Use this calculator to see what your family might pay for child care under a Minnesota affordability model. Under this model, families may pay between 0% and 7% of their income toward child care, depending on household income and family size.

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This calculator is designed to assist policymakers, child care providers, families, and the general public in estimating family cost under the system being proposed for adoption. These estimates do not reflect official government policy and do not guarantee any benefit.

Here’s what this is all about

In Minnesota, a median family with an infant pays 20% of their income for child care. Families that earn less or have multiple children under age five pay even more. That’s unaffordable!

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law setting a goal that no family would ever have to pay more than 7% of their yearly income for child care, no matter how many young kids they have in care. And many families would pay less than 7%. Under this approach, public investment would be the bridge between what families are expected to pay and what providers need to offer quality programs.

Want to learn more?  Click here if you’re a parent and here if you’re a provider.