Free tool
Daycare cost calculator: subsidized or private
Enter the private daycare’s daily fee, your days of care and your family income: see the yearly cost of each option and what you actually pay after Québec’s tax credit.
Compare costs over one year
Private daycare costs you more, per year
| Subsidized | Private |
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Estimate based on Québec.ca’s 2026 rate and Revenu Québec’s 2026 table, not an official calculation. One child, without the federal deduction. Check your situation with Revenu Québec.
Free, no sign-up. What you enter stays in your browser: nothing is sent to Maliah.
Subsidized spot: $9.65 a day in 2026
In a CPE, a subsidized daycare or subsidized home childcare, the daily rate is set at $9.65 in 2026 for all parents. It is indexed every January 1. This rate does not qualify for Québec’s childcare expense tax credit.
Non-subsidized daycare: Québec’s tax credit
In a non-subsidized private daycare, you pay the full fee, but Revenu Québec gives back part of it through a refundable tax credit. The rate depends on family income, yours and your spouse’s:
- 78% up to $25,305;
- from 75% to 71% between $25,305 and $51,225;
- 70% from $51,225 to $122,290;
- 67% above $122,290.
Eligible expenses are capped per child: $12,525 a year for a child under 7 on December 31, $6,305 for an older child, in 2026. Starting in 2026, the child must be under 14 (except for a severe and prolonged impairment). Expenses must be incurred so you can work, study or look for a job, among other reasons.
Getting the credit every month
You don’t have to wait for your tax return: Revenu Québec can pay the credit in monthly advance payments if you are registered for direct deposit. To receive 12 payments in 2026, your complete application must reach it by December 1, 2026.
What the tool leaves out
The calculation covers one child and does not include the federal child care expense deduction, which applies to both types of care, or closure days. It is an estimate, not an official calculation: the exact amount is set when you file your tax return.
Organizing care as a family
With Maliah, the babysitter or educator can be invited with limited access, and everyone sees the day’s feeds, naps and notes. The shared calendar keeps pedagogical days and family appointments.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a CPE spot cost in 2026?
The daily rate for subsidized childcare is $9.65 in 2026, according to Québec.ca, for all parents. For 5 days a week, 52 weeks, that is about $2,509 a year.
How does Québec’s childcare tax credit work?
Revenu Québec refunds 67% to 78% of eligible childcare expenses, depending on family income, up to a cap of $12,525 per child under 7 in 2026.
Is a private daycare much more expensive than a CPE?
It depends on the fee and your income. After Québec’s credit, the gap shrinks a lot. The tool compares both options for your situation.
Can I get the tax credit every month?
Yes, through Revenu Québec’s advance payments, if you are registered for direct deposit. An application received by December 1, 2026 gives 12 payments for the year.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. The calculation happens in your browser; nothing is sent to Maliah or saved.
Sources : Québec.ca : tarifs des services de garde (tarif subventionné 2026) · Revenu Québec : barème des taux du crédit d’impôt pour frais de garde d’enfants 2026 · Revenu Québec : calcul du crédit d’impôt pour frais de garde d’enfants · Revenu Québec : versements anticipés du crédit d’impôt · Ministère des Finances : paramètres du régime d’imposition 2026 (plafonds des frais de garde)
This tool is for information only; it does not replace advice from a health professional or an official body. If you have a health concern, call Info-Santé 811. In an emergency, dial 911. Updated October 24, 2026.