Childcare Costs in Des Moines, IA

Population 212,000 | 36.5% above Iowa average

$12,820

Infant/yr

$1,068/mo

$11,120

Toddler/yr

$927/mo

$10,200

Preschool/yr

$850/mo

Des Moines vs State & National Averages

Care Type	Des Moines	IA Avg	National Avg
Infant (Center)	$12,820	$11,760	$13,032
Toddler (Center)	$11,120	$10,200	$11,275
Preschool (Center)	$10,200	$9,360	$10,153

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Infant (Center)$1,068/mo

Toddler (Center)$927/mo

Preschool (Center)$850/mo

Iowa Childcare Overview

State Cost Rank: #29 of 51

Quality System: Iowa Quality Rating System

Median Income: $72,429

Subsidies: Available

View all Iowachildcare data →

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ChildCarePeek Editorial TeamChildcare Data Specialists

The ChildCarePeek editorial team aggregates and verifies childcare cost data from Child Care Aware of America. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against official sources before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.

Sourced from Child Care Aware of AmericaQuarterly reviewNo paid placements

Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does daycare cost in Des Moines, IA?

In Des Moines, IA, infant center-based daycare costs about $12,820/year ($1,068/month). Toddler care averages $11,120/year and preschool is $10,200/year.

Is childcare in Des Moines more expensive than the Iowa average?

Childcare in Des Moines is 36.5% above the Iowa state average. The average annual center-based cost in Des Moines is approximately $11,380.

What is the most affordable childcare option in Des Moines?

Preschool programs are typically the most affordable center-based option in Des Moines at $10,200/year. Family home daycare is usually 25-35% cheaper than center-based care. Before/after school programs are the most affordable overall for school-age children.

What childcare assistance is available in Iowa?

Iowa offers childcare subsidies through the CCDF program. The state's "Iowa Quality Rating System" quality rating system helps parents find rated providers. Federal tax credits (Child and Dependent Care Credit) and Flexible Spending Accounts can also offset costs.

Where does ChildCarePeek get Des Moines childcare cost data?

All childcare cost data comes from Child Care Aware of America (2024), supplemented with local cost-of-living adjustments. Actual costs may vary by provider, quality rating, and specific care needs.

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Care Type

Des Moines

IA Avg

National Avg

Infant (Center)

$12,820

$11,760

$13,032

Toddler (Center)

$11,120

$10,200

$11,275

Preschool (Center)

$10,200

$9,360

$10,153

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does daycare cost in Des Moines, IA?

In Des Moines, IA, infant center-based daycare costs about $12,820/year ($1,068/month). Toddler care averages $11,120/year and preschool is $10,200/year.

Is childcare in Des Moines more expensive than the Iowa average?

Childcare in Des Moines is 36.5% above the Iowa state average. The average annual center-based cost in Des Moines is approximately $11,380.

What is the most affordable childcare option in Des Moines?

What childcare assistance is available in Iowa?

Where does ChildCarePeek get Des Moines childcare cost data?

All childcare cost data comes from Child Care Aware of America (2024), supplemented with local cost-of-living adjustments. Actual costs may vary by provider, quality rating, and specific care needs.