The Fact
The U.S. Department of Labor’s National Database of Childcare Prices found that full-day care for one child cost between 8.9% and 16.0% of median family income in 2022, with annual prices ranging from $6,552 to $15,600 depending on age, provider type, and location.
What This Means
When a household has to replace unpaid family care with paid childcare, the replacement can consume a large share of family income before housing, food, transportation, healthcare, savings, and other expenses are paid.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, National Database of Childcare Prices, 2022 data released in 2024.