What does a daycare spot really cost?
A subsidized CPE spot costs $9.65/day. A spot in a non-subsidized private daycare can reach $40 to $70/day. But Quebec's refundable tax credit refunds 67% to 78% of the difference for non-subsidized daycares, depending on your family income. This tool compares the two side by side after the credit.
Each child's age (0–14).
Annual comparison
Subsidized daycare (CPE)
$9.65/day, per child
Non-subsidized private
$50/day, per child
Annual difference
You save $1,401/year by choosing subsidized over non-subsidized.
Estimate for tax year 2026. Doesn't include the federal childcare deduction (smaller secondary saving), provider extras (meals, daycamps, late fees), or wait-list realities. Your data stays on your device — nothing sent to a server.
See also: our free calculators
All toolsFinding and enrolling your child in daycare or CPE in Quebec
How La Place 0-5 system works, advance tax credit payments, and steps for newcomers.
Subsidized CPE vs private daycare in Quebec (2026)
A comparison of the two childcare options. Quebec's refundable tax credit applies only to non-subsidized daycares.
| Criterion | CPE / subsidized spot | Non-subsidized private daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Daily rate | $9.65/day | $40 to $70/day |
| Quebec refundable tax credit | Not applicable (already subsidized) | 67% to 78% depending on family income |
| Credit-eligible maximum (under 7) | Not applicable | $12,525 per child |
| Credit-eligible maximum (7 to 14) | Not applicable | $6,305 per child |
| Credit-eligible maximum (child with a disability) | Not applicable | $17,145 per child |
| Working days per year | 252 days (~21/month) | 252 days (~21/month) |
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a CPE spot and a private daycare?
A subsidized spot in a CPE, subsidized daycare or recognized home daycare costs $9.65 per day. A spot in a non-subsidized private daycare can reach $40 to $70 per day. The big difference is the daily rate — but Quebec's tax credit narrows the gap for non-subsidized daycares.
Does the calculation account for the tax credit?
Yes. The tool applies Quebec's refundable childcare tax credit to non-subsidized fees, which refunds 78% down to 67% of the bill depending on your family income. The higher the income, the closer the rate slides to 67%. The credit applies up to the eligible maximum per child: $12,525 for under 7, $6,305 for 7 to 14, and $17,145 for a child with a disability.
What's not included in the estimate?
The tool ignores the federal childcare deduction, daycare extras like meals, diapers, day camps or late fees, CPE wait-lists, part-time care for school-age children, and single-parent or shared-custody situations. It assumes both parents share the income.
How many days a year is the calculation based on?
It assumes 252 working days a year, about 21 days per month, for full-time year-round care.
Is the result accurate?
It's an estimate. For your real tax return, use Revenu Québec form TPZ-1029.8.F or your tax software — they also handle the federal deduction. You can also compare with the Quebec Ministry of Finance's official calculator.
Is my data saved?
No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser: no information is sent to or stored on our servers.
Related guides
Family Allowances in Quebec and Canada
Financial aid for families with children: CCB, Quebec family allowance, and more.
Filing Taxes in Quebec for Newcomers
Understanding the federal + provincial double return and how to start.
7 Things to Do in Your First Week in Quebec
The essential checklist to start your life in Quebec without stress.
Official sources
The rates and rules used in this tool come from the official Quebec government sources for 2026:
- Subsidized daily rate (Québec.ca)
- Childcare-expenses tax credit (Revenu Québec)
- Official Quebec daily-cost calculator (Ministry of Finance)
For your real tax return, use Revenu Québec form TPZ-1029.8.F or your tax software — they also handle the federal deduction.
Author's note: the real obstacle is the wait-list for a CPE spot — sign up on as many lists as possible via La Place 0-5 the moment you know a child is on the way. If you can't find a CPE spot, this calculator shows you that the Quebec tax credit makes private care far less brutal than the sticker rate suggests.