Daycare Cost in Columbus

Average childcare prices across 4 counties in the Columbus metro area, based on 2022 data from the National Database of Childcare Prices.

$14,389
Center infant (annual avg)
$12,935
Center toddler (annual avg)
$11,323
Center preschool (annual avg)

Center vs Family Care

In Columbus, center-based infant care averages $14,389/year while family childcare averages $10,010/year — a difference of $4,379.

Affordability

Daycare in Columbus costs 16% of the area median household income ($89,135). The HHS affordability threshold is 7% — this metro exceeds that benchmark.

vs Ohio state average: Center-based infant care in Columbus is $2,598 more than the statewide average of $11,791/year.

Cost Range Across Columbus

Licking County $11,537
Franklin County $15,340

County-Level Daycare Costs

Click a county to see detailed pricing breakdowns.

County Center Infant Center Toddler Center Preschool Family Infant vs Metro Avg
Franklin County $15,340 $13,780 $12,064 $10,400 +$951
Delaware County $15,340 $13,780 $12,064 $10,400 +$951
Fairfield County $15,340 $13,780 $12,064 $10,400 +$951
Licking County $11,537 $10,400 $9,100 $8,840 $2,852 less

All Care Types — Annual Average

Care Type Annual Average Monthly Weekly
Center-Based Infant $14,389 $1,199 $277
Center-Based Toddler $12,935 $1,078 $249
Center-Based Preschool $11,323 $944 $218
Family Infant $10,010 $834 $193
Family Toddler $9,555 $796 $184
Family Preschool $8,840 $737 $170

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