Colorado Childcare Costs by County: Official Data

Colorado is one of the highest-cost states for early childhood care in the Mountain West. Official data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) shows a statewide population-weighted median of $386.10 per week ($20,077 annually) for full-time infant center care. Licensed family child care homes average $245.10 per week ($12,745 annually).

High housing expenses, commercial real estate costs along the Front Range, and strict licensing standards make childcare a primary household expenditure for Colorado parents.

Front Range versus rural county cost differences

Childcare costs are heavily concentrated along the Interstate 25 Front Range corridor:

• Denver County: Infant center care averages $415 per week ($21,580 annually), with urban center tuition regularly surpassing $2,100 per month. Home-based infant care averages $265 per week.
• Boulder County: The highest prices in the state. Infant center tuition averages $435 per week ($22,620 per year), with preschool care averaging $315 per week.
• El Paso County (Colorado Springs): Moderate rates compared to Denver, with infant center care averaging $310 per week ($16,120 per year) and home daycares averaging $215 per week.
• Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties (Denver Suburbs): Center infant tuition averages between $380 and $405 per week.
• Western Slope and Rural Counties (Mesa, Pueblo): Infant center medians range from $220 to $270 per week, reflecting lower facility overhead.

According to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor, Colorado infant center care absorbs more than 21% of median family income in Front Range communities.

Explore detailed rate tables in our Colorado childcare cost directory.

Center care versus family child care savings

Choosing home-based childcare provides substantial savings for Colorado families:

• Infant care savings: Family child care homes average $245.10 per week statewide, saving families roughly $7,330 annually compared to center care ($386.10/week).
• Toddler care savings: Center toddler care averages $325.50 per week ($16,926 annually), compared to $219.10 per week in home-based settings ($11,393 annually).
• Preschool care: Center preschool tuition averages $276.35 per week, while family child care homes average $219.10 per week.

Check our worked guide on the real cost of two kids in daycare to evaluate multi-child savings.

Impact of Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK)

Colorado launched its voter-approved Universal Preschool (UPK) program, administered by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC):

• 15 free hours weekly: Every Colorado four-year-old is entitled to at least 15 hours per week of state-funded preschool during the school year at participating public schools, private centers, or home daycares.
• Extended hours for qualifying children: Children from low-income families or with qualifying risk factors receive up to 30 free hours per week.
• Annual budget savings: The 15-hour entitlement saves participating families roughly $4,500 to $6,500 in preschool tuition during the nine-month school year.

Review our detailed report on universal pre-K financial impacts and calculate your net budget using the childcare calculator.