Wake County childcare cost
North Carolina · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 1,046,558
In Wake County, North Carolina, median center-based infant care costs about $14,340 per year ($276/week) — roughly 18.6% of the county's median household income ($76,956), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (heavy burden). The North Carolina state median is $8,579; 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.
Wake 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) | $276 | $14,340 | $200 | $10,399 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $230 | $11,959 | $185 | $9,619 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $171 | $8,891 | $180 | $9,359 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $132 | $6,860 | $150 | $7,799 |
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.
Wake County vs North Carolina and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Wake County | $14,340 | 18.6% |
| North Carolina (state median) | $8,579 | 15.9% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full North Carolina 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 Wake County?
In Wake County, North Carolina, the median price of center-based infant care is about $14,340 per year ($276 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The North Carolina state median is $8,579. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Wake County?
Median center-based infant care in Wake County is about 18.6% of the county's median household income ($76,956). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is roughly double the affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Wake County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Wake County runs about $10,399 per year versus $14,340 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Wake County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Wake 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