Daycare Cost in Iowa
Compare average child care prices in Iowa for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers across center-based and home-based settings.
Infant Center (Annual)
$12,694
$1,058/mo
National Ranking
36th Most Expensive
Out of 51 (50 states + DC)
vs. National Average
-19%
Nat'l avg: $15,585
Most Affordable Option
$8,285
$690/mo (home-based)
Iowa 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) | $12,694 | $1,058 | -19% |
| Infant (Home-Based) | $8,596 | $716 | -24% |
| Toddler (Center-Based) | $11,729 | $977 | -18% |
| Toddler (Home-Based) | $8,443 | $704 | -22% |
| Preschool (Center-Based) | $10,100 | $842 | -19% |
| Preschool (Home-Based) | $8,285 | $690 | -20% |
Center-Based vs. Home-Based Care
How much you can save by choosing home-based care in Iowa
Infant
Center
$1,058/mo
Home
$716/mo
Save $4,098/yr with home-based care
Toddler
Center
$977/mo
Home
$704/mo
Save $3,286/yr with home-based care
Preschool
Center
$842/mo
Home
$690/mo
Save $1,815/yr with home-based care
Quick Facts About Daycare in Iowa
- Iowa ranks as the 36th most expensive state for child care in the U.S.
- The most expensive care type is Infant Center at $12,694/year.
- Home-based care costs 32% less than center-based care for infants.
- Infant care in Iowa is -19% compared to the national average of $15,585.
Compare with Nearby States
See how Iowa's daycare costs stack up against neighboring states
Minnesota
Infant center: $20,421/yr
9th most expensive
Wisconsin
Infant center: $17,963/yr
17th most expensive
Illinois
Infant center: $19,807/yr
11th most expensive
Missouri
Infant center: $13,780/yr
29th most expensive
Nebraska
Infant center: $18,147/yr
16th most expensive
South Dakota
Infant center: $8,632/yr
49th most expensive
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