Most Expensive Childcare in Washington
Ceiling price 56% above the Washington 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 Washington's Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency before choosing care.
Counties with Most Expensive Childcare
| # | County | Infant Care |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | King County | $24,879/yr |
| 2 | Whatcom County | $18,868/yr |
| 3 | Snohomish County | $18,868/yr |
| 4 | Skagit County | $18,868/yr |
| 5 | San Juan County | $18,868/yr |
| 6 | Island County | $18,868/yr |
| 7 | Wahkiakum County | $18,580/yr |
| 8 | Thurston County | $18,580/yr |
| 9 | Skamania County | $18,580/yr |
| 10 | Pacific County | $18,580/yr |
| 11 | Mason County | $18,580/yr |
| 12 | Lewis County | $18,580/yr |
| 13 | Klickitat County | $18,580/yr |
| 14 | Jefferson County | $18,580/yr |
| 15 | Grays Harbor County | $18,580/yr |
| 16 | Cowlitz County | $18,580/yr |
| 17 | Clark County | $18,580/yr |
| 18 | Clallam County | $18,580/yr |
| 19 | Pierce County | $17,034/yr |
| 20 | Kitsap County | $17,034/yr |
| 21 | Spokane County | $14,992/yr |
| 22 | Yakima County | $14,060/yr |
| 23 | Walla Walla County | $14,060/yr |
| 24 | Kittitas County | $14,060/yr |
| 25 | Franklin County | $14,060/yr |
| 26 | Columbia County | $14,060/yr |
| 27 | Benton County | $14,060/yr |
| 28 | Whitman County | $12,326/yr |
| 29 | Stevens County | $12,326/yr |
| 30 | Pend Oreille County | $12,326/yr |
| 31 | Okanogan County | $12,326/yr |
| 32 | Lincoln County | $12,326/yr |
| 33 | Grant County | $12,326/yr |
| 34 | Garfield County | $12,326/yr |
| 35 | Ferry County | $12,326/yr |
| 36 | Douglas County | $12,326/yr |
| 37 | Chelan County | $12,326/yr |
| 38 | Asotin County | $12,326/yr |
| 39 | Adams County | $12,326/yr |
Steep ceiling gap inside Washington
Signature read: the top price sits 56% above the Washington infant average — a steep in-state ceiling gap on this NDCP list. King County posts $24,879/year — 56% over the $15,987 state average — with toddler $20,264 and preschool $20,264.
This page lists 39 Washington counties sorted by center infant price, highest first (DOL Women's Bureau NDCP). 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 $15,987/year.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) · 2022
DOL Women's Bureau NDCP · Washington costliest-county board, 2022
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.