True Cost of Childcare Calculator

Two daycares charging the same monthly tuition can cost wildly different amounts per hour of actual care. This calculator shows you the real number.

Why this matters

Same tuition, different value. A center open 50 weeks/year and one open 42 weeks/year charge the same $2,000/month — but you're paying $10/hr at one and $12/hr at the other.

Closures add up. School-calendar programs close for winter break, spring break, summer weeks, and teacher in-service days. That's care you're paying for but not getting.

Compare apples to apples. Pick your top providers below — or type in your own — and see the real cost per care hour, side by side.

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Cost per care hour

The bottom line

See the full picture

The calculator gives you cost. Shortlist gives you everything else: inspection records, staff tenure, curriculum, ratios, and editorial reviews for every provider.

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Not sure about care type? Try the Daycare vs. Nanny Calculator to compare all-in costs.