New Jersey childcare costs.
Median weekly prices for full-time care across 21 New Jersey counties, from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Infant care at New Jersey centers runs about $304 per week at the median, above the national median of $173.
Statewide medians, per child
| Age group | Center, weekly | Center, monthly | Home-based, weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | $304 | $1,317 | $192 |
| Toddler | $296 | $1,283 | $195 |
| Preschool | $296 | $1,283 | $182 |
| School-age | $143 | $620 | $162 |
Medians across New Jersey counties with published prices, most recent study year per county (mostly 2022).
Prices by county
| County | Infant, center | Preschool, center | Infant, home-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic County | $287/wk | $278/wk | $180/wk |
| Bergen County | $318/wk | $310/wk | $201/wk |
| Burlington County | $303/wk | $306/wk | $198/wk |
| Camden County | $282/wk | $275/wk | $181/wk |
| Cape May County | $283/wk | $281/wk | $183/wk |
| Cumberland County | $286/wk | $277/wk | $176/wk |
| Essex County | $296/wk | $287/wk | $186/wk |
| Gloucester County | $304/wk | $294/wk | $189/wk |
| Hudson County | $322/wk | $312/wk | $201/wk |
| Hunterdon County | $304/wk | $302/wk | $190/wk |
| Mercer County | $294/wk | $286/wk | $192/wk |
| Middlesex County | $314/wk | $309/wk | $204/wk |
| Monmouth County | $314/wk | $307/wk | $203/wk |
| Morris County | $327/wk | $320/wk | $213/wk |
| Ocean County | $314/wk | $303/wk | $193/wk |
| Passaic County | $308/wk | $300/wk | $192/wk |
| Salem County | $284/wk | $274/wk | $172/wk |
| Somerset County | $326/wk | $319/wk | $207/wk |
| Sussex County | $305/wk | $295/wk | $188/wk |
| Union County | $299/wk | $296/wk | $194/wk |
| Warren County | $286/wk | $278/wk | $183/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: New Jersey requires one adult for every 4 infants at licensed centers. See the full requirements by age group.
New Jersey childcare ratiosCommon questions
How much does childcare cost in New Jersey?
The median price for full-time infant care at New Jersey centers is about $304 per week, roughly $1,317 per month, and preschool-age care runs about $296 per week. Prices vary a lot by county, so check your county's page for local figures.
Which New Jersey county has the most expensive childcare?
Among counties with published prices, Morris County has the highest median for center-based infant care at about $327 per week, while Camden County has the lowest at about $282 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 New Jersey, the median for infant care is about $192 per week home-based versus $304 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.