Cost of Childcare in Texas (2025)
The average childcare cost in Texas in 2025 is a major concern for families. Depending on your child’s age, type of care, and city, families may spend hundreds to over a thousand dollars per month on daycare. Rising costs, limited subsidy programs, and long waiting lists have made childcare affordability a critical issue across the state.
Posted on:
December 5, 2025
Several factors contribute to the high average childcare cost in Texas:
1. Supply and Demand Imbalance
Many areas are “childcare deserts,” with far more children than available slots. About 95,000 children are on waiting lists for state childcare assistance. Limited supply pushes costs higher.
2. High Operating Costs for Providers
Childcare centers must hire qualified staff, maintain safe facilities, and provide educational materials. Early childhood educators often earn low wages, which increases the average childcare cost in Texas for families.
3. Subsidy and Reimbursement Gaps
State subsidy programs exist, but reimbursements often don’t match the true cost of quality care. Many providers raise fees, which impacts the average childcare cost in Texas.
4. Local Funding and Workforce Challenges
Some counties like Travis County have invested in childcare programs of $21 million in funds to support families and providers, but statewide solutions remain limited. This keeps the average childcare cost in Texas high.
• Drop-in or flexible care: $25-$100/day
• Center-based infant care: ~$50-$65/day, based on weekly rates
• Premium urban care (e.g., Dallas): ~$180/day based on $18/hour
Daily costs vary depending on hours, meals and billing policies, which contribute to the average childcare cost in Texas families face.
Full-time care (5 days per week) is the most common and expensive option. The average childcare cost in Texas for full-time care is:
• 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
These figures reflect typical center-based rates across Texas in 2025.
How Much Is Childcare per Week in Texas?
Final Thoughts
Childcare in Texas is more than just a monthly bill, it’s a major economic challenge for families. Parents should:
1. Explore local subsidy programs early due to long waiting lists.
2. Compare multiple centers to find the best balance of cost and quality.
3. Ask employers about childcare support programs.
4. Budget carefully-childcare could be one of the largest household expenses.
By understanding the average childcare cost in Texas, families can plan better, find affordable options, and ensure quality care for their children.
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.
Recent blogs:
