How Much Is Preschool Per Month?

The short answer: monthly preschool prices can be very different

A part-time preschool program, such as 2 or 3 mornings a week, may cost about $300 to $900 per month in some areas. A full-time preschool or daycare schedule can be more like $900 to $2,500 or more per month. In expensive cities, prices can be even higher.

There is no one national price that fits every family. A church-based preschool, public pre-K, home-based daycare, Montessori program, or center-based daycare may all charge very different amounts. If you are comparing options, it helps to look at the total monthly cost, the daily hours, and any extra fees.

If you want to understand the difference between program types, see preschool vs. daycare or browse programs.

• Part-time preschool: often about $300 to $900 per month
• School-day preschool, 5 days a week: often about $600 to $1,500 per month
• Full-time daycare or preschool, full workday hours: often about $900 to $2,500+ per month
• Public pre-K or Head Start may be low-cost or free for some families, if they qualify

What you are really paying for: hours, age, and care type

The biggest price difference is often the schedule. A program that runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. usually costs less than one that covers a full workday. Some programs also charge separately for early drop-off, late pick-up, meals, or summer care.

Age matters too. Care for younger children is usually more expensive than care for 3- or 4-year-olds. Infants and toddlers need more hands-on care and smaller group sizes, so the monthly price is often higher. If your child is younger, compare infant daycare, toddler daycare, and preschool ages 3 to 4 separately.

The type of program also changes the cost. A Montessori preschool may charge more than a play-based church preschool. A bilingual preschool or a center with extended hours may also cost more, but it depends on the area.

• Fewer hours usually means a lower monthly bill
• Younger children usually cost more
• Special approaches or longer hours may raise the price

Why prices change so much by city and neighborhood

Location is a big reason prices vary. Rent, staff pay, insurance, and other business costs are much higher in some cities than in others. A preschool in a high-cost neighborhood may charge much more than a similar program a few miles away.

State rules also affect cost. Each state sets its own licensing rules for group size, staff training, and building requirements. These rules are important, but they can also change what programs need to spend each month. You should always visit in person and check the state license yourself. This guide can help: how to check a preschool license.

Some programs include more in the tuition. One monthly price may include snacks, lunch, diapers, and extended care. Another may list a lower tuition but add separate fees later. Ask for a written fee sheet before you decide.

Extra fees families often forget to ask about

The monthly tuition is not always the full cost. Many families are surprised by one-time or occasional fees. These can make one program look cheaper at first, even if the yearly total is similar.

Ask for a full list of costs before you apply. It is okay to ask simple, direct questions. For example: "What do I pay every month?" and "Are there any extra fees during the year?"

Common extra costs may include:
- application or registration fee
- supply or activity fee
- meals or snacks
- field trip fees
- late pick-up fees
- summer or holiday break care
- deposit to hold a spot

• A low monthly price does not always mean the total yearly cost is lower

Ways to find lower-cost or free preschool options

Some families can get help paying for preschool or daycare. Public pre-K, Head Start, subsidized childcare, and sliding-scale tuition are common examples. Sliding scale means the price changes based on family income. Rules are different in each state and city.

If cost is your main concern, ask whether a program offers part-time schedules, sibling discounts, or tuition help. You can also look at Head Start and public pre-K and read help paying for preschool.

Cubby Road is a free matching and guide service. We can help parents compare options based on schedule, language, location, and budget. If you want help, you can get matched, free.

• Public pre-K may be free in some places
• Head Start may be free for eligible families
• Childcare subsidies may lower the monthly cost
• Part-time care can be easier on the budget than full-time care

How to compare programs without getting overwhelmed

Start with three things: your budget, your hours, and your location. Then ask each program the same questions. This makes it easier to compare prices fairly. A 3-day morning preschool and a 5-day full-day daycare are not the same service, so their monthly costs should not be compared without looking at hours.

Before you choose, visit in person. Look at the classroom, ask about the daily schedule, and confirm the total monthly cost in writing. You can use our preschool tour checklist and questions to ask on a tour.

A simple way to compare is:
1. Ask how many days and hours are included each week.
2. Ask the full monthly tuition.
3. Ask about all extra fees.
4. Ask if there is a waitlist.
5. Visit in person and verify the state license yourself.