One of the first questions every Quebec parent asks is simple: what will daycare actually cost me? The answer depends on whether the spot is subsidized or non-subsidized — and, for private care, on your family income. Here’s the plain-language version, with the official 2026 numbers.
Subsidized spots: the reduced contribution
If your child is admitted to a subsidized service (a CPE or a subsidized garderie), you pay the reduced contribution. For 2026, the rate is $9.65 per day, indexed every January 1.
That single daily rate covers a lot. In exchange for the reduced contribution, the provider must offer:
- educational childcare for up to 10 consecutive hours per day;
- snacks and a main meal (or breakfast) when your child is present at those times;
- educational materials used during activities.
Each child can receive up to 261 days of subsidized care per reference year. Extras like outings or personal items can be billed separately.
Non-subsidized (private) spots
Non-subsidized garderies set their own rates — often around $40–$50 a day. That sounds far more expensive, but the net cost is usually much closer than the sticker price, because two tax measures reduce the gap:
- the provincial refundable tax credit for childcare expenses (the amount depends on your total family income), and
- the federal childcare expense deduction.
In the government’s own example, a $100,000 family pays about $8.21/day net for a subsidized spot versus about $8.92/day net for a $45/day private spot once both credits are applied. The private credit can even be paid in advance during the year, rather than waiting for your tax return.
Estimate your own number
Family situations vary, so use the official tools rather than a rule of thumb:
- The Ministère des Finances publishes a net-cost calculator that factors in provincial and federal incentives.
- Quebec.ca lets you compare subsidized vs non-subsidized rates.
What this means when you’re choosing
Don’t rule out a private spot purely on the daily rate — once the credits are applied, the real difference is often small, and availability matters too (see how hard it is to get a spot). And remember that cost is only one factor: what happens inside the daycare each day matters more. See what parents should ask about quality.
Sources — verify the figures yourself: Educational childcare rates, Gouvernement du Québec; Reduced Contribution Regulation (S-4.1.1, r. 1); Ministère des Finances net-cost calculator. Rate confirmed for 2026.
