Childcare Cost in Santa Cruz County, AZ
Infant center-based childcare in Santa Cruz County, AZ costs $215 per week ($11,180 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $175 per week ($9,100 per year). With a median household income of $51,885, the childcare burden index is 21.5% 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) | $215 | $175 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $155 | $175 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $155 | $175 |
| School-Age (6+) | $166 | $163 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $51,885 |
| Burden Index | 21.5% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Santa Cruz County compare?
At $215/wk for infant center care, Santa Cruz County runs 24% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 21.5% 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 Santa Cruz County runs $175/wk for infants — about 19% less than center-based care, or $2,080 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $166/wk (center) or $163/wk (family).