San Francisco Daycare Costs 2026: What Parents Actually Pay
San Francisco has some of the highest early childhood tuition in the nation. We compiled actual tuition schedules and city subsidy guidelines across SOMA, Mission, Richmond, Sunset, and Noe Valley to give parents reliable financial data before touring.
1. San Francisco Neighborhood Tuition Ranges
| Neighborhood | Infant (Monthly) | Preschool (Monthly) | Waitlist Reality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina, Cow Hollow & Pacific Heights | $2,800 – $3,800 | $2,200 – $2,950 | 12–18 mo waitlists |
| Noe Valley, Glen Park & Castro | $2,650 – $3,500 | $2,050 – $2,700 | 10–16 mo waitlists |
| SOMA, Mission Bay & South Beach | $2,550 – $3,400 | $1,950 – $2,600 | 6–12 mo waitlists |
| Sunset & Richmond Districts | $2,250 – $2,950 | $1,650 – $2,250 | 4–8 mo waitlists |
Explore San Francisco Childcare Facilities
Search all 404 centers and 280 family childcare homes across San Francisco. Inspect verified California CDSS license records, citation histories, and staff stability indicators.
Frequently Asked Questions About SF Childcare Costs
How much does daycare cost per month in San Francisco in 2026?
Full-time licensed center care in San Francisco typically averages $2,500 to $3,450 per month for infants (under 24 months), $2,050 to $2,850 for toddlers, and $1,750 to $2,500 for preschool children. Premium language immersion or Reggio programs in Cow Hollow, Noe Valley, and SOMA can exceed $3,800 monthly.
What is Baby Prop C and does it lower childcare costs in San Francisco?
Proposition C (Commercial Rent Tax for Childcare and Early Education) funds the Early Learning SF system administered by the Department of Early Childhood (DEC). It significantly expands income eligibility thresholds (up to 150% of Area Median Income for certain tiers), providing tuition credits and educator wage stipends that help stabilize staff.
How does infant care availability compare to preschool in SF?
Infant slots (under 24 months) are notoriously scarce due to the state 1:4 staffing ratio. Waitlists routinely run 12 to 18 months, leading many parents to register during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Get citation alerts when a Fremont daycare receives a new CDSS citation
California State Social Services (CDSS) conducts unannounced annual and complaint inspections. We continuously scan the state licensing docket and email you immediately if a new Type A hazard or staffing ratio citation is posted.