Infant vs Toddler vs Preschool Childcare Cost in Merrimack County, NH

Childcare prices in Merrimack 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 $287/wk ($14,926/yr), the highest band in most counties, while preschool care runs $239/wk ($12,409/yr). That's a 17% drop — about $48/wk, or $2,517 a year, in savings as your child moves from infant to preschool.

The priciest age group in Merrimack County is Infant (0-1) at $287/wk, and the cheapest is school-age (6+) at $213/wk — a spread of $74/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 $213/wk, since those children only need before- and after-school coverage.

At $287/wk for infant center care, Merrimack County runs 65% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 16.8% 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 Merrimack County runs $198/wk for infants — about 31% less than center-based care, or $4,651 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $213/wk (center) or $0/wk (family).