Most Expensive Childcare in Michigan
Ceiling price 59% above the Michigan infant average
Ranked by reported cost only, not a quality, safety, or licensing rating. A higher price does not imply better care; verify licensing and inspection history directly with providers or Michigan's Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency before choosing care.
Counties with Most Expensive Childcare
| # | County | Infant Care |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washtenaw County | $11,866/yr |
| 2 | Livingston County | $11,269/yr |
| 3 | Oakland County | $10,211/yr |
| 4 | Gogebic County | $9,443/yr |
| 5 | Macomb County | $9,303/yr |
| 6 | Ontonagon County | $9,261/yr |
| 7 | Iron County | $9,261/yr |
| 8 | Baraga County | $9,261/yr |
| 9 | Wayne County | $9,214/yr |
| 10 | Kent County | $9,006/yr |
| 11 | Bay County | $8,836/yr |
| 12 | Ingham County | $8,778/yr |
| 13 | Ottawa County | $8,549/yr |
| 14 | Lake County | $8,496/yr |
| 15 | St. Clair County | $8,441/yr |
| 16 | Manistee County | $8,427/yr |
| 17 | Leelanau County | $8,320/yr |
| 18 | Kalamazoo County | $8,320/yr |
| 19 | Grand Traverse County | $8,320/yr |
| 20 | Keweenaw County | $8,289/yr |
| 21 | Shiawassee County | $8,288/yr |
| 22 | Dickinson County | $8,145/yr |
| 23 | Eaton County | $8,091/yr |
| 24 | Clinton County | $8,091/yr |
| 25 | Genesee County | $7,919/yr |
| 26 | Saginaw County | $7,863/yr |
| 27 | Barry County | $7,800/yr |
| 28 | Oceana County | $7,763/yr |
| 29 | Newaygo County | $7,707/yr |
| 30 | Menominee County | $7,665/yr |
| 31 | Isabella County | $7,634/yr |
| 32 | Houghton County | $7,607/yr |
| 33 | Mason County | $7,570/yr |
| 34 | Lapeer County | $7,519/yr |
| 35 | Delta County | $7,470/yr |
| 36 | Marquette County | $7,417/yr |
| 37 | Gratiot County | $7,371/yr |
| 38 | Schoolcraft County | $7,230/yr |
| 39 | Clare County | $7,230/yr |
| 40 | Monroe County | $7,159/yr |
| 41 | Berrien County | $7,131/yr |
| 42 | Alger County | $7,052/yr |
| 43 | Mackinac County | $7,007/yr |
| 44 | Arenac County | $7,001/yr |
| 45 | Calhoun County | $6,985/yr |
| 46 | Van Buren County | $6,926/yr |
| 47 | Montcalm County | $6,926/yr |
| 48 | Missaukee County | $6,926/yr |
| 49 | Kalkaska County | $6,926/yr |
| 50 | Ionia County | $6,926/yr |
Steep ceiling gap inside Michigan
Signature read: the top price sits 59% above the Michigan infant average — a steep in-state ceiling gap on this NDCP list. Washtenaw County posts $11,866/year — 59% over the $7,444 state average — with toddler $11,866 and preschool $11,672.
All 50 priced Michigan counties on this board are sorted by center infant price, highest first (NDCP). Ranked by reported cost only — not quality, safety, or licensing.
Methodology
Steep-gap board: counties sorted by NDCP center infant cost (2022); ceiling vs $7,444/year Michigan average.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) · 2022
DOL Women's Bureau NDCP · Michigan costliest-county board, 2022
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.