Childcare Costs in Tacoma, WA

Population 220,700 | 37.3% above Washington average

$19,620

Infant/yr

$1,635/mo

$16,870

Toddler/yr

$1,406/mo

$15,040

Preschool/yr

$1,253/mo

Tacoma vs State & National Averages

Care Type	Tacoma	WA Avg	National Avg
Infant (Center)	$19,620	$18,000	$13,032
Toddler (Center)	$16,870	$15,480	$11,275
Preschool (Center)	$15,040	$13,800	$10,153

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Infant (Center)$1,635/mo

Toddler (Center)$1,406/mo

Preschool (Center)$1,253/mo

Washington Childcare Overview

State Cost Rank: #5 of 51

Quality System: Early Achievers

Median Income: $90,325

Subsidies: Available

View all Washingtonchildcare 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 Tacoma, WA?

In Tacoma, WA, infant center-based daycare costs about $19,620/year ($1,635/month). Toddler care averages $16,870/year and preschool is $15,040/year.

Is childcare in Tacoma more expensive than the Washington average?

Childcare in Tacoma is 37.3% above the Washington state average. The average annual center-based cost in Tacoma is approximately $17,177.

What is the most affordable childcare option in Tacoma?

Preschool programs are typically the most affordable center-based option in Tacoma at $15,040/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 Washington?

Washington offers childcare subsidies through the CCDF program. The state's "Early Achievers" 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 Tacoma 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

Tacoma

WA Avg

National Avg

Infant (Center)

$19,620

$18,000

$13,032

Toddler (Center)

$16,870

$15,480

$11,275

Preschool (Center)