Indiana Childcare Costs: Official Benchmarks and Market Rate Survey Data

Parents researching childcare costs in Indiana often encounter an unexpected data gap: Indiana is one of two states (alongside New Mexico) omitted from the U.S. Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP). Because Indiana's historical state market rate surveys were structured differently from federal research requirements, federal analysts excluded Indiana from the national dataset.

However, state-level data published by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and local Market Rate Surveys (MRS) provide clear pricing benchmarks for Hoosier families.

State Market Rate Survey price benchmarks

According to Indiana's state Child Care Market Rate Survey, full-time infant care in a licensed center averages between $225 and $310 per week ($11,700 to $16,120 annually), while licensed family child care homes average $160 to $220 per week ($8,320 to $11,440 per year).

Tuition breaks down across major metropolitan regions:

• Marion County (Indianapolis): Infant center care averages $275 to $310 per week ($14,300 to $16,120 per year), with suburban Hamilton County (Carmel, Fishers) centers frequently exceeding $350 per week ($18,200 annually). Home-based infant care averages $190 to $220 per week.
• Lake County (Gary, Hammond, Crown Point): Influenced by the Chicago metropolitan market, infant center care averages $240 to $275 per week.
• Allen County (Fort Wayne): Infant center tuition averages $215 to $250 per week ($11,180 to $13,000 annually), and home daycares average $160 per week.
• St. Joseph County (South Bend): Center infant care averages $210 to $240 per week.
• Rural Southern and Western Counties: Infant center care averages $165 to $195 per week where center capacity is available.

According to early learning studies from Early Learning Indiana, over 60% of Indiana counties are classified as childcare deserts where supply falls well short of community need.

Compare these rates with neighboring states in our Illinois childcare guide and Ohio childcare guide.

Paths to Quality ratings and pricing tiers

Indiana evaluates early childhood programs through Paths to Quality (PTQ), a voluntary four-level quality rating system:

• Level 1: Basic health and safety compliance meeting minimum state licensing standards.
• Level 2: Safe environments with enhanced learning equipment and staff training.
• Level 3: Curriculum-based early childhood programming supporting school readiness.
• Level 4: Highest rating, reserved for nationally accredited programs (such as NAEYC accreditation).

Centers holding Level 3 and Level 4 ratings typically charge 10% to 20% higher tuition than Level 1 facilities, but provide higher teacher retention and verified developmental curriculums.

Review our guide on center-based versus family child care to assess licensing standards.

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers and On My Way Pre-K

Indiana assists low-income families through two primary state programs:

• Indiana CCDF vouchers: Administered by local intake agencies, vouchers pay childcare costs for working parents earning up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at initial application.
• On My Way Pre-K: Indiana's state-funded preschool grant program for four-year-old children from low-income families, providing free high-quality preschool at participating PTQ Level 3 and 4 centers.

Calculate your family childcare expenses and compare options using our childcare calculator.