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. Free 3-K and Pre-K change the math once your child turns three. 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: currently limited. ACS says insufficient funding means new vouchers go only to families on cash assistance, and other eligible applicants are waitlisted.
- 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.
See how childcare fits your budget with the NYC cost of living calculator and your take-home pay with the NYC income tax calculator.
Expecting? See what overnight newborn help costs in our night nurse cost guide.
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?
Fewer families can right now. ACS says that, because of insufficient funding, it can no longer offer new child care vouchers to families who aren't on cash assistance; other applicants go on a waitlist. Free 3-K and Pre-K, plus Head Start and Early Head Start for eligible families, are the more realistic options.
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.