Childcare Costs in Washington, DC

Population 671,800 | 22.6% above District of Columbia average

$24,252

Infant/yr

$2,021/mo

$22,080

Toddler/yr

$1,840/mo

$19,920

Preschool/yr

$1,660/mo

Washington vs State & National Averages

Care Type	Washington	DC Avg	National Avg
Infant (Center)	$24,252	$24,252	$13,032
Toddler (Center)	$22,080	$22,080	$11,275
Preschool (Center)	$19,920	$19,920	$10,153

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Infant (Center)$2,021/mo

Toddler (Center)$1,840/mo

Preschool (Center)$1,660/mo

District of Columbia Childcare Overview

State Cost Rank: #1 of 51

Quality System: Capital Quality

Median Income: $101,722

Subsidies: Available

View all District of Columbiachildcare 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 Washington, DC?

In Washington, DC, infant center-based daycare costs about $24,252/year ($2,021/month). Toddler care averages $22,080/year and preschool is $19,920/year.

Is childcare in Washington more expensive than the District of Columbia average?

Childcare in Washington is 22.6% above the District of Columbia state average. The average annual center-based cost in Washington is approximately $22,084.

What is the most affordable childcare option in Washington?

Preschool programs are typically the most affordable center-based option in Washington at $19,920/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 District of Columbia?

District of Columbia offers childcare subsidies through the CCDF program. The state's "Capital Quality" 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 Washington 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

Washington

DC Avg

National Avg

Infant (Center)