Childcare Cost in Alameda County, CA
Infant center-based childcare in Alameda County, CA costs $516 per week ($26,827 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $361 per week ($18,754 per year). With a median household income of $122,488, the childcare burden index is 21.9% of income. The national median weekly infant center care cost is $174 for comparison.
Cost by Care Type
| Age Group | Center/Wk | Family/Wk |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0-1) | $516 | $361 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $371 | $311 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $408 | $345 |
| School-Age (6+) | $434 | $279 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $122,488 |
| Burden Index | 21.9% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Alameda County compare?
At $516/wk for infant center care, Alameda County runs 197% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 21.9% of median household income — a severe burden, more than triple the 7% affordability threshold the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses.
For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Alameda County runs $361/wk for infants — about 30% less than center-based care, or $8,073 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $434/wk (center) or $279/wk (family).
The data source behind this answer is the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices. Every figure on the page traces back to that source; the methodology page describes the inputs and the refresh cadence in full detail.
For readers turning this answer into action: cross-reference against the underlying the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices record before acting on time-sensitive decisions. The site renders the data as it was published; subsequent revisions can shift the picture, and the live federal data is always the authoritative current reference.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau Childcare Prices, 2026.