Childcare Cost in Orange County, CA
Infant center-based childcare in Orange County, CA costs $394 per week ($20,473 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $300 per week ($15,599 per year). With a median household income of $109,361, the childcare burden index is 18.7% 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) | $394 | $300 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $282 | $279 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $254 | $279 |
| School-Age (6+) | $239 | $196 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $109,361 |
| Burden Index | 18.7% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Orange County compare?
At $394/wk for infant center care, Orange County runs 127% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 18.7% 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 Orange County runs $300/wk for infants — about 24% less than center-based care, or $4,874 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $239/wk (center) or $196/wk (family).
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.