Daycare Costs Switzerland 2026: Real Prices

Finding a daycare place is one challenge — understanding the costs is another. In Switzerland, there is no uniform system: every canton and municipality has its own rules for rates and subsidies. This guide gives you a complete overview so you know what to expect — and where you can save.

How Much Does a Daycare Place Cost?

The costs depend on four factors: your place of residence (canton and municipality), the parents' income (for subsidized places), the child's age (babies are more expensive due to higher staff-to-child ratios), and the amount of care needed (full-time vs. part-time).

Benchmark figures for all of Switzerland:

	Private (full rate)	Subsidized (income-based)
Full day per day	CHF 100–150	CHF 10–90
Full day per month (5 days)	CHF 2'000–3'000	CHF 200–1'800
Half day per day	CHF 60–90	CHF 5–55

Important: These figures are benchmarks. Actual costs can vary depending on the provider and region. Always ask the daycare directly for the current rates.

Costs by Canton

The differences between cantons are significant — not only in rates but especially in subsidies.

Kanton Zürich

In Kanton Zürich, subsidies are the responsibility of individual municipalities. The city of Zürich works with standard costs and service agreements. Private daycare centers with contracts offer subsidized places. The maximum rate for a full-time place is around CHF 2'500/month, and the minimum rate (for low income) is approximately CHF 400/month.

• Cantonal tax deduction: Up to CHF 25'000 per child/year

Kanton Bern

Kanton Bern uses childcare vouchers in participating municipalities. Parents apply for vouchers from the municipality, which go directly to the daycare. The voucher amount is based on income and assets.

Kanton Basel-Stadt

Basel-Stadt has a particularly generous system. For the third child and each additional sibling, childcare is free, provided the full-time daycare place costs no more than CHF 2'934/month. All parents eligible for childcare subsidies pay a maximum of CHF 1'600/month for a full-time place.

• Special feature: Mandatory German language support in the year before kindergarten (at least 3 half-days/week)

Kanton Luzern

Luzern uses childcare vouchers in the city of Luzern and other municipalities. A new cantonal childcare law (KiBeG) is being developed to create a uniform subsidy system.

Kanton Graubünden

Since August 2025, a new funding model has been in effect in Graubünden: families receive income-based discounts through a canton-wide uniform system. An online calculator shows your individual entitlement.

• Standard costs: CHF 10.60/hour of care (from 18 months)

For all other cantons: Check directly with your municipality about subsidies. On our canton pages you will find the most important contact points.

What Is Included in the Price?

This varies from daycare to daycare. You should clarify the following:

Usually included: Care during opening hours, settling-in period (1–2 weeks), activities and educational program, diapers (at some daycare centers).

Often separate or varies: Meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack) — sometimes included, sometimes CHF 8–15/day extra. Additional days outside the regular schedule. Drop-off and pick-up service (rare). Excursions and special activities.

Ask specifically during the tour:

• Are meals included in the rate?
• What does an additional day cost?
• Is there a registration fee?
• Do I have to pay during holidays and sick days?

Deducting Childcare from Taxes

In Switzerland, you can deduct childcare costs as third-party childcare expenses on your tax return — provided the care takes place because you are working, in education, or unable to provide care for health reasons.

Federal tax:

• Maximum amount: CHF 10'100 per child per year
• Age limit: Children under 14 years
• Applies to: Daycare, childminder, playgroup, after-school care — if due to employment
• Proof required: Keep invoices and payment receipts

Cantonal tax: The maximum amounts vary considerably. Here is a selection:

Canton	Max. deduction per child/year
Zürich	CHF 25'000
Bern	CHF 8'000
Basel-Stadt	CHF 10'000
Luzern	CHF 12'000
Aargau	CHF 10'000
St. Gallen	CHF 10'100
Zug	CHF 6'000

Important: Subsidies and childcare vouchers are deducted from the deductible costs. You can only deduct the costs that you actually paid yourself.

→ Detailed guide: Deducting childcare from taxes

5 Practical Money-Saving Tips

1. Check subsidies: Ask your municipality whether subsidized places are available. Even families with a middle income are often eligible.

2. Use part-time models: Instead of 5 days of daycare, it is often cheaper to do 3 days of daycare + 2 days with grandparents or a childminder.

3. Ask your employer: Some employers contribute to childcare costs or have their own daycare centers. It always pays to ask.

4. Don't forget the tax deduction: Collect all receipts and deduct the maximum amount on your tax return. This can save you several thousand francs in taxes.

5. Register early: Subsidized places are in high demand. Those who register early have a better chance of getting an affordable place.

Sources: BSV, kibesuisse, cantonal agencies. Last updated: February 2026.