Child Care Cost Overview in California
California families have access to licensed child care centers, family child care homes, and nanny options.
Compared to the national average annual infant care cost of $13,184/yr, California’s center-based infant care is approximately 31% above the national average.
Average Annual Child Care Costs in California
| Age Group | Center-Based (Annual) | Family Care (Annual) | Nanny (Annual est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–12 mo) | $17,299/yr | $13,036/yr | $53,760/yr |
| Toddler (12–24 mo) | $15,915/yr | $11,993/yr | $53,760/yr |
| Preschool (3–5 yr) | $13,493/yr | $10,168/yr | $53,760/yr |
| School-age (6–12 yr) | $11,244/yr | $0/yr | — |
* Nanny annual cost estimated at experienced nanny rate × 40 hrs/wk × 48 wks/yr. Actual costs vary.
Monthly Child Care Cost Calculator
Use the calculator below to estimate your family’s monthly child care costs in California.
Your Monthly Cost in California
Nanny Cost in California
Typical nanny pay rates in California range from $45/hour for entry-level to $45/hour for experienced nannies. A full-time experienced nanny (40 hrs/wk, 48 wks/yr) costs approximately $53,760/year in gross wages, plus employer taxes (Social Security 6.2%, Medicare 1.45%, FUTA 0.6%, and state UI). The minimum wage for nannies in California is $15/hour. Some cities in California have local minimum wages higher than the state rate.
Child Care Tax Savings for California Families
Families can reduce their child care costs through two federal tax mechanisms:
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: A tax credit worth 20-45% of up to $3,000 in qualifying expenses for one child or $6,000 for two or more children.
- Dependent Care FSA: Pre-tax savings of up to $5,000 through an employer-sponsored account.
CCDF Child Care Subsidy in California
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidizes child care costs for low to moderate income families in California. Income eligibility limits are approximately $124,926 for a family of 4, based on 85% of the state median income. Families with incomes at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level may have copayments waived entirely. Copays for other families are capped at 7% of gross monthly income under federal rules.