Los Angeles County childcare cost
California · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 10,098,052
In Los Angeles County, California, median center-based infant care costs about $17,378 per year ($334/week) — roughly 27.0% of the county's median household income ($64,251), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (severe burden). The California state median is $15,058; 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.
Los Angeles 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) | $334 | $17,378 | $216 | $11,246 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $241 | $12,545 | $195 | $10,137 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $241 | $12,545 | $195 | $10,137 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $200 | $10,408 | $158 | $8,229 |
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.
Los Angeles County vs California and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $17,378 | 27.0% |
| California (state median) | $15,058 | 20.6% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full California 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 Los Angeles County?
In Los Angeles County, California, the median price of center-based infant care is about $17,378 per year ($334 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The California state median is $15,058. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Los Angeles County?
Median center-based infant care in Los Angeles County is about 27.0% of the county's median household income ($64,251). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Los Angeles County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Los Angeles County runs about $11,246 per year versus $17,378 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Los Angeles County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Los Angeles 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