How Much Does Childcare Cost in California?
Childcare in California is among the most expensive in the U.S. and for many families, it’s one of the biggest household expenses often rivaling rent or a mortgage payment. Whether you’re planning for your first child or budgeting for preschool, understanding the average childcare costs in California can help you prepare financially.
Posted on:
November 26, 2025
Childcare prices vary widely depending on location, type of care and your child’s age, but here’s a general breakdown of average childcare costs in California:
Type of Care | Infant (0–2 yrs) | Preschool (3–5 yrs) |
Childcare Center | $17,000 – $25,000 per year | $13,000 – $18,000 per year |
Home-based (Family Care) | $10,000 – $15,000 per year | $9,000 – $12,000 per year |
In high cost areas like the Bay Area or Los Angeles, full-time infant care can even exceed $30,000 annually showing how average childcare costs in California can vary dramatically.
Why is childcare so expensive in California?
Several factors contribute to California’s high childcare costs:
• Staff to child ratios: Infants require more supervision, which means more caregivers per child.
• Regulations & licensing: California has strict safety and quality standards, which increase operational costs.
• High cost of living: Rent, utilities and wages for childcare workers are higher in many parts of the state.
These factors explain why average childcare costs in California are among the highest in the nation.
Breaking down annual costs into daily expenses helps families plan:
• Infant in a center: roughly $75–$100 per day
• Preschool in a center: roughly $55–$75 per day
• Home-based infant care: roughly $40–$60 per day
Knowing these daily rates is crucial for understanding average childcare costs in California in practical terms.
How much is full time childcare in CA?
Full time childcare in California can be a significant portion of your budget:
• Average annual infant care: $20,000
• Preschool care: $13,000–$18,000 per year
To keep these costs under 15% of household income, families typically need an annual income between $120,000 and $200,000 again highlighting the high average childcare costs in California.
Looking at weekly expenses gives another perspective on average childcare costs in California:
• Center-based infant care: $400 - $500 per week
• Center-based preschool: $325 - $400 per week
• Home-based infant care: $200 - $300 per week
For families with multiple children:
• Two young children in center based care could cost $600 - $900 per week combined.
This shows how childcare quickly becomes a major household expense, sometimes rivaling a small mortgage.
What families are doing to manage costs?
Tips to Manage Childcare Costs
1. Start early - waitlists can be long and early planning may secure better rates.
2. Ask your employer - some companies offer childcare stipends or pre-tax savings accounts.
3. Use a Dependent Care FSA - allows up to $5,000 pre tax savings for childcare.
4. Explore state programs - low to moderate-income families may qualify for assistance.
5. Combine part-time options - mix preschool hours with family help to reduce costs.
The Bottom Line
Childcare in California is a major financial commitment, with most families spending between $15,000 and $25,000 per child per year. While costs are high, understanding the numbers and planning early can make the process more manageable. For families, it’s not just about finding childcare, it’s about finding a balance between quality, affordability and peace of mind.
For more on how 1Core supports early education management visit 1coresolution.com.
1Core Solution is a comprehensive childcare management platform built to support the daily needs of childcare centers and early education providers. With tools for online billing, parent engagement, admissions, attendance, lesson planning, and staff management, 1Core brings your center’s operations into one centralized, easy-to-use system. Designed with both educators and administrators in mind, 1Core helps reduce manual tasks, improve communication, and enhance the experience for families and staff alike. Backed by dependable support and strong data security, 1Core gives you the freedom to focus less on paperwork and more on creating meaningful moments with the children in your care.
Muhila S
Digital Marketer | 1Core Solution
Building bridges between products and audiences through clever, data-powered campaigns. A trend-chaser with a creative heart and a results first mindset.
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