Daycare Cost in Tennessee
Compare average child care prices in Tennessee for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers across center-based and home-based settings.
Infant Center (Annual)
$13,126
$1,094/mo
National Ranking
32nd Most Expensive
Out of 51 (50 states + DC)
vs. National Average
-16%
Nat'l avg: $15,585
Most Affordable Option
$8,689
$724/mo (home-based)
Tennessee 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) | $13,126 | $1,094 | -16% |
| Infant (Home-Based) | $9,415 | $785 | -17% |
| Toddler (Center-Based) | $12,063 | $1,005 | -16% |
| Toddler (Home-Based) | $9,430 | $786 | -13% |
| Preschool (Center-Based) | $10,840 | $903 | -13% |
| Preschool (Home-Based) | $8,689 | $724 | -16% |
Center-Based vs. Home-Based Care
How much you can save by choosing home-based care in Tennessee
Infant
Center
$1,094/mo
Home
$785/mo
Save $3,711/yr with home-based care
Toddler
Center
$1,005/mo
Home
$786/mo
Save $2,633/yr with home-based care
Preschool
Center
$903/mo
Home
$724/mo
Save $2,151/yr with home-based care
Quick Facts About Daycare in Tennessee
- Tennessee ranks as the 32nd most expensive state for child care in the U.S.
- The most expensive care type is Infant Center at $13,126/year.
- Home-based care costs 28% less than center-based care for infants.
- Infant care in Tennessee is -16% compared to the national average of $15,585.
Compare with Nearby States
See how Tennessee's daycare costs stack up against neighboring states
Kentucky
Infant center: $12,740/yr
35th most expensive
Virginia
Infant center: $16,796/yr
18th most expensive
North Carolina
Infant center: $12,370/yr
38th most expensive
Georgia
Infant center: $11,066/yr
42nd most expensive
Alabama
Infant center: $8,632/yr
49th most expensive
Mississippi
Infant center: $7,696/yr
51st most expensive
Arkansas
Infant center: $9,178/yr
48th most expensive
Missouri
Infant center: $13,780/yr
29th most expensive
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