Most Expensive Childcare in Rhode Island
Absolute ceiling counties inside a high-avg Rhode Island market
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 Rhode Island's Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency before choosing care.
Counties with Most Expensive Childcare
| # | County | Infant Care |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newport County | $16,168/yr |
| 2 | Kent County | $15,432/yr |
| 3 | Bristol County | $15,255/yr |
| 4 | Washington County | $15,251/yr |
| 5 | Providence County | $15,059/yr |
Narrow ceiling gap inside Rhode Island
Signature read: Rhode Island's $15,433 state infant average sits in the upper third of priced states (#38 of 45). On a high-avg state board, Newport County is the NDCP ceiling at $16,168/year (5% above $15,433).
Only 5 Rhode Island counties carry a usable center infant price in NDCP for this board. Ranked by reported cost only — not quality, safety, or licensing.
Methodology
High-avg state board: counties sorted by NDCP center infant cost (2022), highest first; state benchmark $15,433/year.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) · 2022
DOL Women's Bureau NDCP · Rhode Island costliest-county board, 2022
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.