If you’re trying to figure out what daycare costs in Bergen County in 2026, you’re not alone — and you deserve a real answer, not “it depends.” This is one of the most-searched questions for new parents in the area, and we get asked it every week at JJ Paramus Day Care. The truth is daycare in NJ is expensive, Bergen County prices typically sit at or above the state average, and the real number you’ll pay depends on your child’s age, the type of program, and what’s included in the tuition. This guide gives you actual published figures, what drives the difference, what you can deduct or get reimbursed, and how to compare programs without getting fooled by a low headline rate.
How much does daycare cost in Bergen County in 2026?
We can’t give you a single number that fits every family — but we can give you the published baseline. According to Child Care Aware of America’s 2024 Price & Supply Report (the most recent national data, released in 2025), the average annual price of center-based child care in New Jersey was:
$20,213 per year for an infant — about $1,684 per month
$19,448 per year for a toddler — about $1,621 per month
These are statewide averages. Bergen County — including Paramus, Ridgewood, Oradell, Emerson, Fort Lee, Hackensack, and Englewood — typically falls at or above the state average because cost of living and labor costs are higher up here than in much of NJ. Family child care homes (smaller, in-home settings) tend to cost less: about $12,502 per year for an infant and $11,113 for a toddler statewide. Center-based programs cost more because they include more — meals, enrichment programming, dedicated rooms by age, larger facilities.
Why daycare costs what it does in NJ
When parents see the price tag, the first reaction is often “that can’t be right.” But once you see what’s behind it, the number makes sense.
Staff-to-child ratios
The biggest cost driver is staffing. NJ requires low ratios for younger children — and quality programs go even lower. A center caring for ten infants may need three or four caregivers in the room at all times. That’s most of the tuition right there.
Licensing and safety requirements
Licensed centers must meet NJ Department of Children and Families standards on space per child, sanitation, food safety, fire safety, background checks, ongoing staff training, and inspections. None of that is free, and all of it is non-negotiable.
Real estate and operations
Bergen County commercial space costs more than most of the state. Add in utilities, insurance, equipment, food, supplies, and a building maintained to licensing standards, and the per-child cost adds up quickly.
How JJ Paramus Day Care fits into the Bergen County market
JJ Paramus Day Care has been operating in Paramus for over 30 years. Our pricing is published on our current tuition information page so families can compare in advance — no “call for pricing” hide-and-seek. Our tuition includes the curriculum (Creative Curriculum, Music Enrichment, Messy Art Education, and Language Immersion in English, Spanish, and Korean), enrichment programming, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, LED lighting, air purification, and access to our on-site chef program.
Compare apples to apples when you shop. A center listing $1,400/month for infant care that doesn’t include meals, enrichment, or full hours costs more in real terms than a $1,700/month center where everything is included.
Is daycare worth it? The cost-vs-salary calculation
Plenty of dual-income Bergen County families ask whether one parent should leave work instead of paying for daycare. The math is more complex than it looks. We wrote a separate guide on assessing whether daycare is worth your salary — but the short version is to factor in lost retirement contributions, employer-paid health insurance, career trajectory, and the tax credits and FSAs that bring the real cost down significantly.
Financial assistance, tax credits, and FSAs
Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
The IRS Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit lets working families claim a percentage of childcare expenses on their federal tax return. Limits and percentages change — confirm with a tax professional or check IRS Publication 503 for the current year.
Dependent Care FSA
If your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, you can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for daycare. This effectively reduces your daycare cost by your federal tax bracket — often 20 to 30 percent off.
NJ Child and Dependent Care Credit
New Jersey offers a state-level credit on top of the federal one. Check NJ Division of Taxation guidance for current eligibility rules.
NJ subsidy programs
New Jersey runs subsidy programs for income-eligible working families. Application status changes year to year — current details are on the NJ Department of Human Services website. We can also walk through options during a tour.
For a fuller list of options, see our strategies to cover daycare expenses guide.
Daycare tuition prices near Fort Lee, NJ
Families in Fort Lee, Edgewater, and the surrounding Hudson-River-side communities sometimes pay more than the Bergen County median because of higher real estate costs and proximity to the city. JJ Paramus Day Care serves families from Fort Lee — Paramus is about 12 miles west, an easy drive on Route 4. The tradeoff: a Paramus center may offer better value than a comparable Fort Lee program with the same hours and curriculum.
How to compare daycare costs without getting fooled
Before you sign anywhere, ask these questions and compare the answers side by side.
- Are meals included, or do parents pack?
- Are diapers and wipes included or extra?
- What enrichment is built in (music, art, language)?
- What are the actual hours — and is there a fee for late pickup?
- Are holidays and snow days charged at full rate?
- What’s the registration fee, supply fee, or annual materials fee?
- Is there a sibling discount?
Frequently asked questions
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How much does infant daycare cost in Bergen County?
Infant daycare is the most expensive age group. Statewide NJ average is $20,213 per year per Child Care Aware, and Bergen County typically falls at or above that. Lower ratios for infants drive the higher rate.
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Is preschool cheaper than daycare in Bergen County?
Half-day preschool is usually cheaper than full-day daycare, but only because the hours are shorter. Once you add after-care to a half-day program, the all-in cost narrows. Compare full-day total cost, not headline rate.
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Do daycare costs include meals in Paramus?
It varies. At JJ Paramus Day Care, our on-site chef prepares healthy meals for our older program participants — confirm meal inclusions for your child's specific age group when you tour. Some other centers ask parents to pack everything.
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Can I use a Dependent Care FSA to pay for daycare?
Yes. If your employer offers a Dependent Care FSA, you can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for licensed daycare. This typically saves families 20-30 percent off the listed tuition rate.
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Are there subsidies for daycare in New Jersey?
Yes. NJ runs subsidy programs through the Department of Human Services for income-eligible working families. Eligibility and availability change year to year — check the current NJ Department of Human Services website or ask during your tour.
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How do I get current pricing from JJ Paramus Day Care?
We publish current tuition on our website and walk through the all-in cost during a tour. Call (201) 500-2951 or schedule a tour to get a clear picture for your family.
See JJ's program in person before you decide
Numbers on a website only tell you so much. The best way to evaluate cost is to walk through a program, see what’s included, and compare directly. Schedule a tour or call (201) 500-2951.
