. Costs vary significantly between the state's three major metros (Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati) and smaller communities. Families near a border can compare Pennsylvania and Michigan.
This comprehensive guide covers what families actually pay across the Buckeye State, plus how to access Ohio's assistance programs and find quality care.
Average Daycare Cost in Ohio (Latest Statewide Data)
| Age group | Center, per year | Center, per month | Center, per week | Family child care home, per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | $13,780 | $1,148 | $265 | $880 |
| Toddler | $12,376 | $1,031 | $238 | $849 |
| 4-year-old | $11,752 | $979 | $226 | $754 |
Source: Child Care Aware of America, Child Care in America: 2024 Affordability Analysis, Tables I and II. Statewide averages for full-time care at 2024 prices, the latest published. Monthly figures are the annual price divided by 12, weekly figures divided by 52.
For context, Child Care Aware of America put the national average price of care, across all ages and care types, at $13,128 a year in its 2024 Price and Supply analysis.
Ohio Daycare Cost by Region
Monthly Estimates at a Glance
| Care Type | Major Cities | Suburbs | Small Cities | Rural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,000-$1,500 | $850-$1,300 | $750-$1,100 | $650-$1,000 |
| Toddler Daycare | $850-$1,300 | $750-$1,100 | $650-$950 | $550-$850 |
| Preschool | $750-$1,150 | $650-$1,000 | $600-$900 | $500-$800 |
| Nanny | $2,600-$3,600 | $2,200-$3,200 | $2,000-$2,800 | $1,800-$2,600 |
| Home Daycare | $700-$1,000 | $600-$850 | $550-$750 | $450-$700 |
Regional ranges are estimates of typical full-time rates. Individual centers vary, so confirm current tuition with each provider.
Infant rooms cost the most because Ohio requires one teacher for every five infants (1:5). See child care ratios by state to compare.
Annual Costs by Type
| Care Type | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare Center | $10,200 | $18,000 |
| Toddler Daycare Center | $8,400 | $15,600 |
| Preschool | $7,200 | $13,800 |
| Full-time Nanny | $31,200 | $43,200 |
| Home Daycare | $6,600 | $12,000 |
Getting ready for daycare?
Our most-used gear guides cover the three things nearly every center asks families to bring on day one.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Financial Planning Products
- Clever Fox Budget Planner - Undated monthly budget book to map childcare costs against take-home pay
- Five Star Spiral Notebook - Durable notebook for tracking tour notes, waitlists, and provider quotes
- Mabel's Labels Baby Daycare Pack - Waterproof name labels so bottles, cups, and clothes come home with your child
Columbus Area Costs
Columbus is Ohio's largest and fastest-growing city, with childcare costs to match. The tech industry and OSU presence drive demand in certain neighborhoods.
City of Columbus
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,100-$1,600 | $13,200-$19,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $950-$1,400 | $11,400-$16,800 |
| Preschool | $850-$1,250 | $10,200-$15,000 |
| Nanny | $2,800-$3,800 | $33,600-$45,600 |
| Home Daycare | $750-$1,050 | $9,000-$12,600 |
By neighborhood:
- German Village, Short North, Grandview Heights: Highest costs ($1,400-1,800 for infants)
- Upper Arlington, Worthington: High ($1,200-1,600)
- Westerville, Dublin: Mid-range ($1,100-1,500)
- Hilliard, Gahanna: Mid-range ($1,050-1,450)
- East Columbus, South Columbus: More affordable ($900-1,300)
Columbus Suburbs
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin | $1,200-$1,600 | $1,000-$1,400 | Premium suburb, excellent schools |
| New Albany | $1,300-$1,700 | $1,100-$1,500 | Highest-end Columbus suburb |
| Upper Arlington | $1,150-$1,550 | $1,000-$1,400 | Historic, family-oriented |
| Westerville | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | Good value, great schools |
| Powell | $1,150-$1,550 | $1,000-$1,400 | Delaware County, growing area |
| Hilliard | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 | Affordable, good schools |
| Grove City | $950-$1,300 | $800-$1,100 | Most affordable Columbus suburb |
| Reynoldsburg | $900-$1,250 | $800-$1,100 | East side, affordable |
| Pickerington | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 | Fairfield County, moderate costs |
Columbus Tips
- OSU Area: Limited options but some university-affiliated centers
- Waitlists: Dublin and New Albany have significant waitlists: join early
- Short North: Growing rapidly with new center openings
Cleveland Area Costs
Cleveland offers some of the most affordable childcare among major Ohio cities, though premium suburbs like Shaker Heights and Westlake approach Columbus-level pricing.
City of Cleveland
| 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 | $2,500-$3,400 | $30,000-$40,800 |
| Home Daycare | $700-$1,000 | $8,400-$12,000 |
By neighborhood:
- Tremont, Ohio City, Detroit Shoreway: Highest within city ($1,200-1,600)
- Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights: High (technically separate cities, $1,100-1,500)
- University Circle, Little Italy: Moderate-high ($1,050-1,400)
- West Side, Lakewood: Moderate ($950-1,300)
- East Side neighborhoods: More affordable ($850-1,200)
Cleveland Suburbs
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaker Heights | $1,150-$1,550 | $1,000-$1,350 | Premium east side |
| Cleveland Heights | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | Diverse, artsy suburb |
| Westlake | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | Premium west side |
| Bay Village | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | Lakefront community |
| Rocky River | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | West side, great schools |
| Solon | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | Southeast, excellent schools |
| Aurora | $1,100-$1,450 | $950-$1,300 | Portage County, affluent |
| Strongsville | $1,000-$1,350 | $850-$1,200 | Southwest, good value |
| Lakewood | $950-$1,300 | $850-$1,150 | Close-in, walkable |
| Parma | $900-$1,200 | $750-$1,050 | Large, affordable suburb |
| Mentor | $950-$1,300 | $850-$1,150 | Lake County, moderate |
| Euclid | $850-$1,150 | $750-$1,000 | Most affordable east suburb |
Cleveland Tips
- Healthcare workers: Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals both have childcare programs
- East vs. West: Costs are similar; choose based on commute
- Lakefront suburbs: Premium pricing but excellent quality
Cincinnati Area Costs
Cincinnati's childcare market is influenced by both Ohio and Kentucky, with some families crossing the river for care. The city offers solid options at prices between Cleveland and Columbus.
City of Cincinnati
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,050-$1,500 | $12,600-$18,000 |
| Toddler Daycare | $900-$1,300 | $10,800-$15,600 |
| Preschool | $800-$1,200 | $9,600-$14,400 |
| Nanny | $2,600-$3,600 | $31,200-$43,200 |
| Home Daycare | $700-$1,000 | $8,400-$12,000 |
By neighborhood:
- Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, Mt. Adams: Highest ($1,300-1,700)
- Indian Hill: Premium suburb ($1,400-1,800)
- Over-the-Rhine, Northside: Gentrifying, high ($1,100-1,500)
- Clifton, Corryville (UC area): Moderate ($1,000-1,400)
- West Side, Price Hill: More affordable ($900-1,200)
Cincinnati Suburbs
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Hill | $1,400-$1,800 | $1,200-$1,600 | Most expensive in metro |
| Mason | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | Warren County, excellent schools |
| West Chester | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | Butler County, good value |
| Blue Ash | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 | Corporate center |
| Montgomery | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | Hamilton County, upscale |
| Loveland | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 | Clermont County, moderate |
| Anderson Township | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 | East side, good schools |
| Green Township | $900-$1,250 | $800-$1,100 | West side, affordable |
| Fairfield | $900-$1,250 | $800-$1,100 | Butler County, affordable |
| Northern Kentucky (Florence, Ft. Mitchell) | $900-$1,300 | $800-$1,150 | Kentucky, often cheaper |
Cincinnati Tips
- Cross the river: Northern Kentucky often offers lower costs
- Procter & Gamble: P&G has on-site childcare at headquarters
- King's Island area: Mason/Liberty Township has many family-oriented centers
Other Ohio Cities
Toledo
Northwest Ohio's largest city offers very affordable childcare.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $850-$1,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $750-$1,050 |
| Preschool | $650-$950 |
| Home Daycare | $600-$850 |
Akron
University of Akron area with moderate costs.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $900-$1,250 |
| Toddler Daycare | $800-$1,100 |
| Preschool | $700-$1,000 |
| Home Daycare | $650-$900 |
Dayton
Wright-Patterson AFB influence keeps demand steady.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $850-$1,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $750-$1,050 |
| Preschool | $650-$950 |
| Home Daycare | $600-$850 |
Military families: Wright-Patterson has on-base childcare with income-based fees.
Youngstown
Among the most affordable options in Ohio.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $750-$1,050 |
| Toddler Daycare | $650-$900 |
| Preschool | $600-$850 |
| Home Daycare | $500-$750 |
Other Cities
| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Canton | $850-$1,200 | $750-$1,050 |
| Springfield | $800-$1,100 | $700-$1,000 |
| Lima | $750-$1,050 | $650-$900 |
| Mansfield | $750-$1,050 | $650-$900 |
| Newark | $850-$1,200 | $750-$1,050 |
| Zanesville | $700-$1,000 | $600-$850 |
Ohio Child Care Assistance Programs
Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)
Ohio's primary childcare subsidy program.
Who qualifies:
- Families at or below 142% federal poverty level (to start)
- Can remain eligible up to 300% FPL once enrolled
- Must be working, in school, or in approved training
Income limits (2024):
- Family of 3: $35,350/year (initial), up to $74,580 (continuing)
- Family of 4: $42,600/year (initial), up to $90,000 (continuing)
What you get:
- Subsidy covers most childcare costs
- Small copay based on income (can be $0)
- Can use at licensed centers or homes
How to apply:
- Through Ohio Benefits at benefits.ohio.gov
- Call 1-844-640-6446
- Visit your county Job and Family Services office
Ohio Pre-K
Who qualifies:
- Children ages 3-5
- Income-eligible families (priority to lowest incomes)
- Other risk factors considered
Cost: Free for qualifying families.
Quality: All Ohio Pre-K programs are rated Step Up to Quality 3-star or higher.
Step Up to Quality
Ohio's childcare rating system helps parents identify quality programs.
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ★★★★★ (5 stars) | Highest quality, exceeds standards |
| ★★★★ (4 stars) | High quality, meets most advanced standards |
| ★★★ (3 stars) | Quality, significant progress |
| ★★ (2 stars) | Progressing toward quality |
| ★ (1 star) | Licensed, meeting basic requirements |
Tip: Aim for 3+ stars when possible. You can search rated programs at earlychildhoodohio.org.
Head Start & Early Head Start
Who qualifies:
- Families at or below federal poverty level
- Foster children
- Homeless families
What's included:
- Free childcare/preschool
- Health and developmental screenings
- Family support services
- Nutritious meals
Ways to Save on Childcare in Ohio
1. Apply for PFCC
Ohio's income limits are generous once you're enrolled (up to 300% FPL for continuing eligibility). Even middle-class families may qualify.
2. Dependent Care FSA
Ohio has a flat 4% state income tax (after recent cuts).
Savings on $5,000 contributed (the limit rises to $7,500 per household for 2026 under IRS Publication 15-B, so savings run about 50 percent higher if you contribute the maximum):
- Federal tax savings: $1,100-1,500
- Ohio state tax savings: $200
- Total: $1,300-1,700/year
3. Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
Federal credit worth 20-35% of expenses.
Potential savings: $600-1,200/year
4. Look for 5-Star Programs with PFCC
Quality programs don't cost more if you're using PFCC subsidies, so get the best quality for your subsidy dollars.
5. Home Daycare
Licensed family childcare homes cost 25-40% less than centers with often comparable quality. Ohio has many excellent rated home providers.
6. Consider Smaller Cities
If your job allows flexibility, Toledo, Dayton, or Youngstown offer significant savings over the C's (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati).
7. Employer Benefits
Major Ohio employers like Nationwide, JPMorgan Chase, and healthcare systems often offer childcare subsidies. Check your benefits.
8. Church-Based Programs
Ohio has many faith-based childcare options, often 15-25% below market rates.
Finding Quality Childcare in Ohio
Where to Search
State resources:
- earlychildhoodohio.org (Step Up to Quality search)
- childcaresearch.ohio.gov
National resources:
- Care.com
- Winnie.com
- Local referral agencies
What to Look For
Step Up to Quality rating: Aim for 3+ stars
Staff qualifications: Check for CDA credentials or degrees
Ratios: Ohio requires:
- Infants: 1:5 or 1:6 depending on age
- Toddlers: 1:7
- Preschool: 1:12
Look for programs exceeding these minimums.
FAQ
Q: Which Ohio city has the cheapest childcare?
A: Smaller cities like Youngstown, Toledo, and Dayton have the lowest costs. Among major metros, Cleveland is slightly cheaper than Columbus or Cincinnati, though all three are relatively affordable compared to coastal cities.
Q: Does Ohio have free preschool?
A: Ohio Pre-K offers free preschool for income-qualifying families. It's not universal, but the program is expanding. Check eligibility at your local school district or at earlychildhoodohio.org.
Q: How do I find quality childcare in Ohio?
A: Use Step Up to Quality ratings and aim for 3-5 star programs. Search at earlychildhoodohio.org and visit programs in person before deciding.
Q: What's the Step Up to Quality program?
A: It's Ohio's quality rating system for childcare. Programs volunteer to be rated on a 1-5 star scale based on learning environment, staff qualifications, and family engagement. Higher ratings indicate higher quality.
Q: When should I start looking for childcare in Ohio?
A: For infant care in Columbus, Cleveland, or Cincinnati, start looking 3-6 months before you need care. Waitlists in premium suburbs can be 6+ months.
Q: Can I use Ohio childcare subsidies for a nanny?
A: No, PFCC subsidies can only be used at licensed childcare centers or certified family childcare homes, not private nannies.
Conclusion
Ohio offers families an affordable path to quality childcare, with costs well below the national average and strong assistance programs for qualifying families. Whether you're in a major metro or a smaller community, understanding the local market and available resources can help you find excellent care within your budget.
Key takeaways:
- Ohio is 15-25% below national average for childcare costs
- Columbus is most expensive; Cleveland and Cincinnati are slightly lower
- Step Up to Quality ratings help identify quality programs
- PFCC subsidies have generous continuing eligibility (up to 300% FPL)
- Smaller cities and home daycares offer significant savings
Sources
- Child Care Aware of America, Child Care in America: 2024 Affordability Analysis, Table I (center-based prices) and Table II (family child care prices)
- Child Care Aware of America, Child Care in America: 2024 Price and Supply (national average price of care)
- Ohio Department of Children and Youth, Publicly Funded Child Care: childrenandyouth.ohio.gov
- Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Early Childhood Education: education.ohio.gov
- IRS, Publication 15-B (2026 dependent care assistance limit of $7,500)
- ChildCarePath, child care ratios by state (licensing staff-to-child ratios)
Researched from the sources above; not professional financial, tax or legal advice. Regional ranges are estimates. Tuition and program rules change, so confirm current rates and eligibility with providers and the agencies listed.
More Ohio childcare resources:
- How Much Does Child Care Cost? →
- How to Afford Child Care →
- Best Childcare Options Compared →
- Childcare Costs in Pennsylvania →
- 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.
Wildkin Nap Mat with Pillow and Blanket
Mat, blanket and removable pillow in one roll, and it is machine washable, 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.
Check price on Amazon
Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box
Leakproof compartments a small child can open unaided, which is the whole test for a daycare lunch.
Check price on Amazon
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.
Check price on Amazon
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.
Check price on Amazon
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.
Check price on Amazon
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 AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of daycare per month in Ohio?+
Ohio child care centers average about $1,148 a month for infants ($13,780 a year), $1,031 for toddlers and $979 for 4-year-olds, per Child Care Aware of America's 2024 data. A family child care home averages about $880 a month for an infant.
How much does infant daycare cost in Ohio?+
Regional estimates run about $1,000 to $1,500 a month in the major cities, $850 to $1,300 in the suburbs and $650 to $1,000 in rural areas, against a statewide center average of $13,780 a year (Child Care Aware of America, 2024).
How much is daycare in Cincinnati or Columbus?+
Columbus and Cincinnati infant daycare commonly runs about $1,000 to $1,500 a month, and premium suburbs such as New Albany and Indian Hill run about $1,300 to $1,800.
What childcare assistance does Ohio offer?+
Ohio offers Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) for income-eligible families, now run by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, plus Head Start, state-funded preschool grants and the federal Dependent Care FSA, which shelters up to $7,500 per household per year pre-tax starting in 2026 (IRS Publication 15-B).
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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