Home / States / New Jersey /
County childcare costs · DOL NDCP 2022

Childcare costs in Cape May County, NJ

$14,697 a year for center-based infant care — 17.5% of the local median income, against a national average of $9,592.

All New Jersey counties Rankings Methodology

Center-based infant care in Cape May County, NJ costs $14,697/year, while family childcare is $9,518/year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices. This represents 17.5% of the median household income — exceeding the HHS 7% affordability threshold. Toddler care at a center costs $14,624/year, and preschool-age care is $14,624/year. This page shows all available care types, age groups, affordability analysis, and year-over-year cost trends for Cape May County, NJ, NJ.

Cape May County vs. the nation

At $14,697 a year for center-based infant care, Cape May County, NJ is 53% above the national average of $9,592 — cheaper than 10% of the 2,662 U.S. counties we track, and that bill eats 17.5% of the local median income against the 7% the federal government calls affordable.

Infant care (center)
$14,697/yr
Vs. national avg
+53%
National rank
#2,397 cheapest of 2,662
Share of income
17.5%

Source: DOL National Database of Childcare Prices (2022). Median income: U.S. Census ACS 5-year.

$14,697
Center Infant/yr
$9,518
Family Infant/yr
$83,870
Median Income
17.5%
% of Income (Infant)

Annual Childcare Costs by Age Group

Age Group Center-Based Family Childcare
Infant $14,697 $9,518
Toddler $14,624 $9,518
Preschool $14,624 $8,902
School Age $7,129 $7,797

Cost Comparison (Center-Based)

Infant $14,697
Toddler $14,624
Preschool $14,624
School Age $7,129

Where Cape May County ranks on infant-care cost

Center-based infant care — every U.S. county with reported prices

$14,697 Among the most affordable more affordable than 10% of 2,662 US counties

$2,500–$5,000: 87 US counties (3%). Below this entry. $5,000–$7,500: 794 US counties (30%). Below this entry. $7,500–$10,000: 780 US counties (29%). Below this entry. $10,000–$12,500: 602 US counties (23%). Below this entry. $12,500–$15,000: 158 US counties (6%). This entry sits in this band. $15,000–$17,500: 133 US counties (5%). Above this entry. $17,500–$20,000: 55 US counties (2%). Above this entry. $20,000–$22,500: 34 US counties (1%). Above this entry. $22,500–$25,000: 9 US counties (0%). Above this entry. $25,000–$27,500: 4 US counties (0%). Above this entry. $27,500–$30,000: 4 US counties (0%). Above this entry. $30,000–$32,500: 2 US counties (0%). Above this entry. This county $2,500 $32,500 every U.S. county, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $2.5K-wide band; taller bars hold more US counties. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Department of Labor — National Database of Childcare Prices · 2022

What These Numbers Mean for Cape May County Families

Center-based infant care in Cape May County, NJ averages $14,697/year, while family childcare homes charge $9,518/year for the same age group. The gap between the two settings — $5,179 annually for infants — reflects different licensing tracks in NJ: centers operate under commercial child care licensing with staff-to-child ratios typically capped at 1:4 for infants and 1:10 for preschoolers, while family child care homes follow small-home rules allowing up to six children with one provider. Preschool-age coverage runs $14,624/year at centers versus $8,902/year in family settings, and school-age wrap-around care averages $7,129/year. These are annualized full-time rates from the NDCP market-rate survey — actual quoted prices swing with QRIS quality tier, accreditation (NAEYC, NAFCC), and whether the provider accepts CCDF subsidy vouchers.

Household affordability in Cape May County tracks against a median income of $83,870, putting infant center care at 17.5% of gross income. The HHS benchmark is 7%, meaning the typical family here exceeds the federal affordability line by 10.5 points. Between 15-20% of income, Cape May County sits in a high-burden tier where most working families need subsidy help or split shifts to cover care. Providers in this cost band typically require two months of tuition as deposit plus non-refundable registration fees of $75-$250.

Finding a licensed provider in Cape May County starts with the NJ Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency — these nonprofits maintain searchable databases of licensed centers and family homes, note open slots, and handle CCDF subsidy intake. Ask any provider for their current inspection report (publicly available through the state licensing portal), their staff turnover rate, and whether they participate in the state's QRIS quality rating system. For families earning under $71,290, the CCDF subsidy caps parent copayments at a sliding-scale percentage of income. Head Start slots (free for families under 100% federal poverty line) and state-funded pre-K programs fill the preschool tier at zero out-of-pocket cost where available. This 2022 data provides the baseline — always verify current NJ licensing status and tuition directly with the provider before enrollment.

Affordability Context

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers childcare affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a family's income.

Center infant cost: $14,697
Median household income: $83,870
Cost as % of income: 17.5%
7% affordability threshold: $5,871/year

Historical Price Trends (2008–2022)

Center-based infant care costs over 2008–2022 (15 years of NDCP data).

+64.3% since 2008
Infant center care: $8,947 → $14,697
$14,697/yr
Most recent annual cost (2022)
15 years
Data available (2008–2022)
2008
$8,947
2009
$8,947
2010
$8,947
2011
$8,887
2012
$8,828
2013
$9,637
2014
$10,446
2015
$11,255
2016
$12,064
2017
$12,503
2018
$12,942
2019
$13,380
2020
$13,819
2021
$14,258
2022
$14,697
View full data table (all care types) ▼
Year Ctr Infant
2008 $8,947
2009 $8,947
2010 $8,947
2011 $8,887
2012 $8,828
2013 $9,637
2014 $10,446
2015 $11,255
2016 $12,064
2017 $12,503
2018 $12,942
2019 $13,380
2020 $13,819
2021 $14,258
2022 $14,697

What this means for Cape May County families

Infant center care here takes 17.5% of the typical household income — above the HHS 7% affordability line.

  • At 17.5% of income, infant care exceeds the federal 7% affordability benchmark. Check whether your family qualifies for a CCDF subsidy, which can cap copayments at a sliding share of income. Check subsidy eligibility
  • Family childcare homes run $9,518/year for infants — about $5,179 less than a center. Weigh the trade-offs of each setting. Center vs. home care
  • See how Cape May County compares against the cheapest counties in New Jersey. Cheapest in New Jersey

NDCP figures are county-level survey medians for 2022 — confirm current tuition and openings directly with providers and your state CCR&R agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does childcare cost in Cape May County, NJ? ▼
In Cape May County, NJ, center-based infant care costs $14,697/year. Family childcare for infants is $9,518/year. Preschool center-based care costs $14,624/year.
Is childcare affordable in Cape May County, NJ? ▼
Center-based infant care in Cape May County, NJ costs 17.5% of the median household income ($83,870). The HHS affordability threshold is 7%. Childcare here exceeds the affordability threshold by 10.5 percentage points.
Are childcare costs rising in Cape May County, NJ? ▼
From 2022 to 2008, center-based infant care in Cape May County, NJ changed from $14,697 to $8,947 (-39.1%).
What age groups does childcare cost data cover in Cape May County, NJ? ▼
Data covers four age groups: Infant (0-1), Toddler (1-2), Preschool (3-5), and School Age (6-12). Both center-based and family childcare costs are tracked separately for each age group.
What is the HHS childcare affordability standard? ▼
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines childcare as affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a family's household income. Counties where infant care exceeds 20% of median income are classified as "affordability deserts."
Where does the childcare cost data come from? ▼
All data comes from the National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP), maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau. It provides county-level childcare price estimates based on market rate surveys.
What is the cheapest childcare option in Cape May County, NJ? ▼
Family-based childcare is typically less expensive in Cape May County, NJ. Preschool family care costs $8,902/year compared to $14,624/year for center-based care — a difference of $5,722/year. Family childcare operates in a provider's home and usually has smaller group sizes.
How much does before- and after-school care cost in Cape May County, NJ? ▼
School-age childcare (ages 6-12) in Cape May County, NJ costs $7,129/year for center-based care and $7,797/year for family childcare. These costs cover before-school, after-school, and summer programs while parents work.

Other Counties in New Jersey

Atlantic County, NJ
Infant: $14,907 · 20.4% of income
Bergen County, NJ
Infant: $16,521 · 13.9% of income
Burlington County, NJ
Infant: $15,770 · 15.4% of income
Camden County, NJ
Infant: $14,648 · 17.9% of income
Cumberland County, NJ
Infant: $14,891 · 23.9% of income
Essex County, NJ
Infant: $15,390 · 20.9% of income

Childcare Guides

💵
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Federal CDCTC, FSA limits, and strategies to save on childcare
 🤝
Subsidy & Assistance Programs
CCDF, Head Start, and state assistance — how to apply
 🏡
Center vs Home Childcare
Compare daycare centers, family home care, and nannies
 💼
Employer Childcare Benefits
FSAs, on-site care, backup programs, and negotiation tips

Explore childcare costs across New Jersey

All New Jersey counties
Every priced county in New Jersey, with averages and the statewide affordability picture.
Cheapest childcare in New Jersey
The most affordable counties in New Jersey ranked by annual center-based cost.
Most expensive in New Jersey
Where New Jersey childcare costs the most, and how far above the state average it runs.
Affordability deserts in New Jersey
Counties where childcare exceeds 20% of median household income.
National rankings
Compare Cape May County against the cheapest and costliest counties nationwide.
Affordability calculator
See what childcare costs as a share of your own household income.

Data Sources & Methodology

Data as of 2023. Source: U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP).

Childcare cost data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP). Costs are annual estimates based on weekly median prices at the county level.

Affordability is measured against the HHS benchmark of 7% of household income. Median household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.

Related

Browse all → | Rankings →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from the National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau). Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this data.

Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Verify with DOL Women's Bureau NDCP →  ·  Verify with U.S. Census ACS →  ·  Verify with HUD →