Washington childcare costs.
Median weekly prices for full-time care across 39 Washington counties, from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Infant care at Washington centers runs about $328 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 | $328 | $1,421 | $246 |
| Toddler | $249 | $1,079 | $205 |
| Preschool | $249 | $1,079 | $205 |
| School-age | $192 | $832 | $190 |
Medians across Washington counties with published prices, most recent study year per county (mostly 2022).
Prices by county
| County | Infant, center | Preschool, center | Infant, home-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Asotin County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Benton County | $270/wk | $208/wk | $198/wk |
| Chelan County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Clallam County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Clark County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Columbia County | $270/wk | $208/wk | $198/wk |
| Cowlitz County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Douglas County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Ferry County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Franklin County | $270/wk | $208/wk | $198/wk |
| Garfield County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Grant County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Grays Harbor County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Island County | $363/wk | $290/wk | $276/wk |
| Jefferson County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| King County | $478/wk | $390/wk | $347/wk |
| Kitsap County | $328/wk | $249/wk | $254/wk |
| Kittitas County | $270/wk | $208/wk | $198/wk |
| Klickitat County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Lewis County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Lincoln County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Mason County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Okanogan County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Pacific County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Pend Oreille County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Pierce County | $328/wk | $249/wk | $254/wk |
| San Juan County | $363/wk | $290/wk | $276/wk |
| Skagit County | $363/wk | $290/wk | $276/wk |
| Skamania County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Snohomish County | $363/wk | $290/wk | $276/wk |
| Spokane County | $288/wk | $228/wk | $218/wk |
| Stevens County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Thurston County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Wahkiakum County | $357/wk | $249/wk | $246/wk |
| Walla Walla County | $270/wk | $208/wk | $198/wk |
| Whatcom County | $363/wk | $290/wk | $276/wk |
| Whitman County | $237/wk | $217/wk | $198/wk |
| Yakima County | $270/wk | $208/wk | $198/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: Washington requires one adult for every 4 infants at licensed centers. See the full requirements by age group.
Washington childcare ratiosCommon questions
How much does childcare cost in Washington?
The median price for full-time infant care at Washington centers is about $328 per week, roughly $1,421 per month, and preschool-age care runs about $249 per week. Prices vary a lot by county, so check your county's page for local figures.
Which Washington county has the most expensive childcare?
Among counties with published prices, King County has the highest median for center-based infant care at about $478 per week, while Adams County has the lowest at about $237 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 Washington, the median for infant care is about $246 per week home-based versus $328 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.