Daycare Cost in Arkansas
Compare average child care prices in Arkansas for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers across center-based and home-based settings.
Infant Center (Annual)
$9,178
$765/mo
National Ranking
48th Most Expensive
Out of 51 (50 states + DC)
vs. National Average
-41%
Nat'l avg: $15,585
Most Affordable Option
$7,727
$644/mo (home-based)
Arkansas Child Care Cost Breakdown
Annual and monthly costs by care type and setting (2025 data)
| Care Type | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (Center-Based) | $9,178 | $765 | -41% |
| Infant (Home-Based) | $7,963 | $664 | -30% |
| Toddler (Center-Based) | $8,801 | $733 | -38% |
| Toddler (Home-Based) | $7,727 | $644 | -29% |
| Preschool (Center-Based) | $8,320 | $693 | -34% |
| Preschool (Home-Based) | $7,745 | $645 | -25% |
Center-Based vs. Home-Based Care
How much you can save by choosing home-based care in Arkansas
Infant
Center
$765/mo
Home
$664/mo
Save $1,215/yr with home-based care
Toddler
Center
$733/mo
Home
$644/mo
Save $1,074/yr with home-based care
Preschool
Center
$693/mo
Home
$645/mo
Save $575/yr with home-based care
Quick Facts About Daycare in Arkansas
- Arkansas ranks as the 48th most expensive state for child care in the U.S.
- The most expensive care type is Infant Center at $9,178/year.
- Home-based care costs 13% less than center-based care for infants.
- Infant care in Arkansas is -41% compared to the national average of $15,585.
Compare with Nearby States
See how Arkansas's daycare costs stack up against neighboring states
Missouri
Infant center: $13,780/yr
29th most expensive
Tennessee
Infant center: $13,126/yr
32nd most expensive
Mississippi
Infant center: $7,696/yr
51st most expensive
Louisiana
Infant center: $10,847/yr
43rd most expensive
Texas
Infant center: $11,349/yr
41st most expensive
Oklahoma
Infant center: $10,809/yr
44th most expensive
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