Childcare Costs in Lancaster, PA

Population 63,000 | 23.7% above Pennsylvania average

$13,520

Infant/yr

$1,127/mo

$11,640

Toddler/yr

$970/mo

$10,460

Preschool/yr

$872/mo

Lancaster vs State & National Averages

Care Type	Lancaster	PA Avg	National Avg
Infant (Center)	$13,520	$13,800	$13,032
Toddler (Center)	$11,640	$11,880	$11,275
Preschool (Center)	$10,460	$10,680	$10,153

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Infant (Center)$1,127/mo

Toddler (Center)$970/mo

Preschool (Center)$872/mo

Pennsylvania Childcare Overview

State Cost Rank: #18 of 51

Quality System: Keystone STARS

Median Income: $73,170

Subsidies: Available

View all Pennsylvaniachildcare 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 Lancaster, PA?

In Lancaster, PA, infant center-based daycare costs about $13,520/year ($1,127/month). Toddler care averages $11,640/year and preschool is $10,460/year.

Is childcare in Lancaster more expensive than the Pennsylvania average?

Childcare in Lancaster is 23.7% above the Pennsylvania state average. The average annual center-based cost in Lancaster is approximately $11,873.

What is the most affordable childcare option in Lancaster?

Preschool programs are typically the most affordable center-based option in Lancaster at $10,460/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 Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania offers childcare subsidies through the CCDF program. The state's "Keystone STARS" 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 Lancaster 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

Lancaster

PA Avg

National Avg

Infant (Center)

$13,520

$13,800

$13,032

Toddler (Center)

$11,640

$11,880

$11,275

Preschool (Center)