How Much Does It Cost to Open a Daycare / Childcare Center in Denver, CO? (2026)
Estimated startup costs adjusted for Denver's cost of living (112.0% of national average).
Opening a daycare / childcare center in Denver, CO costs approximately $145,824 in the first year (2026), including $57,120 in one-time startup costs and $7,392/month in recurring expenses, adjusted for the local cost of living (112.0% of national average).
First-Year Total (Mid)
$145,824
Range: $58,912 – $317,408
One-Time Costs (Mid)
$57,120
Range: $21,280 – $133,280
Monthly Costs (Mid)
$7,392/mo
Range: $3,136 – $15,344
One-Time Startup Costs
Upfront investment needed to open
| Expense | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture & Equipment | $5,600 | $16,800 | $39,200 |
| Initial Supplies & Curriculum | $2,240 | $5,600 | $11,200 |
| Licensing & Certifications | $1,120 | $3,360 | $6,720 |
| Renovations & Childproofing | $11,200 | $28,000 | $67,200 |
| Safety Systems | $1,120 | $3,360 | $8,960 |
| Total One-Time | $21,280 | $57,120 | $133,280 |
Monthly Operating Costs
Recurring expenses each month
| Expense | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance (Liability) | $560 | $1,120 | $2,800 |
| Rent | $1,680 | $3,920 | $7,840 |
| Supplies & Activities | $560 | $1,680 | $3,360 |
| Utilities | $336 | $672 | $1,344 |
| Total Monthly | $3,136 | $7,392 | $15,344 |
First-Year Budget Summary
| Category | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Time Startup Costs | $21,280 | $57,120 | $133,280 |
| Monthly Costs x 12 | $37,632 | $88,704 | $184,128 |
| Total First Year | $58,912 | $145,824 | $317,408 |
All estimates are adjusted for Denver's cost of living index (112.0). National average = 100. A higher index means higher costs.
About Denver, CO Business Costs
Denver, CO has a cost of living index of 112.0 (where 100 is the national average). This is above the national average. Expect to pay moderately more for rent, utilities, and supplies. Budget roughly 12% above national estimates.
The estimates above use national average startup costs for a daycare / childcare center, adjusted by the local cost of living factor (1.12x). Actual costs will vary based on your specific location within Denver, the size of your operation, and current market conditions.
Daycare / Childcare Center Startup Costs in Other Cities
Compare Daycare / Childcare Center Costs
Other Business Types in Denver, CO
Open an automotive repair shop or garage. Heavy equipment investment is required upfront, along with certifications, bay setup, and parts inventory.
Bakery / Coffee ShopStart a bakery, coffee shop, or cafe. Includes equipment, build-out, inventory, and ongoing operating costs.
Bar / BreweryOpen a bar, pub, or craft brewery. Key costs include liquor license, draft systems, and build-out — with a very different cost profile from restaurants.
Cleaning ServiceStart a residential or commercial cleaning business. Low startup costs with equipment, supplies, transportation, and marketing.
Coffee ShopOpen a specialty coffee shop or espresso bar. Covers espresso equipment, build-out, licensing, and ongoing supply costs.
Consulting / Professional ServicesStart a consulting firm or professional services business. Low overhead with focus on expertise, marketing, and client acquisition.
E-Commerce / Online StoreLaunch an online store or e-commerce business. Covers platform costs, initial inventory, shipping setup, and digital marketing.
Food TruckLaunch a mobile food truck business. The truck purchase or build-out is the primary startup cost, plus permits, commissary kitchen, and operating expenses.
Gym / Fitness StudioOpen a gym, fitness studio, yoga studio, or CrossFit box. Covers equipment, space build-out, and operations.
LandscapingStart a residential or commercial landscaping business. Equipment and a reliable truck are the primary investments, with relatively low ongoing overhead.
Restaurant / Food TruckOpen a restaurant or food truck. Covers kitchen equipment, build-out, licensing, and monthly operating expenses.
Retail Store / BoutiqueStart a retail store, boutique, or shop. Includes fixtures, inventory, point-of-sale, and monthly operating costs.
Salon / BarbershopLaunch a hair salon, barbershop, or beauty studio. Includes stations, build-out, licensing, and supplies.
Planning to Hire Employees?
Labor is often the biggest recurring cost for a daycare / childcare center. See exact employer payroll tax costs by state — including SUTA rates, workers' comp, and total cost multipliers.
Tools to Launch Your Business in Denver, CO
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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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