Childcare Cost Calculator
Compare care types on monthly and annual cost, share of income, and after-FSA effective cost.
$1,508
per month
Daycare center · 20% of income
Your cost
Weekly
$350
Monthly
$1,508
Annual
$18,100
After FSA
$16,850
Freedom Coach™
Daycare center: ~$1,508/mo, $18,100/yr.
That's 20% of your monthly income. After a Dependent-Care FSA, effective cost drops to ~$16,850/yr.
Premium
Save scenarios (daycare vs nanny vs one-parent-part-time), model second kid, and share with your co-parent.
Unlock PremiumCenter-based daycare averages $250–$500/week per child, higher in major metros. In-home daycare tends to run $180–$350/week.
Nannies charge $18–$30/hr, so ~$600–$1,200/wk household. For one kid, daycare almost always wins. For 2+ kids, a nanny often becomes competitive.
If you have any childcare cost, yes. Set aside up to $5,000/yr pre-tax; typical savings are $1,000–$1,800/yr in taxes.
The affordability benchmark is 7% of household income; the reality for U.S. families is often 10–25%. Above 25% is a signal to explore alternatives.
The Child and Dependent Care Credit gives 20–35% of up to $3,000 (one child) or $6,000 (two+) in qualifying expenses. Consult a tax pro on stacking vs. the FSA.
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