Cost Of Care In Illinois: A Breakdown For 2026

A comprehensive analysis of Child Care costs for working parents, employers, and government agencies in the State of Illinois.

Ask any parent about the struggles they face raising their children, and they’re sure to mention the cost of Child Care at some point. As the economy continues to grow bigger and faster, people continue to grapple with finding quality Child Care that they can afford.

One place where this balancing act is particularly challenging is the state of Illinois. Child Care is actually almost as expensive as the average person’s rent.

• In Illinois, the average cost of rent is $1,670 per month or $20,040 per year.
• The average cost of Child Care for one infant in Illinois is $1,651 per month or $19,807 per year.

At that price, Child Care for an infant is nearly the same as in-state tuition at a college or university. Infants spend most of their days sleeping, eating, and getting diaper changes—a far cry from the effort it takes to properly educate a college student—yet the cost for both is near equal.

Even more disturbing, a parent making minimum wage would have to work full-time from January through August, just to pay the daycare bill for an infant for the year.

To make navigating the Child Care landscape a bit easier, we’ve put together a breakdown covering:

• The average cost of Child Care in Illinois by type, age, and city
• An explanation of the factors contributing to high prices
• Overviews of grants and subsidies to make Child Care more affordable

Let’s go!

Average Cost of Child Care in Illinois (By Type & Age)

Here’s how statewide Child Care cost averages break down:

Age Group	Average Cost of Child Care Center (Monthly / Annually)	Average Cost of Family Child Care Home (Monthly / Annually)
Infant	$1,651 / $19,807	$1,024 / $12,283
Toddler	$1,561 / $18,736	$1,024 / $12,283
4-Year-Old	$1,437 / $17,238	$870 / $10,439
School-Age	$378 / $4,538	$294 / $3,524

These numbers can have quite serious implications:

• With the median Illinois family of three earning $108,492 annually, infant care can cost a household over 18.2% of their yearly income. According to the DHHS, families should spend no more than 7% of their total income on Child Care for it to be considered affordable.
• In addition, many parents have more than one child, increasing the share of their income spent on child care. The cost for 2 or more children in Child Care programs can be so burdensome that **women become much more likely to leave the workforce**
• Moreover, it’s no secret that Child Care around the country costs considerably more for infants. Unfortunately, Child Care for older children in Illinois is only slightly better.

These figures highlight that the Child Care problem affects not only families with infants and toddlers but also all families with children who have yet to reach grade school. This is another reason why two-parent households may decide that it’s better financially for one of them not to work. Worse yet, single parents don’t always have that option.

Furthermore, the cost of Child Care can vary drastically depending on which city in Illinois you live in, with higher-cost-of-living areas also having the highest Child Care bills. Where you live has a greater effect on the availability of affordable Child Care than you may even know.

Costs of Child Care in Major Illinois Cities

Before we get started, remember that some of these monthly costs may not align with the statewide averages. Here’s why:

• City prices drive up the numbers: Statewide figures include both rural and urban areas, but high costs in places like Chicago raise the overall average.
• Hourly rates can be misleading: These estimates are based on hourly fees, which might make costs look higher than they actually are. Your actual expenses may be lower if you don’t need full-time care year-round or qualify for discounts.
• Financial aid and discounts aren’t factored in: Some providers receive assistance that helps reduce costs for families, but those savings aren’t reflected in these numbers.

With that out of the way, let’s dive in.

City (IL)	Child care – hourly	Child care – weekly	Child care – monthly	Infant care – hourly	Infant care – weekly	Infant care – monthly
Chicago	$21.63	$865	$2,812	$22.52	$901	$2,928
Champaign	$18.06	$722	$2,348	$19.21	$768	$2,497
Aurora	$19.95	$798	$2,594	$20.31	$812	$2,640
Joliet	$18.85	$754	$2,451	$20.13	$805	$2,617
Naperville	$20.10	$804	$2,613	$21.85	$874	$2,841
Rockford	$17.81	$712	$2,315	$18.64	$746	$2,423

Chicago Child Care Costs

• Median monthly household income: ~$6,206.
• 1‑bedroom rent: $1,998.
• Child‑care cost: $2,812/mo; infant care: $2,928/mo.
• Comparison: Child care is about 41% more expensive than rent, equating to roughly 45% of monthly income. Infant care is about 47% more than rent and around 47% of income.

Champaign Child Care Costs

• Median monthly household income: ~$3,853.
• 1‑bedroom rent: $1,234.
• Child‑care cost: $2,348/mo; infant care: $2,497/mo.
• Comparison: Child care is roughly 90% more expensive than rent, and it takes about 61% of the median monthly income. Infant care is over 100% more than rent and about 65% of income.

Aurora Child Care Costs

• Median monthly household income: ~$7,472.
• 1‑bedroom rent: $1,650.
• Child‑care cost: $2,594/mo; infant care: $2,640/mo.
• Comparison: Child care is about 57% more expensive than rent, representing roughly 35% of monthly income. Infant care is about 60% more than rent and roughly 35% of income.

Joliet Child Care Costs

• Median monthly household income: ~$7,171.
• 1‑bedroom rent: $1,319.
• Child‑care cost: $2,451/mo; infant care: $2,617/mo.
• Comparison: Child care is roughly 86% more expensive than rent, and it constitutes about 34% of monthly income. Infant care is about 98% more than rent and roughly 36% of income.

Naperville Child Care Costs

• Median monthly household income: ~$12,682.
• 1‑bedroom rent: $1,749.
• Child‑care cost: $2,613/mo; infant care: $2,841/mo.
• Comparison: Child care is around 49% more expensive than rent, but it’s only about 21% of the typical monthly income. Infant care is roughly 63% more than rent and about 22% of income.

Rockford Child Care Costs

• Median monthly household income: ~$4,444.
• 1‑bedroom rent: $895.
• Child‑care cost: $2,315/mo; infant care: $2,423/mo.
• Comparison: Child care costs about 159% more than rent, taking roughly 52% of monthly income. Infant care costs are about 171% higher than rent and about 55% of income.

As you can see, the most densely populated areas also charge higher rates for Child Care.

And the advertised rates for daycare centers and in-home daycares are just the tip of the iceberg. These base rates may not be the only fees you’ll incur. Many hidden fees may be waiting to take you by surprise.

After enrolling their children in a new Child Care program, parents often encounter the challenge of covering extra costs that go beyond the advertised base rates.

Factors Contributing to Child Care Costs

• Registration/Administration Fees: Some Child Care providers may charge a one-time registration or administration fee when enrolling a child into their program. This fee covers administrative costs associated with processing paperwork, securing a spot for the child, and setting up their account.
• Deposit or Security Fee: Child Care centers may require a deposit or security fee to hold a child’s spot. This fee is usually refundable and guarantees that the child will attend the program. It may be applied towards the final payment or refunded when the child leaves the program, provided there are no outstanding charges or fees.
• Late Pickup Fees: Child Care centers often have specific operating hours, and if a parent or guardian arrives late to pick up their child, they may incur a late pickup fee. This fee compensates staff for additional time and ensures the center operates efficiently.
• Field Trip Fees: Some Child Care programs organize field trips or outings for the children, which may incur additional fees. These fees cover transportation, admission fees, and any other expenses associated with the outing. Parents are typically informed in advance about field trips and given the option to participate or opt out.
• Extra Services or Enrichment Programs: Child Care centers may offer extra services or enrichment programs such as music lessons, language classes, or sports activities. These additional services often come with their own fees as they require specialized instructors or materials.
• Supplies and Materials: In some cases, parents may be responsible for providing specific supplies or materials for their child’s care, such as diapers, wipes, formula, or extra clothing. Child Care providers may request a supply fee to cover the costs of additional materials needed to ensure the child’s well-being and comfort during their time at the center.

Parents need to inquire about any potential additional fees when researching Child Care providers in Illinois. Understanding these fees beforehand can help you plan your budget accordingly and avoid any surprises.

Illinois Child Care Stats Parents Should Know

• Limited Access for Eligible Families: Only 15% of families eligible for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) in Illinois actually receive assistance.
• Economic Impact: Child Care challenges cost Illinois’ economy approximately $4.9 billion annually due to lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
• Child Care Deserts: 58% of Illinois residents live in Child Care “deserts,” areas with more than three children under age 5 for every licensed Child Care slot.
• Provider Reimbursement Rates: As of April 2023, Illinois reimbursed less than 45% of market rates for Child Care centers, one of the largest gaps nationwide.

Grants & Subsidies for Illinois Child Care

Here are some subsidies, grants, and financial assistance programs in Illinois to make Child Care more affordable:

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is an income-based subsidy run by the Illinois Department of Human Services. It helps low-income working or student parents pay for licensed child care by covering part of the cost while parents work or attend school.

CCAP is funded with state and federal dollars and administered through local Child Care Resource & Referral agencies. Families approved for CCAP receive a sliding-scale subsidy: parents pay a monthly copayment based on income and family size, and DHS covers remaining eligible child care costs up to set rates.

Amount / Copay: Sliding-scale subsidy (parents pay a monthly “parent copayment” based on income; DHS pays remaining eligible costs up to program maximums).

Eligibility:

• Illinois resident with a child under age 13 (up to age 19 if the child has documented special needs).
• Adult in household must be employed or enrolled in school/training (including teen parents in high school/GED programs).
• Family income at or below program limits (generally ≤225% of federal poverty level at initial eligibility). (Phase-out extensions apply up to higher income for redeterminations.)

How to Apply: Contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency or Illinois DHS office to apply. A new online application is available via the IllinoisCaresforKids.org portal (also known as the CCAP application). Paper or digital applications can be requested from your CCR&R or downloaded from the Illinois Cares for Kids site.

Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable state tax credit for working taxpayers with low to moderate income. Administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, it supplements the federal EITC.

Currently, the Illinois EITC equals 20% of the federal credit, directly reducing state income tax and potentially providing a refund. This boost to family income helps offset child care and other work-related expenses for low-income families.

Amount / Copay: Refundable tax credit equal to ~20% of the taxpayer’s federal EITC (phased-in under recent law). The credit can generate a refund even if the filer owes no state tax.

Eligibility:

• Illinois resident with earned income and meeting federal EITC criteria (income below IRS thresholds, and having qualified dependents or meeting expanded eligibility rules).
• Illinois law now also extends EITC to filers using ITINs and to low-income adults ages 18–24 (and seniors 65+) without qualifying children.
• Must file an Illinois income tax return (Form IL-1040) to claim the credit.

How to Apply: Claim the credit by filing Illinois Form IL-1040 for the tax year and completing Schedule IL-E/EITC (Step 5). This is done when filing state taxes (even if no tax is owed) to compute and receive the refundable credit.

Illinois Child Tax Credit

Illinois created a refundable Child Tax Credit starting with tax year 2024 to help low-income families with young children. Administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, the credit is tied to the Illinois EITC. Eligible taxpayers who qualify for the IL-EITC and have at least one dependent child under age 12 receive an additional credit. For 2024 (filing in 2025) the credit equals 20% of the taxpayer’s Illinois EITC, and for 2025 and later it equals 40% of the Illinois EITC. Because it is refundable, any excess credit above the state tax owed is paid out as a refund, directly bolstering family income.

Amount / Copay: Refundable credit equal to a percentage of your Illinois EITC amount – 20% of IL-EITC for 2024 taxes, increasing to 40% of IL-EITC for 2025 and beyond.

Eligibility:

• Qualify for the Illinois EITC (low/moderate income and filing IL taxes) and have at least one qualifying child under age 12 at year-end.
• The qualifying child can be a dependent or other IRS-defined qualifying child (even if not claimed as a dependent).
• File an IL income tax return (Form IL-1040) for the year to claim the credit.

How to Apply: Claim the credit on your Illinois tax return by completing Schedule IL-E/EITC (Step 5) as instructed on Form IL-1040. The state child tax credit is computed along with the Illinois EITC when you file your taxes.

Illinois Preschool For All (PFA)

The Illinois Preschool for All program is a state-funded early education program for 3- and 4-year-old children (and some 5-year-olds not yet in kindergarten). Administered by the Illinois State Board of Education, PFA provides high-quality preschool (at least 12.5 hours/week of classroom time) to children from at-risk or low-to-moderate income families. The goal is to improve school readiness and make care affordable by offering free or subsidized preschool. PFA programs are often offered through public schools and community providers. Eligible families receive this preschool education at no cost (or low cost); any expansion programs may offer full-day care with additional family supports.

Amount / Copay: Free (state-funded) preschool services for eligible children; no direct fee for qualifying families (funded via ISBE grants).

Eligibility:

• Child must be age 3 or 4 (or a 5-year-old not enrolled in kindergarten) on program entry.
• Priority for children at risk of academic difficulty (e.g. low-income, special needs, etc.) or families with income below program thresholds.
• Must live in an area served by a PFA grant (contact local school district to see if PFA slots are available).

How to Apply: Families should contact their local school district or approved early childhood provider to enroll. PFA programs typically enroll children through district pre-K registration or special PFA application processes (eligibility and enrollment details vary by district).

Child Care Costs in Illinois vs Top 10 States

How Illinois Child Care Compares Against the 10 states with the highest Child Care, preschool, infant care, and day care annual costs as of 2026:

1. Washington, D.C. ($20,981)
2. Massachusetts ($20,669)
3. New Jersey ($17,503)
4. New York ($17,343)
5. **Illinois ($17,238)**
6. Washington ($16,908)
7. California ($16,665)
8. Rhode Island ($16,212)
9. Vermont ($15,877)
10. Nebraska ($15,738)

(Average annual costs for full-time center-based care of a 4-year-old).

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs

What’s the difference between center-based and family-based care?

Center-based care is provided in a licensed facility, such as a daycare center or preschool. On the other hand, family-based care is typically provided by an individual caregiver in their home.

Is center-based care better than family-based care?

Center-based is generally more expensive than family-based providers, but that doesn’t always mean better for your child.  Family-based care may provide a more personalized and intimate environment for your child, while center-based care can offer a wider range of resources and activities.

Why are Child Care costs so high?

Several factors contribute to the high cost of Child Care. These include:

• Staff wages and benefits: Child Care providers need to be adequately compensated for their time and work. However, many providers earn low wages and do not receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
• Operating expenses: Running a Child Care facility requires rent, utilities, supplies, and other operating costs that can add up quickly.
• Low adult-to-child ratios: To ensure the safety and well-being of children, there are often regulations in place that limit the number of children per adult. This means Child Care providers may need to hire additional staff, increasing costs.
• Quality standards: High-quality Child Care programs require trained and qualified staff, which can also add to the overall cost.

Additionally, some states have quality rating systems that providers may need to meet to receive funding or subsidies.

How much of your budget should go to daycare?

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, families should aim to spend no more than 7% of their household income on Child Care expenses. This percentage can vary depending on your family’s financial situation and regional cost of living but be careful not to overspend in this area. Seek subsidies and grants that make Child Care more affordable.

Are there any programs or initiatives in place to help families with the high cost of Child Care?

Yes, there are various programs and initiatives in place to help families with the high cost of Child Care, such as:

• Child Care Subsidy: Many states offer subsidies for low-income families to help cover the cost of Child Care.
• Head Start and Early Head Start: These are federally funded programs that provide free or low-cost early education and Child Care services for eligible families.
• Tax Credits: Families can claim tax credits such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit to offset some of the costs of Child Care.
• Employer Benefits: Some employers may offer options such as Flexible Spending Accounts or Dependent Care Assistance Programs to help employees cover Child Care expenses.

What are the tax advantages for businesses to offer Child Care support? 

Investment in child care isn’t just a benefit for families – it’s a strategic advantage for employers and the economy. When companies support reliable, affordable care, they help reduce absenteeism, improve retention and productivity, and build a more stable, engaged workforce. At the same time, families benefit through increased income for essentials like food, education, and savings, and children gain stronger early learning experiences.

To accelerate these investments, the federal government has significantly enhanced the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit (IRC Section 45F) beginning January 1, 2026. Under the updated rules, eligible businesses can claim:

• 40% of qualified child care expenses, or
• 50% for eligible small businesses,
• With annual credit caps increased to $500,000–$600,000, plus an additional 10% credit for child care resource and referral costs.

Importantly, employers no longer need to operate an on-site center – contracted care, referral services, and third-party platforms may now qualify, making child care support more accessible for businesses of all sizes.

In addition to 45F, employers can stack other tax-advantaged tools — like Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAPs) and Dependent Care FSAs (DCFSA) — to lower employee costs and increase overall savings. Combined, these federal incentives can significantly offset the cost of supporting employee child care while strengthening recruitment, retention, and employee well-being.

Learn more in TOOTRiS’ Executive Guide to Leveraging Child Care Tax Incentives to Maximize Workforce ROI.

Beyond federal benefits, a majority of states are now offering tax credits or incentive programs for businesses to stimulate economic growth by providing Child Care solutions to their employees. Here is a state-by-state rundown of available business tax credits, incentives, or current legislation pertaining to potential Child Care tax credits for employers – 2025 State-by-State Guide to Business Child Care Tax Credits & Incentives. 

What is the ROI of providing Child Care Benefits? 

Return on Investment (ROI) is a measure of how much profit or cost savings a company can expect to receive from an investment. In the context of Child Care Benefits, ROI refers to the financial benefits that a company can expect to receive from offering Child Care Benefits to its employees. But the financial benefits of offering Child Care Benefits can include (as also mentioned above): 

• Increased employee retention 
• Increased employee productivity 
• Reduced absenteeism 
• Reduced turnover costs 
• Improved recruitment and talent acquisition 
• Improved employee health 

In looking to calculate the ROI of a Child Care Benefit, employers must carefully evaluate the total saving from the benefit (through reduced turnover costs, health care savings, increased productivity, etc.), and the overall cost of the benefit. To learn more, see our CFO’s Guide to Child Care Benefit ROI: A Statistical Analysis 

What are the top Child Care Benefit programs employers can implement? 

There are several different types of Child Care Benefits programs that employers can offer. Each one has a different level of commitment, finances, and impact on employees. The different models of implementing Child Care Benefits include: 

• On-Site Child Care 
• Subsidized Child Care 
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSAs) 
• Referral Services 
• TOOTRiS Child Care Benefits 

To understand the benefits and challenges to each, review the section on Choosing Child Care Benefit Programs in the CFO Guide.  

Resources for Illinois Employers

• 45F Tax Credit: Employers looking to offer child care benefits can learn about the 45F Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit at 45f.org/states/illinois.
• Tri-Share Program: Discover how employers, employees, and the state can share child care costs through the Tri-Share model at trisharechildcare.com/states/illinois