Child Care Costs in Ohio 2026: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati Prices

Ohio offers relatively affordable childcare compared to coastal states, making it an attractive option for families seeking quality care without breaking the bank. However, costs vary significantly between the state's three major metros—Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati—and smaller communities.

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 Child Care Costs in Ohio

Quick Overview

| 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 |

How Ohio Compares

| Comparison | Ohio | National Average | Difference | |------------|------|------------------|------------| | Infant care | $1,150/month | $1,350/month | 15% below | | Toddler care | $1,000/month | $1,200/month | 17% below | | Preschool | $900/month | $1,100/month | 18% below |

Ohio childcare costs average 15-25% below the national average, making it one of the more affordable states in the Midwest for raising a family.

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 |

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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

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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

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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

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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 |

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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

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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:

• 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—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.

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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.

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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—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.

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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

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More Ohio childcare resources:

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