For many New York families, childcare is the biggest monthly expense after rent. Prices depend on your child's age (infants need the most staff), the type of care and your borough. Here's what each option costs in 2026 and how free public programs change the math. The calculator estimates your monthly bill, including FSA savings.
NYC daycare costs by age (2026)
| Age | Manhattan center | Brooklyn center | NYC average | Family daycare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (under 18 months) | $2,400–$2,800 | $2,000–$2,400 | $2,200 | $1,500–$1,900 |
| Toddler (18 mo – 3 yrs) | $2,000–$2,400 | $1,700–$2,100 | $1,940 | $1,300–$1,700 |
| Preschool (3–4 yrs) | $1,800–$2,200 | $1,400–$1,900 | $1,650 | $1,200–$1,500 |
Daycare vs. nanny vs. nanny share
| Option | Monthly cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare center | $1,650–$2,800 | Licensed, social, reliable hours | Waitlists, sick days, fixed pickup times |
| Family / group daycare | $1,200–$1,900 | Smaller, home-like, cheaper | Fewer backup caregivers |
| Nanny share (2 families) | $2,800–$3,800 | One-on-few care at lower cost | Coordinating schedules and location |
| Full-time nanny | $4,500–$6,000+ | Flexible, at home, one-on-one | Most expensive; you're the employer |
Free and low-cost options
- 3-K and Pre-K: free, full school-day programs for every NYC 3- and 4-year-old. Apply through MySchools, usually in winter for the following September.
- ACS child care vouchers: for income-eligible working families, with low weekly co-pays.
- Head Start and Early Head Start: free programs for eligible families with children from birth to 5.
- Employer benefits: some NYC employers offer backup care, childcare stipends or on-site centers.
Hiring a nanny: the employer costs
When you hire a nanny directly, you're a household employer. That means paying at least the NYC minimum wage ($17 an hour in 2026), overtime after 40 hours (44 for live-in nannies), employer Social Security, Medicare and unemployment taxes, and workers' compensation and disability insurance. Budget about 10% on top of wages. New York's Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights also guarantees a day of rest each week and paid time off.
Tax breaks
- Dependent Care FSA: up to $7,500 per household in pre-tax dollars from 2026.
- Federal child and dependent care credit on qualifying expenses not paid through an FSA.
- NY State and NYC child care credits for eligible lower- and middle-income families.
Frequently asked questions
How much does daycare cost in NYC per month?
In 2026, center-based daycare averages about $2,200 a month for infants, $1,940 for toddlers and $1,650 for preschoolers. Licensed family daycare homes typically cost about 20% less.
How much does daycare cost in Manhattan vs. Brooklyn?
Manhattan infant care usually runs $2,400–$2,800 a month at centers, while Brooklyn centers charge about $2,000–$2,400. Queens and the Bronx are lower still.
How much is a nanny in NYC?
Full-time nannies in NYC typically earn $22–$35 an hour in 2026, or roughly $4,500–$6,000 a month for 45 hours a week, plus employer payroll taxes. A nanny share with another family cuts each family's cost by about 35–40%.
Is 3-K and Pre-K free in NYC?
Yes. NYC's 3-K and Pre-K programs are free for all children who live in the city and turn 3 or 4 that calendar year, regardless of income or immigration status. They follow the school-day schedule, so many families pay for after-care.
Can I get help paying for childcare in NYC?
Income-eligible families can apply for child care vouchers through NYC's Administration for Children's Services (ACS), and Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve eligible families at no cost.
How does a Dependent Care FSA help?
From 2026 you can set aside up to $7,500 per household in a Dependent Care FSA with pre-tax dollars, which saves roughly $2,200–$3,000 a year depending on your tax bracket.
Sources & methodology
Prices are compiled from published provider price lists, government fee schedules and quotes, then adjusted for 2026. See how we price.