San Diego County childcare cost
California · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 3,302,833
In San Diego County, California, median center-based infant care costs about $17,074 per year ($328/week) — roughly 22.8% of the county's median household income ($74,855), 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.
San Diego 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) | $328 | $17,074 | $210 | $10,914 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $233 | $12,121 | $194 | $10,069 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $233 | $12,121 | $194 | $10,069 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $201 | $10,436 | $162 | $8,445 |
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.
San Diego County vs California and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego County | $17,074 | 22.8% |
| 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 San Diego County?
In San Diego County, California, the median price of center-based infant care is about $17,074 per year ($328 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 San Diego County?
Median center-based infant care in San Diego County is about 22.8% of the county's median household income ($74,855). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in San Diego County?
Family (home-based) infant care in San Diego County runs about $10,914 per year versus $17,074 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the San Diego County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year San Diego 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