Erie County childcare cost
New York · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 919,866
In Erie County, New York, median center-based infant care costs about $14,244 per year ($274/week) — roughly 25.6% of the county's median household income ($55,673), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (severe burden). The New York state median is $11,429; the US median is $7,987. Prices are 2018 medians from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices.
Source: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices. Data as of June 2026.
Erie County childcare prices by age and care type
Median weekly and annualized (×52) prices, 2018:
| Age group | Center /wk | Center /yr | Family /wk | Family /yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–23 months) | $274 | $14,244 | $184 | $9,592 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $258 | $13,431 | $180 | $9,340 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $240 | $12,464 | $175 | $9,087 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $210 | $10,938 | $170 | $8,835 |
Source: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (2018). Data as of June 2026.
"Center" = licensed childcare center/daycare; "Family" = home-based family childcare. Annual = weekly median × 52 weeks. Estimate — verify current prices with providers.
Erie County vs New York and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Erie County | $14,244 | 25.6% |
| New York (state median) | $11,429 | 16.5% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full New York childcare cost page for every county and age group, or use the cost calculator for your own numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does daycare cost in Erie County?
In Erie County, New York, the median price of center-based infant care is about $14,244 per year ($274 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The New York state median is $11,429. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Erie County?
Median center-based infant care in Erie County is about 25.6% of the county's median household income ($55,673). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Erie County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Erie County runs about $9,592 per year versus $14,244 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Erie County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Erie County appears in the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Prices have risen since; treat these as a baseline and confirm current rates with local providers.
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Source & accuracy
Prices: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (2018, public domain). "% of income" uses the county's median household income (American Community Survey, via the NDCP). Annualization (×52) and shares are documented on our methodology page. These are historical medians; prices have risen since 2018. Verify current local prices with providers.
Last updated: 2026-06-20