Compare Two States
Why Compare Child Care Costs Between States?
Child care costs vary dramatically across the United States, with the most expensive states costing two to three times more than the most affordable ones. Understanding these differences is essential for families considering a move, parents evaluating remote work options in different locations, or anyone wanting to benchmark their local costs against the national average.
Major factors driving state-to-state differences include: cost of living and real estate prices, state minimum wage requirements, staff-to-child ratio regulations, the availability of licensed providers, and local demand for care. Northeastern and West Coast states tend to have the highest costs, while Southern and Midwestern states are generally more affordable.
After comparing costs, check our Subsidy Eligibility Calculator to see if your family qualifies for CCDF assistance in your state, or use the Monthly Cost Calculator for a detailed breakdown.