Finding reliable and affordable child care is one of the biggest challenges for Illinois families. The cost of child care in Illinois varies widely depending on a child’s age, location, and the type of program chosen. This guide breaks down average costs across cities, explains what drives prices, and shares financial aid options to make care more accessible.
Families can use Winnie to compare tuition rates, explore nearby programs, and find licensed providers that fit their needs and budget.
Below is an overview of the average monthly cost of home-based versus center-based child care in Illinois, based on statewide provider data.
|
Age Group |
Home-Based Care |
Center-Based Care |
|
Infant |
$1,050 per month |
$1,400 per month |
|
Toddler |
$950 per month |
$1,250 per month |
|
Preschool |
$850 per month |
$1,100 per month |
|
School-Age (After-School) |
$400–$800 per month |
$500 - $900 per month |
Infant care is the most expensive, with monthly tuition that can surpass rent or mortgage payments in some areas. Preschool and after-school programs tend to be more affordable, but they still represent a significant portion of family budgets.
Child care costs differ greatly across Illinois. Factors like population density, local wages, and cost of living all influence tuition rates. Below is a closer look at the average full-time monthly cost of care by city:
As the state’s largest metro, Chicago has the highest average child care costs, around $1,560 per month. Infant and toddler care are in especially high demand, and many families seek out nearby suburbs for slightly lower rates.
Naperville families can expect to pay about $1,320 per month for full-time center-based care. The city’s strong emphasis on education and safety makes it a popular choice for parents, though tuition is still above the state average.
The state capital offers more affordable care, averaging $980 per month. Springfield’s smaller population and lower living costs make it one of the most budget-friendly cities for families.
Families in Peoria spend roughly $950 per month for full-time child care. Many in-home daycares and family care programs help keep costs lower compared to larger urban areas.
Child care in Rockford averages $1,000 per month. While not the cheapest in the state, Rockford offers a variety of licensed options, including bilingual preschools and home-based programs.
In Champaign, families typically pay around $1,150 per month. With a strong university presence, many providers cater to student parents and offer flexible scheduling options.
Aurora’s child care costs average $1,280 per month. Families benefit from numerous quality-rated centers and after-school programs throughout the city.
If your city isn’t listed, you can search by zip code on Winnie to find programs in your area.
Operating a licensed daycare or preschool in Illinois involves several recurring costs:
These combined expenses contribute to the overall cost of child care in Illinois, ensuring programs maintain high-quality standards and safe environments.
In addition to tuition, parents often face extra fees that can catch them off guard:
Families should also consider transportation and seasonal breaks, when alternate care may be required. These additional costs can raise total annual expenses by several hundred dollars.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), child care is affordable if it accounts for no more than 7% of household income. Illinois families typically spend 12–20%, well above this benchmark.
The national average annual cost for full-time care is $13,128, while Illinois averages around $15,800 per year, nearly 20% higher. This affordability gap makes child care one of the largest recurring expenses for working families statewide.
Yes. The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible families pay for part of their child care costs while parents work, attend school, or participate in approved job training. Eligibility depends on household income and family size, and payments go directly to approved providers.
To apply or learn more, visit How to Find and Apply for Childcare Assistance in Illinois.
Families may also qualify for federal and statewide programs that lower child care expenses:
For more information, families can explore Child Care Aware of America, which provides national resources and state-by-state guidance.
For families who don’t qualify for subsidies, there are still ways to save:
Experts recommend spending up to 10% of income on child care, but most Illinois families exceed that, spending between 15–20%.
Yes, families may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit or a Dependent Care FSA through their employer.
Yes. The Preschool for All program provides free early education for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds based on district availability.
Child care in Illinois costs about 20% more than the national average, with the highest rates in Chicago and Naperville.
Search by city or zip code on Winnie to explore licensed programs near you.