Cost of Childcare in Texas (2025)

For infants in center-based care, the average childcare cost in Texas is around $300/week. Costs can be higher in large urban areas or premium centers. Weekly pricing depends on how centers bill, some charge by “slots” instead of attendance.

Childcare Costs Per Hour in Texas

Breaking down childcare costs by the hour helps families understand expenses for flexible or part-time schedules:

• Infant (0–12 months) in a center: $50–$65/day ÷ 8 hours/day ≈ $6–$8 per hour

• Toddler (1–2 years) in a center: $950–$1,100/month ÷ ~20 days/month ÷ 8 hours/day ≈ $6–$7 per hour

• Preschooler (3–4 years) in a center: $850–$1,000/month ÷ ~20 days/month ÷ 8 hours/day ≈ $5–$6 per hour

• Home-based infant/preschool care: $35–$55/day ÷ 8 hours/day ≈ $4–$7 per hour

• Nannies / in-home caregivers: $18–$25/hour (typical urban rates)

Hourly rates vary by location and provider type, with higher costs in cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston.

Childcare Costs by Age Range in Texas

Childcare costs change as children grow older due to staffing ratios and program structures:

• Infants (0–12 months): $1,100–$1,300/month

• Toddlers (1–2 years): $950–$1,100/month

• Preschoolers (3–4 years): $850–$1,000/month

• School-age / After-school care (5–12 years): $400–$600/month

Infant care is the most expensive due to higher supervision needs. School-age care is more affordable since children attend school for part of the day.

Regional / City Cost Comparison in Texas

Childcare costs vary across Texas, with urban areas generally being more expensive:

Subsidy & Policy Programs in Texas

Families can access a few programs to help manage childcare costs:

• Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services (CCS): Provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families.

• Dependent Care FSAs: Tax-advantaged accounts to save up to $5,000 per year for childcare expenses.

• Employer-sponsored childcare: Some companies partner with local centers or offer on-site childcare.

Note: Subsidy reimbursements often do not cover the full cost, especially in urban areas, so families may still face high out-of-pocket expenses.

Factors Influencing Childcare Costs

• Type of childcare arrangement: Costs vary between center-based care, home-based providers, and informal care such as relatives or nannies.

• Hours and schedule of care: Full-day care, extended hours, overnight care, and weekend services typically cost more than part-time or standard schedules.

• Program features and quality enhancements: Childcare programs offering structured curricula, meals, enrichment activities, or specialized services may charge higher fees.

• Regulatory compliance and administrative requirements: Licensing, inspections, documentation, and training requirements can influence pricing structures.

• Urban vs. rural location: Childcare in urban areas may cost more due to convenience, proximity to workplaces, and access to specialized programs, while rural areas may offer lower prices but fewer options.

Trends: Will Costs Increase or Decrease?

• Childcare costs in Texas are expected to continue rising gradually due to inflation, higher wages for early childhood educators, and sustained demand for licensed care.

• Some factors may help moderate cost increases, such as employer-sponsored childcare programs and local funding initiatives in urban areas.

Additional Insights & Current Trends

• Access and Equity: Many low-to-middle income families struggle to afford the average childcare cost in Texas, even with subsidy programs.

• Employer Childcare Programs: Companies are partnering with providers or creating on-site centers to help lower costs.

• Quality vs. Price Tension: Centers balance maintaining educational and safety standards with keeping the average childcare cost in Texas manageable.

• Policy Efforts: Local funding initiatives, like Travis County’s $21M fund, help families and providers, but systemic challenges keep the average childcare cost in Texas high.