Childcare Costs in Raleigh, NC

Population 474,100 | 46.3% above North Carolina average

$13,080

Infant/yr

$1,090/mo

$11,270

Toddler/yr

$939/mo

$10,150

Preschool/yr

$846/mo

Raleigh vs State & National Averages

Care Type	Raleigh	NC Avg	National Avg
Infant (Center)	$13,080	$11,280	$13,032
Toddler (Center)	$11,270	$9,720	$11,275
Preschool (Center)	$10,150	$8,760	$10,153

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Infant (Center)$1,090/mo

Toddler (Center)$939/mo

Preschool (Center)$846/mo

North Carolina Childcare Overview

State Cost Rank: #32 of 51

Quality System: NC Star Rated License

Median Income: $66,186

Subsidies: Available

View all North Carolinachildcare 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 Raleigh, NC?

In Raleigh, NC, infant center-based daycare costs about $13,080/year ($1,090/month). Toddler care averages $11,270/year and preschool is $10,150/year.

Is childcare in Raleigh more expensive than the North Carolina average?

Childcare in Raleigh is 46.3% above the North Carolina state average. The average annual center-based cost in Raleigh is approximately $11,500.

What is the most affordable childcare option in Raleigh?

Preschool programs are typically the most affordable center-based option in Raleigh at $10,150/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 North Carolina?

North Carolina offers childcare subsidies through the CCDF program. The state's "NC Star Rated License" 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 Raleigh 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

Raleigh

NC Avg

National Avg

Infant (Center)

$13,080

$11,280

$13,032

Toddler (Center)

$11,270

$9,720

$11,275

Preschool (Center)