Childcare: what it costs and help paying for it

Daycare, nannies and au pairs compared on price, the subsidies and tax breaks that cut the bill, and free programs for babies and toddlers.

15 guides, tools and benefit pages · By The Mom Site editorial team

Small cubbies at a childcare center holding toddler backpacks, jackets and tiny shoes — Illustration

CostsHow much does childcare cost? Daycare prices by stateFederal data put the median price of full-time childcare for one child at $6,552 to $15,600 a year in 2022, or 8.9% to 16% of median family income. Infant care at a center costs the most, topping $24,000 a year in Massachusetts and DC, and daycare and preschool prices have risen 22.5% since. Look up your own county with our childcare cost tool.Read the guide

What childcare costs

Center, home daycare, nanny or au pair, with sourced prices.

Nanny vs daycare: cost and how to choose in 2026

A full-time nanny averages $870 a week and daycare $332 for one infant, per a 2026 survey. Compare costs, nanny shares, taxes, ratios and sick-day rules.12 min read

How much does a nanny cost? Rates by state and nanny share math

A full-time nanny costs about $870 a week, or $21.75 an hour, in a 2026 survey. See state wages, nanny share math and the household employer taxes you'll owe.9 min read

Au pair cost in 2026: stipend, agency fees and the real total

An au pair costs about $21,600 to $22,700 a year at major agencies in 2026: a $10,000+ program fee plus a $195.75 weekly stipend. See the rules and extras.6 min read

Find a programFind daycareLicensed programs, prices and help paying, by state and city ToolChildcare cost lookupDaycare prices in your county

Help paying for it

Subsidies, tax-free accounts and free programs.

Dependent care FSA limit 2026: $7,500, and when the credit is better

The 2026 dependent care FSA limit is $7,500 per household, up from $5,000. See what counts, use-it-or-lose-it rules, and when the childcare credit saves more.8 min read

BenefitsChild care assistanceEach state's subsidy program ToolDependent care FSA calculatorFSA or the tax credit for 2026 Find a programHead Start and Early Head StartFree programs from pregnancy to age 5

Going back to work

Leave, pay and pumping once you're back.

Maternity leave and work

Maternity leave in the US: how long it lasts and who pays (2026)

There's no federal paid maternity leave. FMLA gives 12 unpaid weeks if you qualify. How long leave lasts, who pays, and the rules in every state.14 min read

Maternity leave and work

Pumping at work: your rights under the PUMP Act and state laws

The PUMP Act gives most nursing workers break time and a private, non-bathroom space to pump for a year after birth. Who's covered, state laws and how to file.10 min read

BenefitsPaid family leave by stateWeeks and pay where you live

More on childcare

Cosco car seats: expiration dates, weight limits and recalls

Cosco car seats expire 8 or 10 years after they're made: Scenera Extend and Scenera NEXT 8, Easy Elite Slim, Entrada and Finale 10. Limits and recalls.6 min read

Maternity leave and work

Paternity leave in the US: how long dads get and who pays (2026)

There's no federal paid paternity leave. FMLA gives eligible dads 12 unpaid weeks, and 12 states plus DC pay 8 to 12 weeks to bond. The rules by state.14 min read

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