Child Care Tuition Prices in Florida 2026: County Breakdown by Age and Center Types
13 min read
Aug 4, 2026
Finances
Child care prices in Tennessee generally fall into a dichotomy in 2026, reflecting a clear divide driven by overhead costs and local economic dynamics. In 24 counties, care averages $9,289 across ages, centers, and homes for children under five, while the bulk of the remaining counties average $6,458 per year. Still, costs vary significantly between infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and can diverge further due to a variety of factors at the local level. In fact, even the averages range from about $5,400 to nearly $12,900, with room for additional swings in between.
Child care directors and their teams can use this data to gauge how their own pricing compares or to help set appropriate rates based on other distinguishing factors for their business among the local competition. Accordingly, below is a breakdown of average child care tuition prices across Tennessee counties in 2026 dollars.
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How to Price Child Care and Daycare Services in Tennessee
While Tennessee child care tuition prices might seem fairly consistent at the surface level, there are a lot of considerations that go into accurate pricing. Each individual business should take into account a variety of factors that will impact whether their specific pricing makes them both profitable at realistic operating dynamics and appealing to enough local families to make those dynamics possible.
In addition to local prices which can help benchmark you against the competition, you’ll want to consider any service distinctions you offer above and beyond your peers – including pricing accessibility, special accreditations or qualifications, or care type. For more specific advice on setting effective tuition rates in Tennessee, explore Playground’s complete tuition pricing guide.
Average Child Care Costs in Tennessee 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.
Infant | Toddler | Preschool | |
Center-based care | $9,185 | $7,238 | $7,238 |
Home-based care | $6,497 | $6,396 | $6,396 |
Most Expensive Counties in Tennessee for Child Care
Of the 96 counties in Tennessee, 24 share the same tier of highest average child care tuition prices, averaging $9,289 across care types and ages. These counties include:
Anderson, Blount, Bradley, Cheatham, Davidson, Fayette, Greene, Hamilton, Henry, Knox, Loudon, Madison, Maury, Montgomery, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Sevier, Shelby, Sullivan, Sumner, Washington, Williamson, and Wilson Counties.
A further breakdown of the average costs by care type and center type can be found below.
Least Expensive Counties in Tennessee for Child Care
At the other end of the spectrum, one county takes the title for the least expensive for child care tuition in Tennessee in 2026: Decatur County at an average of $5,734 across care types.
Otherwise, 70 counties share the title of middle-tier tuition at an average of $6,458 for the year.
A further breakdown of the average costs by care type and center type can be found below.
Average Child Care Costs in Tennessee by County
Each of the 95 Tennessee counties is listed in alphabetical order and includes the average annual tuition across care types, with a breakdown of prices based on center type and child age in 2026 dollars.
Anderson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Bedford County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Benton County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Bledsoe County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Blount County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Bradley County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Campbell County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Cannon County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Carroll County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Carter County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Cheatham County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Chester County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Claiborne County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Clay County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Cocke County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Coffee County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Crockett County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Cumberland County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Davidson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Decatur County
Average child care tuition: $5,734
Infant, center-based care: $6,795
Infant, home-based care: $4,909
Toddler, center-based care: $5,930
Toddler, home-based care: $5,421
Preschool, center-based care: $5,930
Preschool, home-based care: $5,421
DeKalb County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Dickson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Dyer County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Fayette County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Fentress County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Franklin County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Gibson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Giles County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Grainger County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Greene County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Grundy County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hamblen County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hamilton County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Hancock County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hardeman County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hardin County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hawkins County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Haywood County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Henderson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Henry County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Hickman County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Houston County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Humphreys County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Jackson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Jefferson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Johnson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Knox County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Lake County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Lauderdale County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Lawrence County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Lewis County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Lincoln County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Loudon County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Macon County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Madison County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Marion County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Marshall County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Maury County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
McMinn County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
McNairy County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Meigs County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Monroe County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Montgomery County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Moore County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Morgan County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Obion County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Overton County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Perry County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Pickett County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Polk County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Putnam County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Rhea County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Roane County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Robertson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Rutherford County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Scott County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Sequatchie County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Sevier County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Shelby County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Smith County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Stewart County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Sullivan County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Sumner County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Tipton County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Trousdale County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Unicoi County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Union County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Van Buren County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Warren County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Washington County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Wayne County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Weakley County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
White County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Williamson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Wilson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Data and Methodology
The data above is adjusted to 2026 dollars based on the data from the National Database of Childcare Prices for 2024, released by the U.S. Department of Labor (Women’s Bureau).
Child care prices in Tennessee generally fall into a dichotomy in 2026, reflecting a clear divide driven by overhead costs and local economic dynamics. In 24 counties, care averages $9,289 across ages, centers, and homes for children under five, while the bulk of the remaining counties average $6,458 per year. Still, costs vary significantly between infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and can diverge further due to a variety of factors at the local level. In fact, even the averages range from about $5,400 to nearly $12,900, with room for additional swings in between.
Child care directors and their teams can use this data to gauge how their own pricing compares or to help set appropriate rates based on other distinguishing factors for their business among the local competition. Accordingly, below is a breakdown of average child care tuition prices across Tennessee counties in 2026 dollars.
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 Tennessee
While Tennessee child care tuition prices might seem fairly consistent at the surface level, there are a lot of considerations that go into accurate pricing. Each individual business should take into account a variety of factors that will impact whether their specific pricing makes them both profitable at realistic operating dynamics and appealing to enough local families to make those dynamics possible.
In addition to local prices which can help benchmark you against the competition, you’ll want to consider any service distinctions you offer above and beyond your peers – including pricing accessibility, special accreditations or qualifications, or care type. For more specific advice on setting effective tuition rates in Tennessee, explore Playground’s complete tuition pricing guide.
Average Child Care Costs in Tennessee 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.
Infant | Toddler | Preschool | |
Center-based care | $9,185 | $7,238 | $7,238 |
Home-based care | $6,497 | $6,396 | $6,396 |
Most Expensive Counties in Tennessee for Child Care
Of the 96 counties in Tennessee, 24 share the same tier of highest average child care tuition prices, averaging $9,289 across care types and ages. These counties include:
Anderson, Blount, Bradley, Cheatham, Davidson, Fayette, Greene, Hamilton, Henry, Knox, Loudon, Madison, Maury, Montgomery, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Sevier, Shelby, Sullivan, Sumner, Washington, Williamson, and Wilson Counties.
A further breakdown of the average costs by care type and center type can be found below.
Least Expensive Counties in Tennessee for Child Care
At the other end of the spectrum, one county takes the title for the least expensive for child care tuition in Tennessee in 2026: Decatur County at an average of $5,734 across care types.
Otherwise, 70 counties share the title of middle-tier tuition at an average of $6,458 for the year.
A further breakdown of the average costs by care type and center type can be found below.
Average Child Care Costs in Tennessee by County
Each of the 95 Tennessee counties is listed in alphabetical order and includes the average annual tuition across care types, with a breakdown of prices based on center type and child age in 2026 dollars.
Anderson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Bedford County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Benton County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Bledsoe County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Blount County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Bradley County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Campbell County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Cannon County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Carroll County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Carter County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Cheatham County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Chester County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Claiborne County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Clay County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Cocke County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Coffee County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Crockett County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Cumberland County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Davidson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Decatur County
Average child care tuition: $5,734
Infant, center-based care: $6,795
Infant, home-based care: $4,909
Toddler, center-based care: $5,930
Toddler, home-based care: $5,421
Preschool, center-based care: $5,930
Preschool, home-based care: $5,421
DeKalb County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Dickson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Dyer County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Fayette County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Fentress County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Franklin County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Gibson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Giles County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Grainger County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Greene County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Grundy County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hamblen County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hamilton County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Hancock County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hardeman County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hardin County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Hawkins County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Haywood County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Henderson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Henry County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Hickman County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Houston County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Humphreys County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Jackson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Jefferson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Johnson County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Knox County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Lake County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Lauderdale County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Lawrence County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Lewis County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Lincoln County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Loudon County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Macon County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Madison County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Marion County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Marshall County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Maury County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
McMinn County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
McNairy County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Meigs County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Monroe County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Montgomery County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Moore County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Morgan County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Obion County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Overton County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Perry County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Pickett County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Polk County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Putnam County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Rhea County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Roane County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Robertson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Rutherford County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Scott County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Sequatchie County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Sevier County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Shelby County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Smith County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Stewart County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Sullivan County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Sumner County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Tipton County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Trousdale County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Unicoi County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Union County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Van Buren County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Warren County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Washington County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Wayne County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Weakley County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
White County
Average child care tuition: $6,458
Infant, center-based care: $7,970
Infant, home-based care: $5,527
Toddler, center-based care: $6,693
Toddler, home-based care: $5,933
Preschool, center-based care: $6,693
Preschool, home-based care: $5,933
Williamson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Wilson County
Average child care tuition: $9,289
Infant, center-based care: $12,881
Infant, home-based care: $9,432
Toddler, center-based care: $8,905
Toddler, home-based care: $7,805
Preschool, center-based care: $8,905
Preschool, home-based care: $7,805
Data and Methodology
The data above is adjusted to 2026 dollars based on the data from the National Database of Childcare Prices for 2024, released by the U.S. Department of Labor (Women’s Bureau).
Frequently asked questions
Is there child care assistance available in Tennessee?
Does Tennessee offer free preschool?
What is the Star-Quality Program in Tennessee?
What child care licensing is required in Tennessee?
What is the Report Card system for Tennessee child care?
Is child care tax deductible in Tennessee?
Does Tennessee help employers offer child care benefits?
Jaclyn DeJohn, CFP®
Director of Content
Jaclyn is a data journalist and CFP™ who evaluates trends in the childcare industry and wider economy. She has previously worked for publications including CNET, SmartAsset, Bizfluent, AZCentral and Chron, and as a research consultant for NAPCO Media. Her insights are often cited by publications including Bloomberg, CNBC, Business Insider, Fox News, USA Today, The Hill and more. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from The College of New Jersey.
Date created
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The Weston School
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