How much is daycare per month in Ontario in 2026?

At a CWELCC-enrolled licensed program, fees for children under six average about $19/day — roughly $400/month full-time, varying by program. Outside CWELCC (unlicensed home care, school-age programs), market rates apply: commonly $45–$80+/day depending on age, city and care type.

Is daycare cheaper than a nanny in Ontario?

Almost always for one child: CWELCC daycare around $400/month vs a full-time nanny at $3,500–$5,000+/month including payroll costs. With three+ young children, or nonstandard hours, the comparison narrows.

Why is infant daycare so much more expensive?

Ratios. Ontario infant rooms run 3 staff per 10 children versus 1:8 for preschool — more than double the staffing per child, which is why infant spots are both the priciest and the scarcest.

Average Cost of Daycare in Ontario (2026): CWELCC vs Full Fees, By Age

Ontario child care pricing has split into two worlds: CWELCC programs (capped, roughly half their 2019 prices) and everything else (market rates). Here's the realistic picture, updated as the program evolves. Last reviewed June 2026.

World 1: CWELCC-enrolled licensed care (under 6)

Average across enrolled programs: about $19/day — roughly $350–$450/month full-time depending on the program's capped fee. Infant, toddler and preschool fees converge under the caps far more than they used to. This is the price if you can get a spot — which is the real constraint: Ontario has added ~41,000 net new spaces toward an 86,000 target, and urban infant rooms still run multi-year waitlists. Strategy: how the Ontario program works, and get on lists early — pregnancy is not too early for infant care.

World 2: market-rate care

Unlicensed home daycare: commonly $45–$65/day ($950–$1,400/month) by region — often the realistic option when licensed waitlists don't move. Know the five-child rules and verify receipts.
Non-enrolled licensed programs: a minority, at pre-CWELCC-style fees — frequently $70–$110+/day for younger children in big cities.
School-age before/after care: outside CWELCC; commonly $15–$30/day for before+after combined, varying widely by board and provider.
Nannies: $20–$30+/hour plus employer payroll obligations — $3,500–$5,000+/month full-time.

What softens the bill

Municipal fee subsidy — income-tested, stacks on CWELCC fees; apply through your city.
The tax deduction — up to $8,000/child under 7 off the lower earner's taxable income; receipts required. Full mechanics: Line 21400 guide.
Canada Child Benefit — separate, automatic with your tax return, helps fund whichever care you choose.

For providers benchmarking against this page

If you're pricing a program, the question isn't the average — it's your costs under your ratios. The tuition pricing guide and profitability calculator do the work, and Mitten's analytics keep margins visible per room once you're running.

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Frequently asked questions

How much is daycare per month in Ontario in 2026?: At a CWELCC-enrolled licensed program, fees for children under six average about $19/day — roughly $400/month full-time, varying by program. Outside CWELCC (unlicensed home care, school-age programs), market rates apply: commonly $45–$80+/day depending on age, city and care type.
Is daycare cheaper than a nanny in Ontario?: Almost always for one child: CWELCC daycare around $400/month vs a full-time nanny at $3,500–$5,000+/month including payroll costs. With three+ young children, or nonstandard hours, the comparison narrows.
Why is infant daycare so much more expensive?: Ratios. Ontario infant rooms run 3 staff per 10 children versus 1:8 for preschool — more than double the staffing per child, which is why infant spots are both the priciest and the scarcest.