Calculate total childcare costs from infancy through school age including daycare, preschool, and after-school care
A childcare cost over years calculator projects total childcare expenses from birth through school age (typically 0-5 or 0-12 years) based on childcare type (daycare, nanny, preschool, after-school), number of children, location, and expected cost inflation. Infant care averages $12,000-28,000 annually in US ($1,200-2,300 monthly), making it one of largest family expenses—often exceeding college tuition. Calculates cumulative costs over multiple years, accounts for age-based pricing changes (infants cost more than preschoolers), and shows impact of siblings. Essential for family planning, budgeting, and career decisions.
Make informed family planning decisions by understanding financial impact—two kids in daycare for 5 years can cost $150,000-300,000 total, helping couples plan timing of children and career choices. Compare childcare options: in-home daycare ($8k/year) versus center-based care ($15k/year) versus nanny ($35k/year), seeing how choice affects long-term finances. Evaluate whether one parent staying home is financially beneficial by comparing lost income to childcare costs saved. Plan career timing: understanding costs helps decide about parental leave duration, part-time work during early years, or delaying second child. Budget accurately for biggest expense after housing during child-rearing years. Use projections to set aside funds, evaluate employer childcare benefits value, or calculate FSA dependent care savings.
Enter number of children, current age of each child, childcare type and current monthly cost, years of care needed (typically until kindergarten age 5), annual inflation rate (3-5% typical for childcare), and any subsidies or employer benefits. Results show total projected costs over care period, year-by-year breakdown, cumulative spending, and cost per child. Compare scenarios: two parents working with full-time daycare versus one parent part-time with reduced care. Include summer care and after-school programs for school-age kids. Update annually as costs and needs change. Look into tax credits: Child and Dependent Care Credit covers up to 35% of $3k-6k in expenses (max $2,100 credit).
Calculate your US take-home pay after federal tax, state tax, FICA, and other deductions
Compare cost of living between cities including housing, food, transportation, and lifestyle costs. Calculate salary needed to maintain your lifestyle in a new location.
Plan and visualize your savings journey with timeline and milestones
Calculate compound interest with daily, monthly, quarterly, or yearly compounding. See how your investments grow exponentially over time with the power of compound interest.
Calculate true cost of car ownership including depreciation, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and financing
Compare electric vehicle costs vs gas car including fuel, maintenance, and total ownership costs
Common questions about childcare cost calculator | daycare & preschool budget planner