How Much Does Daycare Cost in Indiana in 2025?

One of the biggest concerns for Indiana parents is how much daycare will cost. The answer depends on where you live, the age of your child, and the type of care you choose. Infant care is consistently the most expensive because of the lower child-to-staff ratios required by Indiana licensing regulations.

In Indianapolis, full-time infant daycare averages between $1,000 and $1,400 per month at licensed centers. Toddler care drops slightly to $850 to $1,200, and preschool programs typically range from $750 to $1,100. Home-based daycares across all age groups tend to cost 15 to 30 percent less than center-based care.

Hamilton County suburbs like Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville are among the most expensive childcare markets in the state. Monthly rates for infant care in these areas can exceed $1,300, with some premium centers charging over $1,500. The higher costs reflect the concentration of high-PTQ-rated facilities and the area's elevated cost of living.

More affordable options exist in cities like Fort Wayne, Evansville, Lafayette, and Muncie, where full-time daycare for toddlers can run as low as $600 to $900 per month. Gary, Hammond, and Kokomo also offer below-average rates, making childcare more accessible for working families in those communities.

Parents who qualify for CCDF childcare vouchers can significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs. However, as of 2025, more than 33,000 children remain on the CCDF waitlist in Indiana, and not all providers accept vouchers. PeekabooSpots lets parents filter specifically for CCDF-accepting daycares so they can find providers that work with their voucher without guessing.

To compare daycare costs in your city, visit PeekabooSpots and search by location. Each provider listing includes rate information where available, along with PTQ quality ratings, availability status, and parent reviews.