Child care prices in Kentucky average lower than in the rest of the U.S., at a statewide average of $7,408 annually. But depending on the county, averages may rise as high as $13,500 or more for infant care, or fall to less than $5,000 annually for some preschool care. Ultimately, surrounding economic, business, and demographic context accounts for this wide swing in prices across the state, but individual providers can use reference points similar to their own business demographics to help determine appropriate pricing that will lead to an in-demand, profitable business.

With this in mind, Playground evaluated average child care tuition prices in 2026 dollars across each county in Kentucky, broken down into averages for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in both home-based and center-based care.

Playground child care management software can help your child care center streamline operations, save money, and pay more attention to what matters. Book a free demo today.

How to price child care and daycare services in Kentucky

Statewide averages only touch the surface for Kentucky programs. What a family pays in Louisville is seldom the same as Lexington, Bowling Green, or Owensboro, and a rural eastern county with thin licensed supply can sit in an entirely different band than a dense Jefferson County or Northern Kentucky market. Facility costs, staff-to-child ratios, food and materials, licensing load, and how many other programs sit within a reasonable drive all matter more than any single commonwealth-wide number. Tuition still has to follow local wage pressure, especially in communities where care already takes a large share of household earnings.

Programs that stand out can often price above the nearby going rate. That may mean a higher Kentucky All STARS level, year-round or nontraditional hours, infant classrooms that remain open when neighboring sites drop them, or a curriculum families cannot match a few miles away. Even then, fees should be checked against real enrollment, waitlists, utilities and payroll strain, and seasonal dips in demand. Modest, recurring updates usually hold better than leaving rates untouched for years. Playground’s full child care tuition pricing guide walks through a method for building and revising those rates from your own books and the local Kentucky market.

Average child care tuition in Kentucky 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.

Most expensive counties in Kentucky for child care

Four counties in Kentucky share the title of most expensive for early child care in 2026, at an average annual cost of $11,530 across care types and ages. These include Gallatin, Nicholas, Owen and Pendleton Counties. There is also a four-way tie for the second-most expensive tier at an average of $11,218 annually, including Carroll, Grant, Harrison and Scott Counties. 

A further breakdown of the average costs by care type and center type can be found below.

Least expensive counties in Kentucky for child care

Wayne County has the least expensive child care in 2026 on average at $5,420 annually across care types and ages. Seven counties tie for the second-least expensive at $5,611, including Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary and Russell Counties.

A further breakdown of the average costs by care type and center type can be found below.

Average child care costs in Kentucky by county

All 120 Kentucky counties are listed alphabetically with breakdowns of average prices across infant, preschool and toddler care in centers and homes. 

1. Adair County

   • Average child care tuition: $5,611

   • Infant, center-based care: $5,852

   • Infant, home-based care: $6,867

   • Toddler, center-based care: $5,385

   • Toddler, home-based care: $5,088

   • Preschool, center-based care: $5,385

   • Preschool, home-based care: $5,088

2. Allen County

   • Average child care tuition: $7,546

   • Infant, center-based care: $8,645

   • Infant, home-based care: $7,492

   • Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

   • Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

   • Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

   • Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

3. Anderson County

   • Average child care tuition: $7,929

   • Infant, center-based care: $9,208

   • Infant, home-based care: $7,458

   • Toddler, center-based care: $8,026

   • Toddler, home-based care: $7,429

   • Preschool, center-based care: $8,026

   • Preschool, home-based care: $7,429

4. Ballard County

   • Average child care tuition: $7,400

   • Infant, center-based care: $7,773

   • Infant, home-based care: $7,272

   • Toddler, center-based care: $7,304

   • Toddler, home-based care: $7,374

   • Preschool, center-based care: $7,304

   • Preschool, home-based care: $7,374

5. Barren County

   • Average child care tuition: $6,776

   • Infant, center-based care: $7,620

   • Infant, home-based care: $7,022

   • Toddler, center-based care: $6,977

   • Toddler, home-based care: $6,030

   • Preschool, center-based care: $6,977

   • Preschool, home-based care: $6,030

6. Bath County

   • Average child care tuition: $5,915

   • Infant, center-based care: $6,899

   • Infant, home-based care: $4,886

   • Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

   • Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

   • Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

   • Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

7. Bell County

   • Average child care tuition: $5,757

   • Infant, center-based care: $6,113

   • Infant, home-based care: $7,009

   • Toddler, center-based care: $5,673

   • Toddler, home-based care: $5,039

   • Preschool, center-based care: $5,673

   • Preschool, home-based care: $5,039

8. Boone County

   • Average child care tuition: $10,247

   • Infant, center-based care: $12,102

   • Infant, home-based care: $10,223

   • Toddler, center-based care: $10,338

   • Toddler, home-based care: $9,239

   • Preschool, center-based care: $10,338

   • Preschool, home-based care: $9,239

9. Bourbon County

   • Average child care tuition: $10,120

   • Infant, center-based care: $11,915

   • Infant, home-based care: $10,136

   • Toddler, center-based care: $10,175

   • Toddler, home-based care: $9,158

   • Preschool, center-based care: $10,175

   • Preschool, home-based care: $9,158

10. Boyd County

• Average child care tuition: $5,782

• Infant, center-based care: $6,537

• Infant, home-based care: $5,039

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,519

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,039

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,519

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,039

11. Boyle County

• Average child care tuition: $8,932

• Infant, center-based care: $11,038

• Infant, home-based care: $7,964

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,330

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,964

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,330

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,964

12. Bracken County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

13. Breathitt County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

14. Breckinridge County

• Average child care tuition: $8,584

• Infant, center-based care: $10,285

• Infant, home-based care: $7,928

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,052

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,593

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,052

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,593

15. Bullitt County

• Average child care tuition: $7,929

• Infant, center-based care: $9,208

• Infant, home-based care: $7,458

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,026

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,429

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,026

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,429

16. Butler County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

17. Caldwell County

• Average child care tuition: $7,184

• Infant, center-based care: $7,383

• Infant, home-based care: $7,211

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,942

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,313

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,942

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,313

18. Calloway County

• Average child care tuition: $6,643

• Infant, center-based care: $6,774

• Infant, home-based care: $6,805

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,131

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,009

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,131

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,009

19. Campbell County

• Average child care tuition: $10,247

• Infant, center-based care: $12,102

• Infant, home-based care: $10,223

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,338

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,239

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,338

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,239

20. Carlisle County

• Average child care tuition: $7,400

• Infant, center-based care: $7,773

• Infant, home-based care: $7,272

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,304

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,374

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,304

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,374

21. Carroll County

• Average child care tuition: $11,218

• Infant, center-based care: $12,928

• Infant, home-based care: $11,252

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,987

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,577

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,987

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,577

22. Carter County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

23. Casey County

• Average child care tuition: $5,611

• Infant, center-based care: $5,852

• Infant, home-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,385

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,088

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,385

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,088

24. Christian County

• Average child care tuition: $6,643

• Infant, center-based care: $6,774

• Infant, home-based care: $6,805

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,131

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,009

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,131

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,009

25. Clark County

• Average child care tuition: $8,932

• Infant, center-based care: $11,038

• Infant, home-based care: $7,964

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,330

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,964

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,330

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,964

26. Clay County

• Average child care tuition: $5,881

• Infant, center-based care: $6,461

• Infant, home-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,992

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,992

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

27. Clinton County

• Average child care tuition: $5,611

• Infant, center-based care: $5,852

• Infant, home-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,385

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,088

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,385

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,088

28. Crittenden County

• Average child care tuition: $7,400

• Infant, center-based care: $7,773

• Infant, home-based care: $7,272

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,304

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,374

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,304

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,374

29. Cumberland County

• Average child care tuition: $5,611

• Infant, center-based care: $5,852

• Infant, home-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,385

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,088

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,385

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,088

30. Daviess County

• Average child care tuition: $6,776

• Infant, center-based care: $7,620

• Infant, home-based care: $7,022

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,977

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,030

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,977

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,030

31. Edmonson County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

32. Elliott County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

33. Estill County

• Average child care tuition: $10,290

• Infant, center-based care: $12,408

• Infant, home-based care: $9,161

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,629

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,458

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,629

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,458

34. Fayette County

• Average child care tuition: $9,049

• Infant, center-based care: $11,216

• Infant, home-based care: $8,037

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,483

• Toddler, home-based care: $8,037

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,483

• Preschool, home-based care: $8,037

35. Fleming County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

36. Floyd County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

37. Franklin County

• Average child care tuition: $6,813

• Infant, center-based care: $8,193

• Infant, home-based care: $6,240

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,214

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,008

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,214

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,008

38. Fulton County

• Average child care tuition: $7,184

• Infant, center-based care: $7,383

• Infant, home-based care: $7,211

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,942

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,313

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,942

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,313

39. Gallatin County

• Average child care tuition: $11,530

• Infant, center-based care: $13,521

• Infant, home-based care: $11,338

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,502

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,660

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,502

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,660

40. Garrard County

• Average child care tuition: $10,290

• Infant, center-based care: $12,408

• Infant, home-based care: $9,161

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,629

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,458

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,629

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,458

41. Grant County

• Average child care tuition: $11,218

• Infant, center-based care: $12,928

• Infant, home-based care: $11,252

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,987

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,577

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,987

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,577

42. Graves County

• Average child care tuition: $6,643

• Infant, center-based care: $6,774

• Infant, home-based care: $6,805

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,131

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,009

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,131

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,009

43. Grayson County

• Average child care tuition: $8,584

• Infant, center-based care: $10,285

• Infant, home-based care: $7,928

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,052

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,593

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,052

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,593

44. Green County

• Average child care tuition: $5,611

• Infant, center-based care: $5,852

• Infant, home-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,385

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,088

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,385

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,088

45. Greenup County

• Average child care tuition: $5,782

• Infant, center-based care: $6,537

• Infant, home-based care: $5,039

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,519

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,039

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,519

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,039

46. Hancock County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

47. Hardin County

• Average child care tuition: $7,794

• Infant, center-based care: $9,208

• Infant, home-based care: $7,458

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,823

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,225

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,823

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,225

48. Harlan County

• Average child care tuition: $5,690

• Infant, center-based care: $6,113

• Infant, home-based care: $6,805

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,673

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,937

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,673

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,937

49. Harrison County

• Average child care tuition: $11,218

• Infant, center-based care: $12,928

• Infant, home-based care: $11,252

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,987

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,577

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,987

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,577

50. Hart County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

51. Henderson County

• Average child care tuition: $6,776

• Infant, center-based care: $7,620

• Infant, home-based care: $7,022

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,977

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,030

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,977

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,030

52. Henry County

• Average child care tuition: $8,178

• Infant, center-based care: $9,676

• Infant, home-based care: $7,523

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,443

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,492

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,443

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,492

53. Hickman County

• Average child care tuition: $7,400

• Infant, center-based care: $7,773

• Infant, home-based care: $7,272

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,304

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,374

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,304

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,374

54. Hopkins County

• Average child care tuition: $7,184

• Infant, center-based care: $7,383

• Infant, home-based care: $7,211

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,942

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,313

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,942

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,313

55. Jackson County

• Average child care tuition: $5,881

• Infant, center-based care: $6,461

• Infant, home-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,992

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,992

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

56. Jefferson County

• Average child care tuition: $9,067

• Infant, center-based care: $13,149

• Infant, home-based care: $7,164

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,191

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,852

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,191

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,852

57. Jessamine County

• Average child care tuition: $8,932

• Infant, center-based care: $11,038

• Infant, home-based care: $7,964

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,330

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,964

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,330

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,964

58. Johnson County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

59. Kenton County

• Average child care tuition: $10,247

• Infant, center-based care: $12,102

• Infant, home-based care: $10,223

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,338

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,239

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,338

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,239

60. Knott County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

61. Knox County

• Average child care tuition: $5,690

• Infant, center-based care: $6,113

• Infant, home-based care: $6,805

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,673

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,937

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,673

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,937

62. Larue County

• Average child care tuition: $8,584

• Infant, center-based care: $10,285

• Infant, home-based care: $7,928

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,052

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,593

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,052

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,593

63. Laurel County

• Average child care tuition: $5,690

• Infant, center-based care: $6,113

• Infant, home-based care: $6,805

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,673

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,937

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,673

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,937

64. Lawrence County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

65. Lee County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

66. Leslie County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

67. Letcher County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

68. Lewis County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

69. Lincoln County

• Average child care tuition: $10,290

• Infant, center-based care: $12,408

• Infant, home-based care: $9,161

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,629

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,458

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,629

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,458

70. Livingston County

• Average child care tuition: $7,400

• Infant, center-based care: $7,773

• Infant, home-based care: $7,272

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,304

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,374

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,304

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,374

71. Logan County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

72. Lyon County

• Average child care tuition: $7,400

• Infant, center-based care: $7,773

• Infant, home-based care: $7,272

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,304

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,374

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,304

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,374

73. Madison County

• Average child care tuition: $8,932

• Infant, center-based care: $11,038

• Infant, home-based care: $7,964

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,330

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,964

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,330

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,964

74. Magoffin County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

75. Marion County

• Average child care tuition: $8,584

• Infant, center-based care: $10,285

• Infant, home-based care: $7,928

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,052

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,593

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,052

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,593

76. Marshall County

• Average child care tuition: $7,400

• Infant, center-based care: $7,773

• Infant, home-based care: $7,272

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,304

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,374

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,304

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,374

77. Martin County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

78. Mason County

• Average child care tuition: $5,782

• Infant, center-based care: $6,537

• Infant, home-based care: $5,039

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,519

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,039

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,519

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,039

79. McCracken County

• Average child care tuition: $6,643

• Infant, center-based care: $6,774

• Infant, home-based care: $6,805

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,131

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,009

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,131

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,009

80. McCreary County

• Average child care tuition: $5,611

• Infant, center-based care: $5,852

• Infant, home-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,385

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,088

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,385

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,088

81. McLean County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

82. Meade County

• Average child care tuition: $8,584

• Infant, center-based care: $10,285

• Infant, home-based care: $7,928

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,052

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,593

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,052

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,593

83. Menifee County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

84. Mercer County

• Average child care tuition: $9,997

• Infant, center-based care: $11,850

• Infant, home-based care: $9,086

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,142

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,383

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,142

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,383

85. Metcalfe County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

86. Monroe County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

87. Montgomery County

• Average child care tuition: $5,714

• Infant, center-based care: $6,537

• Infant, home-based care: $4,835

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,519

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,937

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,519

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,937

88. Morgan County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

89. Muhlenberg County

• Average child care tuition: $7,184

• Infant, center-based care: $7,383

• Infant, home-based care: $7,211

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,942

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,313

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,942

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,313

90. Nelson County

• Average child care tuition: $8,334

• Infant, center-based care: $9,815

• Infant, home-based care: $7,862

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,634

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,529

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,634

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,529

91. Nicholas County

• Average child care tuition: $11,530

• Infant, center-based care: $13,521

• Infant, home-based care: $11,338

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,502

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,660

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,502

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,660

92. Ohio County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

93. Oldham County

• Average child care tuition: $7,929

• Infant, center-based care: $9,208

• Infant, home-based care: $7,458

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,026

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,429

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,026

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,429

94. Owen County

• Average child care tuition: $11,530

• Infant, center-based care: $13,521

• Infant, home-based care: $11,338

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,502

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,660

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,502

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,660

95. Owsley County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

96. Pendleton County

• Average child care tuition: $11,530

• Infant, center-based care: $13,521

• Infant, home-based care: $11,338

• Toddler, center-based care: $11,502

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,660

• Preschool, center-based care: $11,502

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,660

97. Perry County

• Average child care tuition: $5,983

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $5,088

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,088

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,088

98. Pike County

• Average child care tuition: $5,983

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $5,088

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,088

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,088

99. Powell County

• Average child care tuition: $9,997

• Infant, center-based care: $11,850

• Infant, home-based care: $9,086

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,142

• Toddler, home-based care: $9,383

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,142

• Preschool, home-based care: $9,383

100. Pulaski County

• Average child care tuition: $5,673

• Infant, center-based care: $6,346

• Infant, home-based care: $5,587

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,838

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,214

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,838

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,214

101. Robertson County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

102. Rockcastle County

• Average child care tuition: $5,881

• Infant, center-based care: $6,461

• Infant, home-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,992

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,992

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

103. Rowan County

• Average child care tuition: $5,714

• Infant, center-based care: $6,537

• Infant, home-based care: $4,835

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,519

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,937

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,519

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,937

104. Russell County

• Average child care tuition: $5,611

• Infant, center-based care: $5,852

• Infant, home-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,385

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,088

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,385

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,088

105. Scott County

• Average child care tuition: $11,218

• Infant, center-based care: $12,928

• Infant, home-based care: $11,252

• Toddler, center-based care: $10,987

• Toddler, home-based care: $10,577

• Preschool, center-based care: $10,987

• Preschool, home-based care: $10,577

106. Shelby County

• Average child care tuition: $7,929

• Infant, center-based care: $9,208

• Infant, home-based care: $7,458

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,026

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,429

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,026

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,429

107. Simpson County

• Average child care tuition: $7,317

• Infant, center-based care: $8,227

• Infant, home-based care: $7,429

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,787

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,334

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,787

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,334

108. Spencer County

• Average child care tuition: $8,178

• Infant, center-based care: $9,676

• Infant, home-based care: $7,523

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,443

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,492

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,443

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,492

109. Taylor County

• Average child care tuition: $5,673

• Infant, center-based care: $6,346

• Infant, home-based care: $5,587

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,838

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,214

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,838

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,214

110. Todd County

• Average child care tuition: $7,400

• Infant, center-based care: $7,773

• Infant, home-based care: $7,272

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,304

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,374

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,304

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,374

111. Trigg County

• Average child care tuition: $7,400

• Infant, center-based care: $7,773

• Infant, home-based care: $7,272

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,304

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,374

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,304

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,374

112. Trimble County

• Average child care tuition: $8,178

• Infant, center-based care: $9,676

• Infant, home-based care: $7,523

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,443

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,492

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,443

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,492

113. Union County

• Average child care tuition: $7,317

• Infant, center-based care: $8,227

• Infant, home-based care: $7,429

• Toddler, center-based care: $7,787

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,334

• Preschool, center-based care: $7,787

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,334

114. Warren County

• Average child care tuition: $6,776

• Infant, center-based care: $7,620

• Infant, home-based care: $7,022

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,977

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,030

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,977

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,030

115. Washington County

• Average child care tuition: $8,584

• Infant, center-based care: $10,285

• Infant, home-based care: $7,928

• Toddler, center-based care: $9,052

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,593

• Preschool, center-based care: $9,052

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,593

116. Wayne County

• Average child care tuition: $5,420

• Infant, center-based care: $5,505

• Infant, home-based care: $6,805

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,065

• Toddler, home-based care: $5,039

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,065

• Preschool, home-based care: $5,039

117. Webster County

• Average child care tuition: $7,546

• Infant, center-based care: $8,645

• Infant, home-based care: $7,492

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,179

• Toddler, home-based care: $6,391

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,179

• Preschool, home-based care: $6,391

118. Whitley County

• Average child care tuition: $5,690

• Infant, center-based care: $6,113

• Infant, home-based care: $6,805

• Toddler, center-based care: $5,673

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,937

• Preschool, center-based care: $5,673

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,937

119. Wolfe County

• Average child care tuition: $5,915

• Infant, center-based care: $6,899

• Infant, home-based care: $4,886

• Toddler, center-based care: $6,867

• Toddler, home-based care: $4,986

• Preschool, center-based care: $6,867

• Preschool, home-based care: $4,986

120. Woodford County

• Average child care tuition: $7,929

• Infant, center-based care: $9,208

• Infant, home-based care: $7,458

• Toddler, center-based care: $8,026

• Toddler, home-based care: $7,429

• Preschool, center-based care: $8,026

• Preschool, home-based care: $7,429

Data and Methodology

The data above is based on data from the National Database of Childcare Prices for 2024, released by the U.S. Department of Labor (Women’s Bureau), and adjusted to 2026 dollars based on the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for December 2024 through April 2026.