Childcare Cost in Cook County, IL
Infant center-based childcare in Cook County, IL costs $278 per week ($14,473 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $208 per week ($10,804 per year). With a median household income of $78,304, the childcare burden index is 18.5% 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) | $278 | $208 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $220 | $194 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $189 | $176 |
| School-Age (6+) | $83 | $52 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $78,304 |
| Burden Index | 18.5% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Cook County compare?
At $278/wk for infant center care, Cook County runs 60% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 18.5% of median household income — a high burden, more than double the 7% HHS affordability threshold.
For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Cook County runs $208/wk for infants — about 25% less than center-based care, or $3,669 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $83/wk (center) or $52/wk (family).