Childcare Cost in San Diego County, CA
Infant center-based childcare in San Diego County, CA costs $379 per week ($19,719 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $251 per week ($13,045 per year). With a median household income of $96,974, the childcare burden index is 20.3% 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) | $379 | $251 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $269 | $238 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $243 | $238 |
| School-Age (6+) | $219 | $180 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $96,974 |
| Burden Index | 20.3% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does San Diego County compare?
At $379/wk for infant center care, San Diego County runs 119% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 20.3% 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 San Diego County runs $251/wk for infants — about 34% less than center-based care, or $6,674 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $219/wk (center) or $180/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.