Daycare is the single biggest expense for most young families in Greater Vancouver, and it's also the hardest one to plan around — waitlists stretch 12 to 24 months in the most popular centres. The good news is that British Columbia's $10-a-day program has expanded significantly, and over 400 centres across the Lower Mainland now offer spots at that rate for families who get in. The bad news is that every other centre still charges market rate, which for infants often lands between $1,450 and $2,100 a month in Vancouver proper. Prices below reflect market rates by age group, plus the subsidised rate where applicable. If you're new to the province, put yourself on multiple waitlists the moment you know you'll need care.
Typical price ranges
Based on real quotes and community submissions in Burnaby.
What affects the price
Age is the biggest factor: infant care is the most expensive because provincial regulations require a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio for under-3s, compared to 1:8 for preschool-aged kids. Location matters more than you'd expect — the same chain can charge $300 more per month at its Kitsilano branch than at its East Van branch, reflecting real estate costs. Hours are a big lever: standard 'full-time' is 7:30am to 5:30pm, but some centres charge a premium for early-drop or late-pickup. Hot lunches typically add $100–150 a month. Montessori and language-immersion programs carry a 15–25% premium over standard daycares. Subsidies through the Affordable Child Care Benefit can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost — apply the moment you have a licensed spot confirmed, and expect retroactive coverage if you apply within the first month. Always ask whether the centre is part of the $10-a-day program, and ask where you are on the list in real numbers, not vague 'soon'.
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