👶🏻 Childcare Cost Calculators Illinois

Illinois Childcare Cost Calculator

Calculate childcare costs in Illinois. Infant daycare ~$14,229/yr. Compare options, tax credits, and DCFSA savings.

Free — No Sign-up Verified Data Editorially Reviewed Updated Feb 2026

Illinois Quick Facts

5.0% Income Tax Rate

2.27% Property Tax Rate

$72,205 Median Income

96.4 Cost of Living

How This Calculator Works

Calculation methodology and assumptions

Childcare cost calculator for Illinois. Weekly rate pre-filled based on national averages adjusted by Illinois's cost of living index (96.4). National avg: infant daycare ~$14,760/yr, preschool ~$10,600/yr. DCFSA provides pre-tax savings up to $5,000/yr. Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: 20-35% of up to $3,000 (1 child) or $6,000 (2+ children).

Key State Information

Illinois childcare facts: Estimated infant daycare ~$14,229/yr (~$1,186/mo) | Preschool ~$10,218/yr | Median household income $72,205 | Childcare as % of income: ~20%.

Standard financial formulas Pre-filled with real state data Estimates only — not financial advice

Data Source

Child Care Aware, Census Bureau

View Original Source | Verified 2024-12-01 | Updated annually

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does daycare cost in Illinois?

In Illinois, infant daycare averages approximately $14,229/year ($1,186/month). Preschool averages ~$10,218/year. This represents about 20% of the state's median household income of $72,205.

How can I reduce childcare costs in Illinois?

Key strategies: (1) Use a Dependent Care FSA (save up to $5,000 pre-tax), (2) Claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (20-35% of costs), (3) Look into Illinois state child care subsidy programs, (4) Consider family-based daycare vs centers, (5) Explore employer childcare benefits. DCFSA also saves on Illinois's state income tax.