How Much Does Childcare Cost in Pennsylvania? 2026 Prices by County
Pennsylvania childcare costs $800-$2,000/mo for infants, highest near Philadelphia. See Philly, Pittsburgh, and statewide daycare prices.
Quick answer: Childcare in Pennsylvania costs about $800 to $2,000 per month for infant daycare, with Philadelphia highest ($1,400 to $2,000) and rural areas lowest ($800 to $1,200). Toddler care runs $700 to $1,700 and preschool $600 to $1,500. Pittsburgh sits in the middle and costs 15 to 30 percent less than Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania childcare costs vary significantly between its two major metros—Philadelphia and Pittsburgh—as well as smaller communities across the state. The Keystone State offers strong Pre-K programs and assistance options, but families in the Philadelphia region face costs rivaling the most expensive markets in the country.
This comprehensive guide covers what families actually pay across Pennsylvania, from premium Main Line suburbs to affordable rural communities.
Average Child Care Costs in Pennsylvania
Quick Overview
| Care Type | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh | Suburbs | Rural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,400-$2,000 | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,100-$1,600 | $800-$1,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,000-$1,400 | $950-$1,400 | $700-$1,000 |
| Preschool | $1,000-$1,500 | $900-$1,300 | $850-$1,200 | $600-$900 |
| Nanny | $3,200-$4,500 | $2,800-$3,800 | $2,600-$3,600 | $2,200-$3,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 | $750-$1,100 | $550-$850 |
How Pennsylvania Compares
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant care (Philly) | $1,700/month | $1,350/month | 26% above |
| Infant care (Pittsburgh) | $1,450/month | $1,350/month | 7% above |
| Infant care (Rural) | $1,000/month | $1,350/month | 26% below |
Pennsylvania is a tale of two markets: Philadelphia-area costs exceed the national average significantly, while Pittsburgh and rural areas remain more affordable.
Annual Costs by Region
| Region | Infant Center | Toddler Center | Preschool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Metro | $16,800-$24,000 | $14,400-$20,400 | $12,000-$18,000 |
| Pittsburgh Metro | $14,400-$20,400 | $12,000-$16,800 | $10,800-$15,600 |
| Lehigh Valley | $13,200-$18,000 | $11,400-$15,600 | $9,600-$13,800 |
| Central PA | $10,800-$15,600 | $9,000-$13,200 | $7,800-$12,000 |
| Rural PA | $9,600-$14,400 | $8,400-$12,000 | $7,200-$10,800 |
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Philadelphia Region Costs
Philadelphia's childcare market is one of the most expensive on the East Coast, driven by high demand, limited supply, and the region's overall cost of living.
Center City & Surrounding Neighborhoods
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,600-$2,200 | $19,200-$26,400 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,400-$1,900 | $16,800-$22,800 |
| Preschool | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 |
| Nanny | $3,500-$5,000 | $42,000-$60,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,100-$1,500 | $13,200-$18,000 |
By neighborhood:
- Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill, Washington Square: Highest costs ($1,900-2,400 for infants)
- University City, Fishtown, Northern Liberties: High ($1,600-2,000)
- Manayunk, Roxborough, Chestnut Hill: Moderate-high ($1,400-1,800)
- South Philadelphia, Germantown: Moderate ($1,300-1,700)
- North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia: More affordable ($1,200-1,600)
Main Line Suburbs
The Main Line represents Pennsylvania's most expensive childcare market.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,500-$2,000 | $18,000-$24,000 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,300-$1,800 | $15,600-$21,600 |
| Preschool | $1,100-$1,600 | $13,200-$19,200 |
| Nanny | $3,400-$4,800 | $40,800-$57,600 |
Key communities: Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Wayne, Villanova, Radnor, Gladwyne, Haverford
Main Line tips:
- Waitlists can be 12+ months for popular centers
- Many families use Main Line nanny agencies
- Consider home daycare for more affordable options
Montgomery County
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Merion | $1,500-$2,000 | $1,300-$1,750 | Main Line adjacent |
| King of Prussia | $1,400-$1,900 | $1,200-$1,650 | Corporate center |
| Conshohocken | $1,400-$1,850 | $1,200-$1,600 | Growing young family area |
| Blue Bell | $1,350-$1,800 | $1,150-$1,550 | Suburban |
| Lansdale | $1,250-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,450 | More affordable |
| Pottstown | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | Most affordable in county |
Delaware County
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $1,350-$1,800 | $1,150-$1,550 | Charming town center |
| Swarthmore | $1,400-$1,850 | $1,200-$1,600 | College town |
| Springfield | $1,250-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,450 | Suburban |
| Upper Darby | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | More affordable |
| Chester | $950-$1,350 | $800-$1,150 | Most affordable |
Bucks County
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newtown | $1,350-$1,800 | $1,150-$1,550 | Upper Bucks, affluent |
| Doylestown | $1,300-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,500 | County seat |
| Yardley | $1,300-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,500 | River town |
| Warminster | $1,150-$1,550 | $1,000-$1,350 | More affordable |
| Bristol/Levittown | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | Most affordable |
Chester County
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Chester | $1,400-$1,850 | $1,200-$1,600 | University town |
| Exton/Downingtown | $1,300-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,500 | Corporate corridor |
| Kennett Square | $1,250-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,450 | Charming town |
| Coatesville | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | More affordable |
Pittsburgh Region Costs
Pittsburgh offers significantly more affordable childcare than Philadelphia, though costs have risen substantially in recent years as the city has grown.
City of Pittsburgh
| 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-$1,350 | $10,800-$16,200 |
| Nanny | $2,800-$4,000 | $33,600-$48,000 |
| Home Daycare | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 |
By neighborhood:
- Shadyside, Squirrel Hill: Highest costs ($1,500-1,900)
- Lawrenceville, East Liberty, Highland Park: High ($1,300-1,700)
- South Side, Bloomfield, Regent Square: Moderate ($1,100-1,500)
- North Side, Brookline: More affordable ($1,000-1,400)
- Outer neighborhoods: Most affordable ($900-1,300)
Pittsburgh Suburbs - North Hills
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Chapel | $1,400-$1,850 | $1,200-$1,600 | Most affluent |
| Sewickley | $1,350-$1,800 | $1,150-$1,550 | Charming river town |
| Cranberry Township | $1,250-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,450 | Growing family area |
| Wexford | $1,200-$1,650 | $1,000-$1,400 | Suburban |
| Ross Township | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | More affordable |
Pittsburgh Suburbs - South Hills
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Lebanon | $1,300-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,500 | Premium suburb |
| Upper St. Clair | $1,300-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,500 | Excellent schools |
| Bethel Park | $1,150-$1,550 | $1,000-$1,350 | Good value |
| Peters Township | $1,200-$1,650 | $1,000-$1,400 | Washington County |
| Canonsburg | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | More affordable |
East Suburbs
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Monroeville | $1,150-$1,550 | $1,000-$1,350 |
| Murrysville | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 |
| Greensburg | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 |
Other Pennsylvania Regions
Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton)
Growing region with moderate costs.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,100-$1,500 | $13,200-$18,000 |
| Toddler Daycare | $950-$1,300 | $11,400-$15,600 |
| Preschool | $800-$1,150 | $9,600-$13,800 |
| Nanny | $2,600-$3,600 | $31,200-$43,200 |
| Home Daycare | $750-$1,050 | $9,000-$12,600 |
Harrisburg Area (Capital Region)
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 |
| Toddler Daycare | $850-$1,200 |
| Preschool | $750-$1,100 |
| Nanny | $2,400-$3,400 |
| Home Daycare | $700-$1,000 |
Suburbs: Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, and Hershey are slightly higher.
State College
University town with unique market dynamics.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,100-$1,500 |
| Toddler Daycare | $950-$1,300 |
| Preschool | $850-$1,200 |
State College challenges:
- Very limited availability
- Penn State employees create high demand
- Start looking during pregnancy
Lancaster/York Area
| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 |
| York | $950-$1,350 | $800-$1,150 |
| Reading | $950-$1,350 | $800-$1,150 |
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Most affordable larger metro in PA.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $850-$1,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $750-$1,050 |
| Preschool | $650-$950 |
Erie
| Care Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $900-$1,250 |
| Toddler Daycare | $800-$1,100 |
| Preschool | $700-$1,000 |
Pennsylvania Child Care Assistance Programs
Child Care Works (CCW)
Pennsylvania's primary childcare subsidy program.
Who qualifies:
- Working families at or below 200% federal poverty level
- Parents in approved education or training
- Recently employed (within 182 days)
Income limits (2024):
- Family of 3: $49,720/year
- Family of 4: $60,000/year
What you get:
- Subsidy covers most childcare costs
- Copay based on income (sliding scale)
- Can use at licensed centers or registered homes
How to apply:
- Through your county assistance office
- Online at compass.state.pa.us
- Call 1-877-395-8930
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts
High-quality Pre-K for income-eligible families.
Who qualifies:
- Children ages 3-4
- Families at or below 300% federal poverty level
- Priority for children closest to kindergarten
Income limits (2024):
- Family of 3: ~$75,000/year
- Family of 4: ~$90,000/year
Cost: Free for qualifying families.
How to apply: Contact your local school district or Pre-K Counts provider.
Head Start & Early Head Start
Who qualifies:
- Families at or below federal poverty level
- Foster children
- Homeless families
- Children with disabilities
What's included:
- Free preschool or infant/toddler care
- Health and developmental screenings
- Family support services
- Nutritious meals
Apply: Find local programs at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
PHLpreK (Philadelphia Only)
Philadelphia's expanding Pre-K program.
Who qualifies:
- All 3 and 4-year-olds in Philadelphia
- Income-based priority for free slots
- Sliding scale for middle-income families
How to apply: At phlprek.org
Philadelphia advantage: PHLpreK is moving toward universal access—check availability annually.
Keystone STARS
Pennsylvania's quality rating system for childcare.
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| STAR 4 | Highest quality, exceeds standards |
| STAR 3 | High quality |
| STAR 2 | Quality, making progress |
| STAR 1 | Licensed, meeting standards |
Tip: Aim for STAR 3 or 4 programs. Search at findchildcare.pa.gov.
Ways to Save on Childcare in Pennsylvania
1. Pre-K Counts (Ages 3-4)
Income limits are generous (300% FPL). If you qualify, this saves $12,000-18,000/year.
2. PHLpreK (Philadelphia)
Expanding program with income-based pricing. Even middle-income families may get reduced rates.
3. Dependent Care FSA
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax, plus local taxes (up to 3.9% in Philadelphia).
Savings on $5,000 contributed:
- Federal tax savings: $1,100-1,500
- PA state tax savings: $154
- Local tax savings (if applicable): up to $195
- Total: $1,449-1,849/year
4. Licensed Family Childcare
Home daycares cost 25-35% less than centers. Pennsylvania has excellent licensed family providers.
5. Move to Pittsburgh Region
If you can work remotely or have job flexibility, Pittsburgh-area childcare costs 15-30% less than Philadelphia.
6. Look for Keystone STARS Programs with Subsidies
Higher-quality programs don't cost more if you're using CCW subsidies.
7. Employer Benefits
Major Pennsylvania employers with childcare benefits:
- Philadelphia: Comcast, CHOP, Penn Medicine, Vanguard
- Pittsburgh: UPMC, Highmark, PNC, Duquesne Light
8. Church-Based Programs
Pennsylvania has many faith-based childcare options at 15-25% below market rates.
Finding Childcare in Pennsylvania
Where to Search
State resources:
- findchildcare.pa.gov (official search with Keystone STARS ratings)
- compass.state.pa.us (subsidy information)
Regional resources:
- Philadelphia: phlprek.org
- Pittsburgh: Allegheny County DHS
- Lehigh Valley: Community Services for Children
National resources:
- Care.com
- Winnie.com
- Local parenting groups
What to Look For
Keystone STARS rating: Aim for STAR 3 or 4
Staff qualifications: Check for CDA credentials or degrees
Ratios: Pennsylvania requires:
- Infants: 1:4
- Toddlers: 1:5 or 1:6
- Preschool: 1:10
Look for programs meeting or exceeding these ratios.
FAQ
Q: Does Pennsylvania have free preschool?
A: PA Pre-K Counts offers free preschool for income-qualifying families (up to 300% poverty level). Philadelphia's PHLpreK program is expanding toward universal access. Check with your school district or at phlprek.org.
Q: Is Philadelphia or Pittsburgh more expensive for childcare?
A: Philadelphia is generally 15-30% more expensive than Pittsburgh for comparable care. Philadelphia-area costs rival New York and DC suburbs.
Q: How do I find quality childcare in PA?
A: Use Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS rating system. Search for STAR 3 and 4 programs at findchildcare.pa.gov and visit in person before deciding.
Q: When should I start looking for childcare in PA?
A: For infant care in Philadelphia or Main Line suburbs, start looking as soon as you know you're expecting. Waitlists can be 12+ months. Pittsburgh and rural areas typically require 3-6 months notice.
Q: What's the cheapest area in Pennsylvania for childcare?
A: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and rural central Pennsylvania have the lowest costs. Pittsburgh offers good value among major metros.
Q: Can I use Pennsylvania subsidies for a nanny?
A: No, Child Care Works subsidies can only be used at licensed childcare centers or registered family childcare homes, not private nannies.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania offers dramatically different childcare markets depending on where you live. Philadelphia-area families face costs among the highest in the nation, while Pittsburgh and rural communities remain relatively affordable. Strong Pre-K programs and generous income limits for assistance make quality care accessible to many families.
Key takeaways:
- Philadelphia region is 15-30% more expensive than Pittsburgh
- Pre-K Counts has generous income limits (up to 300% FPL)
- Keystone STARS ratings help identify quality programs
- PHLpreK is expanding—Philadelphia families should check availability
- Rural areas and smaller cities offer significant savings
More Pennsylvania childcare resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does infant daycare cost in Pennsylvania?+
Infant daycare in Pennsylvania ranges from about $1,400 to $2,000 per month in Philadelphia, $1,200 to $1,700 in Pittsburgh, and $800 to $1,200 in rural areas. Philadelphia averages around $1,700 per month, about 26 percent above the national average.
Is childcare cheaper in Pittsburgh than Philadelphia?+
Yes. Pittsburgh infant daycare runs about $1,200 to $1,700 per month versus $1,400 to $2,000 in Philadelphia, generally 15 to 30 percent less. Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and rural central Pennsylvania are the most affordable.
Does Pennsylvania offer free preschool?+
Yes. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts offers free preschool for income-eligible families up to 300 percent of the poverty level, and Philadelphia's PHLpreK program is expanding toward universal access. Head Start is also available.
What childcare assistance does Pennsylvania offer?+
Pennsylvania offers Child Care Works (CCW) subsidies for working families at or below 200 percent of the poverty level, Pre-K Counts, PHLpreK in Philadelphia, Head Start, and the federal Dependent Care FSA that shelters up to $5,000 per year pre-tax.
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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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