Tool
Subsidized CPE or private daycare?
Quebec subsidizes daycare at a low daily rate, but spots are scarce — many families start in private care and claim a refundable tax credit instead. This tool compares the real net annual cost of each for your family income.
Children in daycare
Child #1
Annual comparison
Subsidized daycare (CPE)
$9.65/day, per child
Net annual cost$2,432
Monthly$203
Non-subsidized private
$50/day, per child
Gross annual cost$12,600
QC tax credit (70%)−$8,768
Net annual cost$3,833
Monthly$319
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.
Good to know
- The private-care tax credit is refundable and income-tested — lower income, higher credit rate.
- This estimate excludes the federal childcare deduction and provider extras.
- Your inputs never leave your device (saved locally only).