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.
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.
What this calculator includes
- Subsidized CPE rate vs a private daycare
- The Quebec refundable tax credit based on family income
- The real monthly cost after the credit
- The annual difference between the two options
Official sources
The rates and rules used in this tool come from the official Quebec government sources for 2026:
| Subsidized daily rate (Québec.ca) | quebec.ca |
| Childcare-expenses tax credit (Revenu Québec) | revenuquebec.ca |
| Official Quebec daily-cost calculator (Ministry of Finance) | finances.gouv.qc.ca |
For your real tax return, use Revenu Québec form TPZ-1029.8.F or your tax software — they also handle the federal deduction.
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) |
Keep going
What to do next
Three useful next steps:
Family Allowances in Quebec and Canada: CCB and QFA
Financial aid for families with children: CCB, Quebec family allowance, and more.
5 min · Audio · PDFChild benefits calculator
Estimate the Canada Child Benefit and the Quebec Family Allowance based on your income.
Free · No signup
Filing Taxes in Quebec for Newcomers
Understanding the federal + provincial double return and how to start.
5 min · Audio · PDFFrequently Asked Questions
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