Family & Kids

Childcare Cost Calculator

Estimate annual childcare costs and calculate the net cost after Canada Child Benefit.

Childcare is often the largest expense for families with young children. This calculator estimates annual costs based on care type and location, then applies Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and childcare expense deductions to show your true out-of-pocket cost.

Enter your numbers

Child's Age

Care Type

Province

Family Net Income ($)

Results update as you change the inputs. Calculations run in your browser.

Estimated Monthly Cost

$1,600/month

annual Cost: $19,200/year gross
tax Savings: -$1,640 tax deduction savings
net Cost: $17,560/year net cost
ccb Estimate: $3,577/year est. CCB

See the formula

Formula and method

Net Cost = Gross Childcare - (Childcare Expense Deduction × Marginal Rate)

Monthly costs are regional estimates based on CQDE data and provincial surveys. Childcare expense deduction (Line 21400) reduces taxable income at your marginal rate. CCB is a separate non-taxable benefit based on net family income.

Worked examples

Toronto daycare, 2-year-old, $90K income

Child's Age:: 2
Care Type:: Licensed Daycare Centre
Province:: Ontario
Family Net Income ($):: 90000

Estimated Monthly Cost: $1,600/month

Quebec subsidized care ($10/day), 3-year-old

Child's Age:: 3
Care Type:: $10/Day Quebec Program
Province:: Quebec
Family Net Income ($):: 70000

Estimated Monthly Cost: $200/month

Assumptions and limits

Licensed care qualifies for childcare expense deduction
CCB based on simplified income calculation
Pre-$10/day national plan costs

This tool provides an educational estimate. Rules, rates and personal circumstances can change the answer. Review the assumptions before relying on a result. Report a correction.

Common mistakes to avoid

Forgetting the childcare expense deduction — most families can deduct up to $8,000/year for children under 7, saving $1,200-$2,000+ in taxes.
Claiming childcare expenses for the higher-income spouse — CRA requires the claim be made by the lower-income earner (with some exceptions).
Not applying for CCB — 1 in 5 eligible families don't apply. Apply at birth through Service Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Does the $10/day childcare program apply everywhere in Canada?

As of 2024, most provinces have signed bilateral agreements with the federal government to reduce fees. Ontario has reduced licensed centre fees by ~52%. Fees vary and are implemented on a centre-by-centre basis.

Is CCB taxable?

No. The Canada Child Benefit is completely tax-free. CCB for 2024-25 is up to $7,437/year per child under 6, and $6,275/year per child aged 6-17, reduced based on family net income.