Across the United States, median center-based infant care costs about $7,987 a year — roughly $154 a week or $666 a month. Family (home-based) infant care is cheaper, at about $6,240 a year. (2018 medians, the latest federal county-level data.)
Estimate — verify with the source. From the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Prices have risen since 2018; check current local rates.
US median infant-care cost, at a glance
| Measure | Center-based | Family / home-based |
|---|---|---|
| Per week | $154 | $120 |
| Per month (approx) | $666 | $520 |
| Per year (× 52) | $7,987 | $6,240 |
It varies hugely by state
The national median hides an enormous range. Median center-based infant care runs from about $3,526 a year in Mississippi to $18,000 in Hawaii — a fivefold difference.
| State | Infant care (center) / yr |
|---|---|
| Mississippi (cheapest) | $3,526 |
| Texas | $6,942 |
| Ohio | $9,412 |
| New York | $11,429 |
| California | $15,058 |
| Hawaii (most expensive) | $18,000 |
Look up any state on the cost-by-state index, or your county on the county index.
Why infants cost the most
Infant care requires the lowest child-to-staff ratios — often three to four babies per caregiver — so each infant carries more of the staff cost. As children age into toddler, preschool and school-age care, ratios loosen and prices fall. See why infant care costs the most.
What it means for your budget
For a household earning the US median, $7,987 a year is already well above the 7% affordability benchmark. Use the cost calculator to see your own annual cost and the share of your income it would take.