Maricopa County childcare cost
Arizona · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 4,253,913
In Maricopa County, Arizona, median center-based infant care costs about $11,700 per year ($225/week) — roughly 19.0% of the county's median household income ($61,606), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (heavy burden). The Arizona state median is $9,230; 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.
Maricopa 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) | $225 | $11,700 | $100 | $5,200 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $200 | $10,400 | $100 | $5,200 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $170 | $8,840 | $100 | $5,200 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $150 | $7,800 | $96 | $5,015 |
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.
Maricopa County vs Arizona and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Maricopa County | $11,700 | 19.0% |
| Arizona (state median) | $9,230 | 16.2% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full Arizona 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 Maricopa County?
In Maricopa County, Arizona, the median price of center-based infant care is about $11,700 per year ($225 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The Arizona state median is $9,230. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Maricopa County?
Median center-based infant care in Maricopa County is about 19.0% of the county's median household income ($61,606). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is roughly double the affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Maricopa County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Maricopa County runs about $5,200 per year versus $11,700 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Maricopa County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Maricopa 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