Missouri childcare costs.
Median weekly prices for full-time care across 24 Missouri counties, from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Infant care at Missouri centers runs about $104 per week at the median, below the national median of $173.
Statewide medians, per child
| Age group | Center, weekly | Center, monthly | Home-based, weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | $104 | $451 | $97 |
| Toddler | $87 | $377 | $93 |
| Preschool | $87 | $377 | $93 |
| School-age | $69 | $299 | $74 |
Medians across Missouri counties with published prices, most recent study year per county (mostly 2022).
Prices by county
| County | Infant, center | Preschool, center | Infant, home-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atchison County | $61/wk | $47/wk | – |
| Boone County | $104/wk | $110/wk | $82/wk |
| Buchanan County | $106/wk | $87/wk | – |
| Carter County | $55/wk | $43/wk | – |
| Cass County | $91/wk | $75/wk | – |
| Clark County | – | – | $99/wk |
| Clay County | $232/wk | $177/wk | – |
| Cole County | $84/wk | $69/wk | – |
| Dade County | $133/wk | $103/wk | – |
| DeKalb County | $50/wk | $38/wk | – |
| Gasconade County | $123/wk | $93/wk | – |
| Gentry County | $71/wk | $54/wk | – |
| Greene County | $143/wk | $135/wk | – |
| Jackson County | $211/wk | $156/wk | $156/wk |
| Jasper County | $92/wk | $72/wk | – |
| Jefferson County | $196/wk | $150/wk | – |
| Mercer County | $28/wk | $22/wk | – |
| St. Charles County | $215/wk | $169/wk | – |
| St. Clair County | – | – | $78/wk |
| St. Francois County | $69/wk | $79/wk | – |
| St. Louis City | $219/wk | $173/wk | $151/wk |
| St. Louis County | $274/wk | $215/wk | – |
| Webster County | – | – | $95/wk |
| Worth County | $94/wk | $73/wk | – |
Prices are county-level weekly medians for full-time care from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices, shown for each county’s most recent study year in that year’s dollars. Some county figures are federal estimates rather than direct survey results, and actual tuition varies widely by program, schedule, and age policies. This information is a general benchmark only, not a quote or financial advice, and Seedling makes no guarantee of its accuracy or completeness. Always confirm current rates with local providers. Source: the National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau). Read the full methodology.
Staffing rules drive these prices
Staff-to-child ratios are the biggest cost driver in childcare: Missouri requires one adult for every 4 infants at licensed centers. See the full requirements by age group.
Missouri childcare ratiosCommon questions
How much does childcare cost in Missouri?
The median price for full-time infant care at Missouri centers is about $104 per week, roughly $451 per month, and preschool-age care runs about $87 per week. Prices vary a lot by county, so check your county's page for local figures.
Which Missouri county has the most expensive childcare?
Among counties with published prices, St. Louis County has the highest median for center-based infant care at about $274 per week, while Mercer County has the lowest at about $28 per week.
Is center-based or home-based care cheaper?
Home-based (family childcare) programs usually charge less than centers for the same age group: in Missouri, the median for infant care is about $97 per week home-based versus $104 at centers. Centers typically offer larger programs and more structured staffing, which is part of the price difference.
Where do these numbers come from?
They are county-level medians for full-time care from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau), shown for each county's most recent study year. They are a benchmark, not a quote: actual tuition depends on the program, schedule, and age policies, so always confirm rates with local providers.