Daycare / Childcare Center Startup Costs: Denver, CO vs Fort Worth, TX (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of one-time expenses, monthly costs, and first-year budget adjusted for local cost of living.
Opening a daycare / childcare center in Fort Worth saves approximately $19,530 (13.4%) compared to Denver in 2026, with first-year costs of $126,294 vs $145,824.
First-Year Savings
Fort Worth saves $19,530 (13.4%) for a Daycare / Childcare Center
$145,824 in Denver vs $126,294 in Fort Worth
Denver, CO
$145,824
First-year total (mid)
COL index: 112.0
Fort Worth, TX
$126,294
First-year total (mid)
COL index: 97.0
First-Year Budget Comparison
Mid-range estimates for daycare / childcare center startup
| Category | Denver | Fort Worth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Time Costs | $57,120 | $49,470 | +$7,650 |
| Monthly Costs x 12 | $88,704 | $76,824 | +$11,880 |
| Total First Year | $145,824 | $126,294 | +$19,530 |
One-Time Startup Costs
Upfront investment comparison (mid estimates)
| Expense | Denver | Fort Worth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture & Equipment | $16,800 | $14,550 | +$2,250 |
| Initial Supplies & Curriculum | $5,600 | $4,850 | +$750 |
| Licensing & Certifications | $3,360 | $2,910 | +$450 |
| Renovations & Childproofing | $28,000 | $24,250 | +$3,750 |
| Safety Systems | $3,360 | $2,910 | +$450 |
| Total One-Time | $57,120 | $49,470 | +$7,650 |
Monthly Operating Costs
Recurring expense comparison (mid estimates)
| Expense | Denver/mo | Fort Worth/mo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance (Liability) | $1,120 | $970 | +$150 |
| Rent | $3,920 | $3,395 | +$525 |
| Supplies & Activities | $1,680 | $1,455 | +$225 |
| Utilities | $672 | $582 | +$90 |
| Total Monthly | $7,392 | $6,402 | +$990 |
City Business Profiles
Denver, CO
Denver's COL index of 112 reflects its transformation from a regional hub to a national tech and outdoor lifestyle destination, with significant wage and rent appreciation since 2015.
aerospace & defense, cannabis industry, technology
Colorado's FAMLI paid family leave program (launched 2024) adds to employer overhead; Denver businesses compete with Boulder and Fort Collins for the same workforce.
Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth has a COL index of 97 with Texas's zero income tax advantage, functioning as a lower-cost alternative to Dallas while sharing its labor market.
aerospace (American Airlines, Lockheed Martin), healthcare, defense
Fort Worth's Alliance development is one of the largest master-planned industrial parks in North America; logistics and manufacturing employers benefit from direct rail and air access.
What This Means for Your Daycare / Childcare Center
Denver has a cost of living index of 112.0 while Fort Worth sits at 97.0 (national average = 100). This means every expense — rent, equipment, supplies, insurance — costs proportionally more in the higher-indexed city.
Over the first year, opening a daycare / childcare center in Fort Worth saves an estimated $19,530 (13.4%) compared to Denver. The monthly operating cost difference alone accounts for $11,880 of that gap over 12 months.
These estimates use national average startup costs for a daycare / childcare center, adjusted by each city's cost of living factor. Actual costs vary based on your specific location, size of operation, and current market conditions. Use the interactive Startup Cost Calculator to customize expenses for your situation.
Explore Each City
Compare Other Business Types: Denver vs Fort Worth
Tools to Launch Your Business in Denver and Fort Worth
Track expenses, manage finances, and stay on budget from day one.
Track startup expenses, manage cash flow, and see where every dollar goes.
Simple invoicing and expense tracking built for small business owners.
Bookkeeping service so you can focus on building your business, not spreadsheets.
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