South Carolina childcare costs.
Median weekly prices for full-time care across 46 South Carolina counties, from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Infant care at South Carolina centers runs about $117 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 | $117 | $507 | $134 |
| Toddler | $117 | $507 | $134 |
| Preschool | $127 | $550 | $136 |
| School-age | $134 | $581 | $140 |
Medians across South Carolina counties with published prices, most recent study year per county (mostly 2022).
Prices by county
| County | Infant, center | Preschool, center | Infant, home-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbeville County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Aiken County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Allendale County | $113/wk | $98/wk | $116/wk |
| Anderson County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Bamberg County | $113/wk | $98/wk | $116/wk |
| Barnwell County | $94/wk | $104/wk | $117/wk |
| Beaufort County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Berkeley County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Calhoun County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Charleston County | $202/wk | $184/wk | $139/wk |
| Cherokee County | $113/wk | $98/wk | $116/wk |
| Chester County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Chesterfield County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Clarendon County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Colleton County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Darlington County | $111/wk | $121/wk | $133/wk |
| Dillon County | $111/wk | $121/wk | $133/wk |
| Dorchester County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Edgefield County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Fairfield County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Florence County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Georgetown County | $222/wk | $163/wk | $154/wk |
| Greenville County | $202/wk | $184/wk | $139/wk |
| Greenwood County | $222/wk | $163/wk | $154/wk |
| Hampton County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Horry County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Jasper County | $111/wk | $121/wk | $133/wk |
| Kershaw County | $111/wk | $121/wk | $133/wk |
| Lancaster County | $222/wk | $163/wk | $154/wk |
| Laurens County | $111/wk | $121/wk | $133/wk |
| Lee County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Lexington County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Marion County | $113/wk | $98/wk | $116/wk |
| Marlboro County | $113/wk | $98/wk | $116/wk |
| McCormick County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Newberry County | $111/wk | $121/wk | $133/wk |
| Oconee County | $111/wk | $121/wk | $133/wk |
| Orangeburg County | $111/wk | $121/wk | $133/wk |
| Pickens County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Richland County | $202/wk | $184/wk | $139/wk |
| Saluda County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| Spartanburg County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Sumter County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/wk |
| Union County | $111/wk | $121/wk | $133/wk |
| Williamsburg County | $117/wk | $127/wk | $134/wk |
| York County | $199/wk | $181/wk | $138/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: South Carolina requires one adult for every 5 infants at licensed centers. See the full requirements by age group.
South Carolina childcare ratiosCommon questions
How much does childcare cost in South Carolina?
The median price for full-time infant care at South Carolina centers is about $117 per week, roughly $507 per month, and preschool-age care runs about $127 per week. Prices vary a lot by county, so check your county's page for local figures.
Which South Carolina county has the most expensive childcare?
Among counties with published prices, Georgetown County has the highest median for center-based infant care at about $222 per week, while Barnwell County has the lowest at about $94 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 South Carolina, the median for infant care is about $134 per week home-based versus $117 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.