Childcare costs in Orange County, CA
$20,473 a year for center-based infant care - 18.7% of the local median income, against a national average of $9,592.
Center-based infant care in Orange County, CA costs $20,473/year, while family childcare is $15,599/year, based on National Database of Childcare Prices survey data from the U.S. Department of Labor. This represents 18.7% of the median household income - exceeding the HHS 7% affordability threshold. Toddler care at a center costs $14,647/year, and preschool-age care is $13,200/year.
Orange County vs. the nation
Orange County, CA runs $20,473 a year for center-based infant care, 113% above the $9,592 U.S. average - cheaper than 1% of the 2,662 U.S. counties we track, and that bill eats 18.7% of the local median income against the 7% the federal government calls affordable.
- Infant care (center)
- $20,473/yr
- Vs. national avg
- +113%
- National rank
- #2,625 cheapest of 2,662
- Share of income
- 18.7%
Source: DOL National Database of Childcare Prices (2022). Median income: U.S. Census ACS 5-year.
- $20,473
- Center Infant/yr
- $15,599
- Family Infant/yr
- $109,361
- Median Income
- 18.7%
- % of Income (Infant)
Annual Childcare Costs by Age Group
| Age Group | Center-Based | Family Childcare |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $20,473 | $15,599 |
| Toddler | $14,647 | $14,528 |
| Preschool | $13,200 | $14,528 |
| School Age | $12,411 | $10,177 |
Cost Comparison (Center-Based)
Where Orange County ranks on infant-care cost
Center-based infant care, every U.S. county with reported prices
$20,473 more affordable than 1% of 2,662 US counties
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 Orange County Families
Household affordability in Orange County tracks against a median income of $109,361, putting infant center care at 18.7% of gross income. Against the federal 7% affordability benchmark, the typical family here exceeds the federal affordability line by 11.7 points.Between 15-20% of income, Orange County sits in a high-burden tier where most working families need subsidy help or split shifts to cover care.
For how to vet a licensed provider (inspection reports, QRIS ratings, CCDF subsidy intake), see Choosing Quality Childcare. Rate methodology: how these numbers are computed.
Historical Price Trends (2008–2022)
14 years of federal survey data (2008–2022) show how center-based infant care has moved.
View full data table (all care types) ▼
| Year | Ctr Infant |
|---|---|
| 2008 | $14,205 |
| 2009 | $14,499 |
| 2010 | $15,227 |
| 2011 | $15,954 |
| 2012 | $16,682 |
| 2013 | $16,225 |
| 2014 | $15,766 |
| 2015 | $16,221 |
| 2016 | $16,676 |
| 2017 | $17,202 |
| 2018 | $17,727 |
| 2019 | $18,253 |
| 2020 | $18,779 |
| 2021 | N/A |
| 2022 | $20,473 |
What this means for Orange County families
Infant center care here takes 18.7% of the typical household income - above the HHS 7% affordability line.
- At 18.7% 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 $15,599/year for infants, about $4,874 less than a center. Weigh the trade-offs of each setting. Center vs. home care
- See how Orange County compares against the cheapest counties in California. Cheapest in California
NDCP figures are county-level survey medians for 2022, confirm current tuition and openings directly with providers and your state CCR&R agency.