Infant vs Toddler vs Preschool Childcare Cost in Greenville County, SC

Childcare prices in Greenville County track a child's age closely, because state licensing rules require more staff per child for the youngest age bands. Infant center care costs $202/wk ($10,506/yr), the highest band in most counties, while preschool care runs $184/wk ($9,565/yr). That's a 9% drop — about $18/wk, or $941 a year, in savings as your child moves from infant to preschool.

The priciest age group in Greenville County is Infant (0-1) at $202/wk, and the cheapest is school-age (6+) at $139/wk — a spread of $63/wk between the most and least expensive bands. Cost declines steadily from infant to toddler to preschool, the typical national shape. School-age care (ages 6+) is usually the most economical at $139/wk, since those children only need before- and after-school coverage.

At $202/wk for infant center care, Greenville County runs 16% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 14.7% of median household income — a moderate burden, above the 7% HHS affordability threshold.

For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Greenville County runs $139/wk for infants — about 31% less than center-based care, or $3,290 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $139/wk (center) or $90/wk (family).