Cost of Child Care in California by Age, City & Type

Finding child care in California can be overwhelming, especially with the wide range of options and costs across the state. From Los Angeles to Sacramento, the price of quality care often depends on factors like age, type of care, and location. This guide provides an updated look at average child care costs in California, including daycare, preschool, and school-age care options, along with programs and strategies to make it more affordable.

Average Child Care Cost in California by Type and Age

The average monthly cost of full-time child care in California is around $1,200 per child, or roughly 20% of the average household income for families with young children. However, prices vary depending on the child’s age and the type of care chosen.

Note: These averages represent statewide estimates and may differ across cities and regions.

Child Care Cost in California by City

Child care costs vary greatly depending on the city. Larger metro areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles tend to have the highest prices due to higher living costs and demand for licensed care.

Los Angeles

Average monthly cost: $1,350
Los Angeles families often face some of the highest child care costs in the state due to dense population and high living expenses. Center-based care is particularly in demand, and waitlists for quality programs can be long.

San Francisco

Average monthly cost: $1,800
San Francisco leads the state in child care costs, reflecting its elevated housing and labor rates. Many families rely on a mix of public preschool options and part-time care to balance affordability.

San Diego

Average monthly cost: $1,250
San Diego offers a range of coastal and suburban programs, with moderate costs compared to larger metros. Parents can find both home-based and Montessori-style preschools at varying price points.

Sacramento

Average monthly cost: $1,100
Sacramento’s child care market is slightly more affordable than coastal cities, offering a balance of quality and value. Families often benefit from access to state preschool programs and community resources.

Oakland

Average monthly cost: $1,500
Oakland’s proximity to San Francisco keeps prices relatively high, but families here can find diverse early learning options. The city’s growing network of nonprofit and cooperative centers helps make care more accessible.

Major Expenses That Child Care Programs Factor Into Their Costs

Several factors influence how much families pay for child care in California:

Facilities

Centers must meet strict licensing standards, often requiring costly upgrades, renovations, and maintenance. Rent, utilities, and insurance also contribute to higher operating costs.

Staffing

Maintaining proper staff-to-child ratios and hiring qualified caregivers is a major expense. Wages, benefits, and ongoing training are critical to providing safe, quality care.

Materials and Furniture

From toys and books to cribs and classroom equipment, programs must invest in high-quality, durable materials that promote learning and safety.

Hidden Costs Parents Should Keep in Mind

Beyond tuition, parents may encounter additional expenses that add up throughout the year:

• Field trips and activities: Transportation or admission fees for outings.

• Extra-curricular programs: Music, dance, or language classes.

• Late pick-up fees: Charges for pickups after closing time.

• Special events: Contributions for celebrations or seasonal parties.

• Supplies: Diapers, wipes, or classroom materials.

Is Child Care Affordable in California?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, child care is considered affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a household’s income. In California, most families far exceed this threshold, with many spending 15–25% of their income on care. This financial strain can impact families’ ability to save, pay rent, or pursue career opportunities.

Comparatively, the national average cost of child care is around $10,000 per year, while California’s average exceeds $14,000 annually, making it one of the most expensive states for working parents.

Options for Subsidized Child Care in California

For more details on financial support and resources, visit Winnie’s guide to childcare assistance in California.

California offers several programs to help reduce costs for eligible families:

• Head Start & Early Head Start: Federally funded programs providing early education and family support for low-income households.

• California State Preschool Program (CSPP): Offers free or low-cost preschool to income-eligible families with children ages 3–5.

• CalWORKs Child Care Program: Provides assistance for families participating in welfare-to-work activities.

• Alternative Payment Programs (APP): Helps pay for child care through vouchers that parents can use with licensed or license-exempt providers.

Other Ways to Make Child Care More Affordable

In addition to state and federal programs, parents can explore these strategies:

• Sibling discounts: Many centers offer reduced rates for families with more than one child enrolled.

• Military and employer benefits: Some employers and military programs help offset child care expenses.

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs): Parents can use pre-tax income for dependent care.

• Community resources: Nonprofits and local agencies sometimes provide child care grants or sliding-scale tuition.

Find Child Care in California

Search for licensed daycares, preschools, and school-age programs near you on Winnie:

Find child care in California

FAQs About Child Care in California

What is the average cost of daycare in California?

On average, full-time daycare costs about $1,200 per month, depending on the city and the child’s age.

What is the most expensive city for child care in California?

San Francisco has the highest average rates, at roughly $1,800 per month for full-time care.

Are there free preschool programs in California?

Yes. Programs like Head Start and the California State Preschool Program provide free or subsidized preschool to eligible families.

Is child care tax-deductible in California?

Yes. Families may qualify for federal and state tax credits, such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit, to offset expenses.

How much of your budget should go to daycare?

Experts recommend spending no more than 7–10% of your income on child care when possible, though many California families spend significantly more.