Childcare Cost in Dare County, NC
Infant center-based childcare in Dare County, NC costs $230 per week ($11,967 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $192 per week ($9,983 per year). With a median household income of $79,742, the childcare burden index is 15.0% 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) | $230 | $192 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $204 | $162 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $177 | $163 |
| School-Age (6+) | $102 | $117 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $79,742 |
| Burden Index | 15.0% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Dare County compare?
At $230/wk for infant center care, Dare County runs 33% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 15.0% 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 Dare County runs $192/wk for infants — about 17% less than center-based care, or $1,984 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $102/wk (center) or $117/wk (family).
More about Dare County
This answer pulls from the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices, the authoritative federal source for U.S. childcare prices. The headline number above is the direct answer; what follows is the additional context most readers need to use the answer for a real decision rather than just a fact lookup.
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.