Daycare Cost in Des Moines
Average childcare prices across 3 counties in the Des Moines metro area, based on 2022 data from the National Database of Childcare Prices.
Center vs Family Care
In Des Moines, center-based infant care averages $9,222/year while family childcare averages $6,214/year — a difference of $3,008.
Affordability
Daycare in Des Moines costs 10% of the area median household income ($89,367). The HHS affordability threshold is 7% — this metro exceeds that benchmark.
vs Iowa state average: Center-based infant care in Des Moines is $916 more than the statewide average of $8,306/year.
Cost Range Across Des Moines
County-Level Daycare Costs
Click a county to see detailed pricing breakdowns.
| County | Center Infant | Center Toddler | Center Preschool | Family Infant | vs Metro Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas County | $9,642 | $8,309 | $8,309 | $6,507 | +$420 |
| Polk County | $9,220 | $7,945 | $7,945 | $6,193 | ~avg |
| Warren County | $8,804 | $7,586 | $7,586 | $5,941 | $418 less |
All Care Types — Annual Average
| Care Type | Annual Average | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center-Based Infant | $9,222 | $769 | $177 |
| Center-Based Toddler | $7,947 | $662 | $153 |
| Center-Based Preschool | $7,947 | $662 | $153 |
| Family Infant | $6,214 | $518 | $120 |
| Family Toddler | $6,112 | $509 | $118 |
| Family Preschool | $6,112 | $509 | $118 |
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