Childcare Cost in San Luis Obispo County, CA
Infant center-based childcare in San Luis Obispo County, CA costs $361 per week ($18,786 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $246 per week ($12,793 per year). With a median household income of $90,158, the childcare burden index is 20.8% 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) | $361 | $246 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $232 | $209 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $272 | $214 |
| School-Age (6+) | $232 | $215 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $90,158 |
| Burden Index | 20.8% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does San Luis Obispo County compare?
At $361/wk for infant center care, San Luis Obispo County runs 108% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 20.8% 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 Luis Obispo County runs $246/wk for infants — about 32% less than center-based care, or $5,993 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $232/wk (center) or $215/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.
A practical caveat: the headline answer above reflects the most recent the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices vintage; underlying data is often revised for months after first publication, and the right reference for any specific decision is whichever vintage is current at the time of the decision. The as-of date is stamped on every page.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau Childcare Prices, 2026.