Childcare Cost in Santa Clara County, CA
Infant center-based childcare in Santa Clara County, CA costs $527 per week ($27,411 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $361 per week ($18,765 per year). With a median household income of $153,792, the childcare burden index is 17.8% 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) | $527 | $361 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $373 | $313 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $410 | $347 |
| School-Age (6+) | $438 | $287 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $153,792 |
| Burden Index | 17.8% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Santa Clara County compare?
At $527/wk for infant center care, Santa Clara County runs 204% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 17.8% 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 Santa Clara County runs $361/wk for infants — about 32% less than center-based care, or $8,646 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $438/wk (center) or $287/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.