Daycare Cost in Missouri
Compare average child care prices in Missouri for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers across center-based and home-based settings.
Infant Center (Annual)
$13,780
$1,148/mo
National Ranking
29th Most Expensive
Out of 51 (50 states + DC)
vs. National Average
-12%
Nat'l avg: $15,585
Most Affordable Option
$8,320
$693/mo (home-based)
Missouri Child Care Cost Breakdown
Annual and monthly costs by care type and setting (2025 data)
| Care Type | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (Center-Based) | $13,780 | $1,148 | -12% |
| Infant (Home-Based) | $9,984 | $832 | -12% |
| Toddler (Center-Based) | $11,700 | $975 | -18% |
| Toddler (Home-Based) | $8,996 | $750 | -17% |
| Preschool (Center-Based) | $9,568 | $797 | -24% |
| Preschool (Home-Based) | $8,320 | $693 | -19% |
Center-Based vs. Home-Based Care
How much you can save by choosing home-based care in Missouri
Infant
Center
$1,148/mo
Home
$832/mo
Save $3,796/yr with home-based care
Toddler
Center
$975/mo
Home
$750/mo
Save $2,704/yr with home-based care
Preschool
Center
$797/mo
Home
$693/mo
Save $1,248/yr with home-based care
Quick Facts About Daycare in Missouri
- Missouri ranks as the 29th most expensive state for child care in the U.S.
- The most expensive care type is Infant Center at $13,780/year.
- Home-based care costs 28% less than center-based care for infants.
- Infant care in Missouri is -12% compared to the national average of $15,585.
Compare with Nearby States
See how Missouri's daycare costs stack up against neighboring states
Iowa
Infant center: $12,694/yr
36th most expensive
Illinois
Infant center: $19,807/yr
11th most expensive
Kentucky
Infant center: $12,740/yr
35th most expensive
Tennessee
Infant center: $13,126/yr
32nd most expensive
Arkansas
Infant center: $9,178/yr
48th most expensive
Oklahoma
Infant center: $10,809/yr
44th most expensive
Kansas
Infant center: $15,156/yr
24th most expensive
Nebraska
Infant center: $18,147/yr
16th most expensive
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