Daycare Cost in Chicago
Average childcare prices across 5 counties in the Chicago metro area, based on 2022 data from the National Database of Childcare Prices.
Center vs Family Care
In Chicago, center-based infant care averages $16,543/year while family childcare averages $11,148/year — a difference of $5,395.
Affordability
Daycare in Chicago costs 17% of the area median household income ($97,994). The HHS affordability threshold is 7% — this metro exceeds that benchmark.
vs Illinois state average: Center-based infant care in Chicago is $4,285 more than the statewide average of $12,258/year.
Cost Range Across Chicago
County-Level Daycare Costs
Click a county to see detailed pricing breakdowns.
| County | Center Infant | Center Toddler | Center Preschool | Family Infant | vs Metro Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuPage County | $19,465 | $14,560 | $16,423 | $12,194 | +$2,922 |
| Kane County | $17,070 | $13,173 | $14,413 | $12,194 | +$527 |
| Lake County | $15,881 | $12,827 | $12,263 | $10,804 | $662 less |
| Will County | $15,825 | $14,647 | $13,260 | $9,744 | $718 less |
| Cook County | $14,473 | $11,440 | $9,837 | $10,804 | $2,070 less |
All Care Types — Annual Average
| Care Type | Annual Average | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center-Based Infant | $16,543 | $1,379 | $318 |
| Center-Based Toddler | $13,329 | $1,111 | $256 |
| Center-Based Preschool | $13,239 | $1,103 | $255 |
| Family Infant | $11,148 | $929 | $214 |
| Family Toddler | $10,351 | $863 | $199 |
| Family Preschool | $9,600 | $800 | $185 |
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