Childcare Costs in Singapore in 2026: Infant Care to Preschool

Key Takeaways

• Childcare costs in Singapore in 2026 range from around S$300 to over S$2,500 monthly after subsidies, depending on programme type and operator.
• Infant care remains the most expensive stage of early childhood education due to lower teacher-to-child ratios and specialised caregiving requirements.
• Government childcare subsidies can significantly reduce preschool fees, with some lower-income families paying less than S$10 monthly at eligible centres.
• Anchor Operator childcare centres offer more affordable childcare fees in Singapore, while private and international preschools charge higher premiums for specialised programmes.
• Additional expenses such as uniforms, enrichment classes, transport and registration fees can substantially increase overall childcare costs beyond monthly school fees.

Parents continue to feel the impact of rising childcare costs in 2026, especially as demand grows for quality infant care, childcare centres and enrichment-based preschool programmes. Whether you are preparing for a newborn or planning your child’s preschool journey, understanding the actual costs involved can help you budget more confidently.

From infant care fees to preschool subsidies, here is a realistic look at childcare costs in Singapore in 2026.

Average Childcare Costs in Singapore

Childcare fees vary depending on several factors, including:

• Type of childcare programme
• Operator category
• Location
• Full-day or half-day care
• Government subsidies
• Additional enrichment programmes

In general, families can expect monthly childcare costs ranging from around S$300 to more than S$2,500 after subsidies.

Estimated Monthly Childcare Fees

Government-supported operators generally remain more affordable than private premium preschools.

Infant Care Costs in Singapore

Infant care tends to be the most expensive stage of early childhood education.

Why Infant Care Costs More

Before comparing prices, it helps to understand why infant care fees are higher.

Babies require closer supervision, smaller teacher-to-child ratios and more hands-on care throughout the day. Centres also need specialised facilities for feeding, sleeping and hygiene management.

Typical Infant Care Fees

Parents enrolling infants between two and 18 months can expect the following monthly fees before subsidies:

• Anchor Operator centres: around S$1,200 to S$1,400
• Partner Operator centres: around S$1,300 to S$1,600
• Premium private infant care: S$2,000 or more

Some luxury infant care centres in prime districts may even exceed S$3,000 monthly once enrichment classes and extended care are included.

Additional Infant Care Charges

Apart from monthly school fees, many centres also charge:

• Registration fees
• Deposit fees
• Insurance fees
• Diaper and milk supply charges
• Bedding fees
• Uniforms

Some premium centres include bilingual exposure, sensory play and developmental tracking within their packages, which contributes to higher childcare costs in Singapore.

Childcare and Playgroup Fees

Once children reach around 18 months, many move into childcare or playgroup programmes.

Full-Day Childcare Costs

Full-day childcare programmes usually operate from 7am to 7pm and include meals, naps and learning activities.

Average monthly fees in 2026:

• Anchor Operators: S$680 to S$800 before subsidies
• Partner Operators: S$750 to S$950
• Private childcare centres: S$1,200 to S$1,800

These programmes are popular among working parents due to their longer operating hours.

Half-Day Childcare Costs

Half-day programmes are a more affordable option for some families.

Fees generally range between:

• S$400 and S$900 monthly

They are often suitable for parents with flexible schedules or caregiving support at home.

Preschool and Kindergarten Costs

Preschool education includes Nursery, Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2.

Preschool Options Available

Parents can choose from several preschool types, including:

• MOE Kindergartens
• Church-affiliated preschools
• Montessori schools
• Reggio Emilia-inspired centres
• Private bilingual preschools
• International preschools

Each comes with different teaching styles and fee structures.

MOE Kindergarten Fees

MOE Kindergartens remain among the most affordable options.

Monthly fees after subsidies are usually:

• Around S$160 to S$320 for Singapore citizen children

These programmes focus on literacy, numeracy and social development.

Private Preschool Fees

Private preschool fees vary based on curriculum and location.

Most private preschools charge:

• S$1,000 to S$2,500 monthly

Premium schools may offer:

• Smaller class sizes
• Bilingual immersion
• Inquiry-based learning
• Enrichment programmes
• Enhanced facilities

Some also include coding, music or speech and drama lessons.

Government Childcare Subsidies in Singapore

Subsidies help reduce childcare costs for eligible families.

Basic Subsidies

Working mothers may receive:

• Up to S$600 monthly for infant care
• Up to S$300 monthly for childcare

These subsidies are available at licensed childcare centres.

Additional Subsidies

Lower and middle-income households may qualify for further support based on income levels.

For some lower-income families, fees at subsidised centres can fall below S$10 monthly after subsidies.

Anchor Operators vs Private Preschools

Parents often compare affordability against curriculum quality when choosing childcare.

Anchor Operator Centres

Anchor Operators receive government support to keep fees affordable.

Benefits include:

• Lower fees
• Higher subsidy support
• Standardised curriculum frameworks
• More neighbourhood locations

These centres are commonly found across HDB estates.

Private Preschools

Private preschools typically focus on specialised learning approaches.

Some offer:

• Montessori programmes
• Reggio Emilia approaches
• Language immersion
• Enhanced enrichment activities

However, they usually come with higher childcare fees.

Additional Childcare Expenses Parents Often Overlook

Monthly school fees are only part of the total expense.

Common Extra Expenses

Parents should also budget for:

• Registration fees
• Annual material fees
• Uniforms
• Field trips
• Enrichment classes
• Transport services
• Holiday programmes

These additional costs can add up quickly each year.

Enrichment Costs

Many families also enrol children in enrichment classes outside preschool.

Popular options include:

• Phonics
• Ballet
• Swimming
• Coding classes

Depending on frequency, enrichment costs can amount to several hundred dollars monthly.

International Preschool Costs in Singapore

International preschools are among the most expensive childcare options.

Typical International Preschool Fees

Monthly fees generally range from:

• S$2,000 to over S$4,000

Additional charges may apply for registration, uniforms and annual levies.

What International Preschools Offer

These schools often provide:

• International Baccalaureate programmes
• Foreign language immersion
• Overseas-trained teachers
• International student communities

While attractive to expatriate families, they remain one of the costliest preschool options available.

How Parents Can Reduce Childcare Costs

Managing childcare expenses requires both planning and realistic expectations.

Choose Subsidised Operators

This remains one of the most effective ways to reduce monthly childcare expenses.

Anchor Operator and Partner Operator centres generally provide the best balance between affordability and quality.

Apply Early

Many popular childcare centres have long waiting lists.

Registering early improves the chances of securing affordable placements before demand increases further.

Compare Curriculum Carefully

Higher fees do not always translate into better outcomes.

Parents should evaluate:

• Teacher quality
• Child-teacher ratios
• Safety standards
• Learning environment
• Convenience of location

A well-run neighbourhood preschool may provide equally strong developmental support at a much lower cost.

Consider Location

Location can significantly affect childcare pricing.

Centres near MRT stations, shopping malls or prime residential districts often charge higher fees compared to neighbourhood preschools located within heartland estates.

Is Childcare Becoming More Expensive in Singapore?

Many parents feel childcare costs have steadily increased over the past few years.

Factors Driving Higher Childcare Costs

Several factors continue to push preschool fees upward, including:

• Rising operational costs
• Higher teacher salaries
• Demand for premium programmes
• Smaller class sizes
• Increased rental costs

Even so, government subsidies continue to help ease childcare expenses for many families.

Final Thoughts

Childcare remains a significant expense for many families in 2026, with costs varying based on preschool type, location and enrichment programmes.

For many working parents, government-supported childcare centres still offer the best balance between affordability and quality, while premium and international preschools appeal to families seeking specialised learning environments.

By comparing schools carefully and understanding available subsidies, parents can better manage childcare costs while supporting their child’s development.

Managing childcare expenses in Singapore can be challenging, especially with rising infant care and preschool fees. If you need extra financial support for your family’s education and childcare needs, contact us today to explore suitable loan options tailored to your budget and repayment ability

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Celine L Author

Celine began her career in the financial sector as a client advisor, where she honed her communication and problem-solving skills for over four years. After taking a brief break to explore her passion for content creation, she transitioned into marketing, combining her understanding of finance with creative storytelling. Today, as a content marketing lead, Celine crafts campaigns that educate and inspire audiences to make informed financial choices. She believes that financial literacy should be empowering, and she’s committed to making complex topics simple and relatable through her work.