Daycare Cost in Columbia
Average childcare prices across 2 counties in the Columbia metro area, based on 2022 data from the National Database of Childcare Prices.
Center vs Family Care
In Columbia, center-based infant care averages $10,425/year while family childcare averages $7,184/year — a difference of $3,241.
Affordability
Daycare in Columbia costs 16% of the area median household income ($65,565). The HHS affordability threshold is 7% — this metro exceeds that benchmark.
vs South Carolina state average: Center-based infant care in Columbia is $2,693 more than the statewide average of $7,732/year.
Cost Range Across Columbia
County-Level Daycare Costs
Click a county to see detailed pricing breakdowns.
| County | Center Infant | Center Toddler | Center Preschool | Family Infant | vs Metro Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richland County | $10,506 | $9,775 | $9,565 | $7,216 | ~avg |
| Lexington County | $10,344 | $9,622 | $9,418 | $7,152 | ~avg |
All Care Types — Annual Average
| Care Type | Annual Average | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center-Based Infant | $10,425 | $869 | $200 |
| Center-Based Toddler | $9,699 | $808 | $187 |
| Center-Based Preschool | $9,492 | $791 | $183 |
| Family Infant | $7,184 | $599 | $138 |
| Family Toddler | $7,184 | $599 | $138 |
| Family Preschool | $6,959 | $580 | $134 |
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