Across Illinois, child care and daycare providers price their services very differently. These prices are generally a function of local cost premiums – for example, businesses in downtown Chicago will generally incur higher overhead costs than those established in Hamilton County – as well as other factors including competition, ages served, care specialization, and local demographics. Annual tuition pricing looks different all over the state, ranging from averages of $5,579 to $22,779 among counties and service types, with the average across all counties and care types coming in at $10,122. 

Child care directors in Illinois looking to price or update their services may want to refer to local benchmarks to understand how their prices stack up. This article covers the latest average Illinois child care prices for 2026 by care type and county, as well as guidance on how to set pricing child care tuition services at your business. 

Looking for ways to streamline your Illinois child care or daycare business and improve your bottom line? Consider booking a free demo with Playground.

How to Price Child Care and Daycare Services in Illinois

Your business’s specific goals and priorities may influence how you price your services, but many providers start by comparing their local competition to the local demand, which often includes some research and inference. County-level benchmarks provide broader context beyond just your immediate locale, giving you another data point to help guide your pricing. The services you offer, the local job market, your reputation and facilities, and a variety of other factors may impact the best price points for your business. For more details on how to go about pricing your services in a competitive fashion, check out the full child care tuition pricing guide.

Average Child Care Costs in Illinois by Center Type and Age

Averages are across all counties, separated by child age and center type (home-based or center-based). Costs are for a full year of care. Across all care types and child ages, the average cost of care is $10,122.

Most Expensive Counties in Illinois for Child Care

Out of 102 counties across Illinois, DuPage County has the most expensive child care tuition for 2026 across all center types and ages under five at $16,384 per year. 

The top 10 most expensive counties for child care tuition in Illinois are:

1. DuPage County: $16,384

2. Kane County: $15,165

3. McHenry County: $15,036

4. McLean County: $14,346

5. Will County: $14,143

6. Lake County: $13,848

7. Kendall County: $13,707

8. DeKalb County: $13,560

9. Knox County: $13,026

10. Champaign County: $12,889

Least Expensive Counties in Illinois for Child Care

On average, Hancock County has the lowest-priced child care tuition in Illinois at $7,062 per year across care types. The top 10 lowest-priced Illinois counties for child care include:

1. Hancock County: $7,062

2. Jasper County: $7,468

3. Hamilton County: $7,530

4. Pike County: $7,738

5. Schuyler County: $7,807

6. Clay County: $7,874

7. Brown County: $8,077

8. Effingham County: $8,172

9. Clark County: $8,279

10. Marion County: $8,280

Average Child Care Costs in Illinois by County

Counties are listed in alphabetical order with a breakdown of child care tuition/prices in 2026 dollars based on the center type and child age.

1. Adams County

   • Average child care tuition: $9,255

   • Infant, center-based care: $13,030

   • Infant, home-based care: $8,012

   • Toddler, center-based care: $9,230

   • Toddler, home-based care: $8,012

   • Preschool, center-based care: $9,230

   • Preschool, home-based care: $8,016

2. Alexander County

   • Average child care tuition: $8,685

   • Infant, center-based care: $10,754

   • Infant, home-based care: $8,017

   • Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

   • Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

   • Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

   • Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

3. Bond County

   • Average child care tuition: $10,032

   • Infant, center-based care: $11,609

   • Infant, home-based care: $8,017

   • Toddler, center-based care: $12,068

   • Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

   • Preschool, center-based care: $12,475

   • Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

4. Boone County

   • Average child care tuition: $12,257

   • Infant, center-based care: $17,545

   • Infant, home-based care: $11,301

   • Toddler, center-based care: $13,489

   • Toddler, home-based care: $10,509

   • Preschool, center-based care: $11,055

   • Preschool, home-based care: $9,642

5. Brown County

   • Average child care tuition: $8,077

   • Infant, center-based care: $10,754

   • Infant, home-based care: $7,606

   • Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

   • Toddler, home-based care: $6,389

   • Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

   • Preschool, home-based care: $6,395

6. Bureau County

   • Average child care tuition: $9,439

   • Infant, center-based care: $12,606

   • Infant, home-based care: $8,824

   • Toddler, center-based care: $11,055

   • Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

   • Preschool, center-based care: $7,302

   • Preschool, home-based care: $8,828

7. Calhoun County

   • Average child care tuition: $8,520

   • Infant, center-based care: $10,754

   • Infant, home-based care: $8,017

   • Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

   • Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

   • Preschool, center-based care: $7,026

   • Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

8. Carroll County

   • Average child care tuition: $9,158

   • Infant, center-based care: $10,754

   • Infant, home-based care: $9,634

   • Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

   • Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

   • Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

   • Preschool, home-based care: $7,611

9. Cass County

   • Average child care tuition: $9,903

   • Infant, center-based care: $10,754

   • Infant, home-based care: $11,663

   • Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

   • Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

   • Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

   • Preschool, home-based care: $11,667

10. Champaign County

• Average child care tuition: $12,889

• Infant, center-based care: $18,831

• Infant, home-based care: $9,001

• Toddler, center-based care: $16,734

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,600

• Preschool, center-based care: $14,544

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,621

11. Christian County

• Average child care tuition: $9,559

• Infant, center-based care: $9,459

• Infant, home-based care: $10,710

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,987

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,621

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,941

12. Clark County

• Average child care tuition: $8,279

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $7,606

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,606

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,395

13. Clay County

• Average child care tuition: $7,874

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $6,389

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,389

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,395

14. Clinton County

• Average child care tuition: $9,380

• Infant, center-based care: $11,187

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,364

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,606

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,878

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,611

15. Coles County

• Average child care tuition: $9,547

• Infant, center-based care: $10,526

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,026

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,828

16. Cook County

• Average child care tuition: $12,829

• Infant, center-based care: $16,937

• Infant, home-based care: $12,643

• Toddler, center-based care: $13,387

• Toddler, home-based care: $11,779

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,511

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,718

17. Crawford County

• Average child care tuition: $9,516

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $10,973

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,422

18. Cumberland County

• Average child care tuition: $8,482

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $7,606

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,606

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,611

19. DeKalb County

• Average child care tuition: $13,560

• Infant, center-based care: $17,813

• Infant, home-based care: $11,755

• Toddler, center-based care: $14,604

• Toddler, home-based care: $11,674

• Preschool, center-based care: $14,351

• Preschool, home-based care: $11,164

20. DeWitt County

• Average child care tuition: $8,888

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,417

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,417

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,422

21. Douglas County

• Average child care tuition: $9,066

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,520

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,387

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,422

22. DuPage County

• Average child care tuition: $16,384

• Infant, center-based care: $22,779

• Infant, home-based care: $14,269

• Toddler, center-based care: $17,038

• Toddler, home-based care: $12,891

• Preschool, center-based care: $19,218

• Preschool, home-based care: $12,109

23. Edgar County

• Average child care tuition: $9,042

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,936

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,611

24. Edwards County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

25. Effingham County

• Average child care tuition: $8,172

• Infant, center-based care: $9,212

• Infant, home-based care: $8,012

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,580

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,012

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,606

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,611

26. Fayette County

• Average child care tuition: $9,002

• Infant, center-based care: $9,350

• Infant, home-based care: $9,501

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,095

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,606

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,828

27. Ford County

• Average child care tuition: $9,361

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,828

28. Franklin County

• Average child care tuition: $10,394

• Infant, center-based care: $11,609

• Infant, home-based care: $11,663

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,040

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,880

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,417

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,756

29. Fulton County

• Average child care tuition: $9,850

• Infant, center-based care: $11,223

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,522

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,085

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

30. Gallatin County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

31. Greene County

• Average child care tuition: $8,957

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,639

32. Grundy County

• Average child care tuition: $10,686

• Infant, center-based care: $16,072

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,475

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,529

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

33. Hamilton County

• Average child care tuition: $7,530

• Infant, center-based care: $7,958

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,389

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,795

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

34. Hancock County

• Average child care tuition: $7,062

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $5,579

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,579

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,579

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,582

35. Hardin County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

36. Henderson County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,012

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,012

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,016

37. Henry County

• Average child care tuition: $10,731

• Infant, center-based care: $13,804

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,475

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,824

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,094

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,552

38. Iroquois County

• Average child care tuition: $8,550

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,012

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,012

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,205

39. Jackson County

• Average child care tuition: $11,889

• Infant, center-based care: $16,072

• Infant, home-based care: $11,445

• Toddler, center-based care: $13,285

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,258

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,639

40. Jasper County

• Average child care tuition: $7,468

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $5,579

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,579

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,582

41. Jefferson County

• Average child care tuition: $11,347

• Infant, center-based care: $14,855

• Infant, home-based care: $10,973

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,475

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,987

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,852

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,941

42. Jersey County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

43. Jo Daviess County

• Average child care tuition: $8,415

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $7,606

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,606

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,205

44. Johnson County

• Average child care tuition: $8,552

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,205

45. Kane County

• Average child care tuition: $15,165

• Infant, center-based care: $19,976

• Infant, home-based care: $14,269

• Toddler, center-based care: $15,415

• Toddler, home-based care: $12,891

• Preschool, center-based care: $16,866

• Preschool, home-based care: $11,570

46. Kankakee County

• Average child care tuition: $9,863

• Infant, center-based care: $12,272

• Infant, home-based care: $8,968

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,109

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,931

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,077

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,824

47. Kendall County

• Average child care tuition: $13,707

• Infant, center-based care: $17,399

• Infant, home-based care: $12,647

• Toddler, center-based care: $14,280

• Toddler, home-based care: $12,891

• Preschool, center-based care: $13,863

• Preschool, home-based care: $11,164

48. Knox County

• Average child care tuition: $13,026

• Infant, center-based care: $18,912

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $15,314

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $15,719

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,941

49. Lake County

• Average child care tuition: $13,848

• Infant, center-based care: $18,584

• Infant, home-based care: $12,643

• Toddler, center-based care: $15,010

• Toddler, home-based care: $11,779

• Preschool, center-based care: $14,351

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,718

50. LaSalle County

• Average child care tuition: $12,128

• Infant, center-based care: $16,072

• Infant, home-based care: $11,663

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,258

• Toddler, home-based care: $11,663

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,446

• Preschool, home-based care: $11,667

51. Lawrence County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

52. Lee County

• Average child care tuition: $11,452

• Infant, center-based care: $14,855

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $15,314

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,639

53. Livingston County

• Average child care tuition: $9,706

• Infant, center-based care: $10,798

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,230

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,639

54. Logan County

• Average child care tuition: $9,361

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,828

55. Macon County

• Average child care tuition: $10,758

• Infant, center-based care: $14,052

• Infant, home-based care: $8,953

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,475

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,387

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,663

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,016

56. Macoupin County

• Average child care tuition: $9,719

• Infant, center-based care: $12,015

• Infant, home-based care: $8,012

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,770

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,012

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,489

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,016

57. Madison County

• Average child care tuition: $12,586

• Infant, center-based care: $17,545

• Infant, home-based care: $10,996

• Toddler, center-based care: $14,300

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,509

• Preschool, center-based care: $12,677

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,488

58. Marion County

• Average child care tuition: $8,280

• Infant, center-based care: $10,019

• Infant, home-based care: $7,606

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,230

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,606

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,012

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,205

59. Marshall County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

60. Mason County

• Average child care tuition: $10,038

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $11,663

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $12,881

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,611

61. Massac County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

62. McDonough County

• Average child care tuition: $8,362

• Infant, center-based care: $9,942

• Infant, home-based care: $5,579

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,014

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,389

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,611

63. McHenry County

• Average child care tuition: $15,036

• Infant, center-based care: $19,200

• Infant, home-based care: $12,647

• Toddler, center-based care: $15,578

• Toddler, home-based care: $12,891

• Preschool, center-based care: $17,110

• Preschool, home-based care: $12,787

64. McLean County

• Average child care tuition: $14,346

• Infant, center-based care: $19,088

• Infant, home-based care: $10,996

• Toddler, center-based care: $17,141

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,818

• Preschool, center-based care: $16,977

• Preschool, home-based care: $11,055

65. Menard County

• Average child care tuition: $9,755

• Infant, center-based care: $11,544

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,364

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,878

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,476

66. Mercer County

• Average child care tuition: $9,707

• Infant, center-based care: $11,204

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,446

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,639

67. Monroe County

• Average child care tuition: $10,438

• Infant, center-based care: $12,211

• Infant, home-based care: $10,628

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,459

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,408

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,243

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,681

68. Montgomery County

• Average child care tuition: $10,235

• Infant, center-based care: $11,609

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,258

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,639

69. Morgan County

• Average child care tuition: $10,743

• Infant, center-based care: $13,723

• Infant, home-based care: $11,055

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,446

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,987

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,607

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,639

70. Moultrie County

• Average child care tuition: $9,829

• Infant, center-based care: $11,609

• Infant, home-based care: $11,258

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,878

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,824

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,580

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,828

71. Ogle County

• Average child care tuition: $11,283

• Infant, center-based care: $15,517

• Infant, home-based care: $10,388

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,272

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,438

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,649

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,432

72. Peoria County

• Average child care tuition: $12,719

• Infant, center-based care: $16,953

• Infant, home-based care: $11,402

• Toddler, center-based care: $13,083

• Toddler, home-based care: $11,222

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,786

• Preschool, home-based care: $11,866

73. Perry County

• Average child care tuition: $10,823

• Infant, center-based care: $10,798

• Infant, home-based care: $11,445

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,475

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,431

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,446

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,343

74. Piatt County

• Average child care tuition: $9,380

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $9,634

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,941

75. Pike County

• Average child care tuition: $7,738

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $6,389

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,983

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,988

76. Pope County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

77. Pulaski County

• Average child care tuition: $9,454

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,880

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,756

78. Putnam County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

79. Randolph County

• Average child care tuition: $10,642

• Infant, center-based care: $14,044

• Infant, home-based care: $7,606

• Toddler, center-based care: $14,097

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $12,475

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,611

80. Richland County

• Average child care tuition: $9,179

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $10,973

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,012

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,016

81. Rock Island County

• Average child care tuition: $12,155

• Infant, center-based care: $17,141

• Infant, home-based care: $11,305

• Toddler, center-based care: $13,083

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,509

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,649

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,243

82. Saline County

• Average child care tuition: $11,251

• Infant, center-based care: $13,637

• Infant, home-based care: $11,935

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,663

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,880

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,634

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,756

83. Sangamon County

• Average child care tuition: $10,862

• Infant, center-based care: $11,918

• Infant, home-based care: $10,996

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,459

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,509

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,649

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,642

84. Schuyler County

• Average child care tuition: $7,807

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $5,579

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,795

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,395

85. Scott County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

86. Shelby County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

87. Stark County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

88. St. Clair County

• Average child care tuition: $11,274

• Infant, center-based care: $14,483

• Infant, home-based care: $11,305

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,866

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,509

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,838

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,642

89. Stephenson County

• Average child care tuition: $9,404

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $10,973

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,987

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,470

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,941

90. Tazewell County

• Average child care tuition: $12,277

• Infant, center-based care: $17,058

• Infant, home-based care: $10,996

• Toddler, center-based care: $13,083

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,818

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,055

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,649

91. Union County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

92. Vermilion County

• Average child care tuition: $9,589

• Infant, center-based care: $10,798

• Infant, home-based care: $10,973

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,230

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,987

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,606

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,941

93. Wabash County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

94. Warren County

• Average child care tuition: $9,238

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,012

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,606

• Preschool, center-based care: $12,393

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,363

95. Washington County

• Average child care tuition: $8,685

• Infant, center-based care: $10,754

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,299

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

96. Wayne County

• Average child care tuition: $10,437

• Infant, center-based care: $16,072

• Infant, home-based care: $7,606

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,475

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,446

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

97. White County

• Average child care tuition: $10,505

• Infant, center-based care: $16,072

• Infant, home-based care: $8,017

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,475

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,017

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,446

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,005

98. Whiteside County

• Average child care tuition: $11,269

• Infant, center-based care: $14,381

• Infant, home-based care: $9,780

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,758

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,209

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,649

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,838

99. Will County

• Average child care tuition: $14,143

• Infant, center-based care: $18,519

• Infant, home-based care: $11,402

• Toddler, center-based care: $17,141

• Toddler, home-based care: $11,222

• Preschool, center-based care: $15,517

• Preschool, home-based care: $11,055

100. Williamson County

• Average child care tuition: $11,723

• Infant, center-based care: $16,072

• Infant, home-based care: $11,258

• Toddler, center-based care: $12,475

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,446

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,446

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,639

101. Winnebago County

• Average child care tuition: $11,846

• Infant, center-based care: $17,141

• Infant, home-based care: $9,780

• Toddler, center-based care: $13,083

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,412

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,229

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,432

102. Woodford County

• Average child care tuition: $11,859

• Infant, center-based care: $16,255

• Infant, home-based care: $8,968

• Toddler, center-based care: $13,894

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,194

• Preschool, center-based care: $13,407

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,432

Data and Methodology

The data above is adjusted to 2026 dollars based on the latest data from the National Database of Childcare Prices, released by the U.S. Department of Labor (Women’s Bureau).