King County childcare cost
Washington · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 2,163,257
In King County, Washington, median center-based infant care costs about $18,962 per year ($365/week) — roughly 21.2% of the county's median household income ($89,418), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (severe burden). The Washington state median is $12,900; 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.
King 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) | $365 | $18,962 | $279 | $14,520 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $321 | $16,667 | $256 | $13,311 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $291 | $15,144 | $231 | $12,000 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $149 | $7,740 | $164 | $8,530 |
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.
King County vs Washington and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| King County | $18,962 | 21.2% |
| Washington (state median) | $12,900 | 17.9% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full Washington 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 King County?
In King County, Washington, the median price of center-based infant care is about $18,962 per year ($365 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The Washington state median is $12,900. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in King County?
Median center-based infant care in King County is about 21.2% of the county's median household income ($89,418). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in King County?
Family (home-based) infant care in King County runs about $14,520 per year versus $18,962 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the King County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year King 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.
Keep exploring
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