States survey child care prices to set subsidy rates. These market rate surveys are the most reliable official source on what families pay.
Texas: 2026 market rate survey
| Age | Licensed center, per day |
|---|---|
| Infant (0–11 months) | $45.00 |
| Toddler (18–23 months) | $43.20 |
| 3 years | $41.00 |
| 4 years | $40.80 |
| School-age (6–13) | $39.40 |
Florida: 2024-25 market rate survey
| Age | Without Gold Seal, per day | Gold Seal, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $54.73 | $61.76 |
| Toddler | $48.80 | $55.01 |
| Preschool, age 4 | $38.24 | $46.37 |
| School age | $30.56 | $38.19 |
California
California's Regional Market Rate survey measures prices by county to set subsidy ceilings; current rates are based on the 75th percentile of the 2018 survey, and the state is moving to a cost-based method (Legislative Analyst's Office, 2025). Because those are reimbursement ceilings from an old survey, we do not present them as prices.
Everywhere
- Infant care costs the most; prices drop as children get older.
- Ask for the full weekly rate plus registration and supply fees.
- Check assistance programs before you rule out a program.
We are an independent guide, not a government website. Verify licensing with the state before you enroll: each state page links to the official search.