As the demand for quality childcare continues to rise in Surrey, so do questions around the cost of daycare. In 2025, parents must consider not just the base rate but also the variables that influence daycare pricing, such as the type of facility, child’s age, location, and the services offered.
This guide breaks down 10 key factors influencing daycare costs in Surrey and what parents can expect to pay this year—helping you make a confident, informed decision for your child’s care and your budget.
1. Average Daycare Costs in Surrey for 2025
In 2025, the average cost of full-time daycare in Surrey ranges from $950 to $1,600 CAD per month per child, depending on the type of care and age of the child. For infants (0–18 months), the cost tends to be on the higher end, while preschoolers (3–5 years) are slightly less expensive.
Infant care can cost around $1,400–$1,600/month, while toddler care is typically between $1,200–$1,400/month. For preschoolers, expect to pay anywhere from $950–$1,200/month. These figures are based on licensed centers, and home-based care may be slightly more affordable.
In addition, many parents opt for part-time care (2–3 days per week), which may cost between $600–$900/month. Prices continue to rise due to increased demand, staff shortages, and higher operating expenses.
2. Licensed vs. Unlicensed Daycares: Cost & Value
One of the first cost-defining choices parents face is whether to enroll their child in a licensed daycare or an unlicensed provider.
- Licensed daycares are regulated by BC’s Ministry of Children and Family Development. They have trained staff, follow health and safety standards, and typically offer early learning curriculum. These centers charge higher fees due to their structure and compliance requirements.
- Unlicensed daycares, often run from homes, may charge 20% to 30% less, sometimes as low as $800/month, but they come with higher risks such as less accountability and inconsistent quality.
Choosing licensed care is generally a safer investment, especially with younger children, and many parents feel the slightly higher cost is worth the peace of mind.
3. Age of Your Child: Why It Matters for Cost
Daycare fees often vary based on the child’s age, primarily because of staff-to-child ratio regulations.
- Infants (0–18 months) require more hands-on attention and a lower staff-to-child ratio (1:4), making them more expensive to care for.
- Toddlers (18 months – 3 years) require less intensive care but still need structure, supervision, and guidance.
- Preschoolers (3 – 5 years) are often in group programs with more autonomy, which reduces cost per child.
Understanding how your child’s age affects staffing needs will help you predict costs more accurately.
4. Location Within Surrey Affects Pricing
Surrey is a growing and diverse city with varying daycare costs depending on the neighborhood.
- Areas like South Surrey, Cloverdale, and Fleetwood may have higher daycare prices due to increasing housing costs and demand.
- In contrast, Newton and Whalley may offer slightly more affordable options, especially among home-based care providers.
In 2025, the average difference between the most and least expensive neighborhoods in Surrey could be $200–$300/month.
Proximity to your workplace or home may increase convenience, but families on a budget might want to explore daycares slightly outside their immediate neighborhood.
5. Government Subsidies and the $10-a-Day Program
The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) and Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) continue to play a major role in 2025.
Many licensed facilities in Surrey are enrolled in BC’s $10-a-Day ChildCareBC program, which caps monthly daycare costs for eligible families. However, spaces are limited, and there are waitlists.
Families may also be eligible for income-based subsidies:
- Households earning less than $111,000/year may qualify for partial to full coverage under ACCB.
- This can bring daycare costs down to as low as $200–$400/month depending on income and number of children.
Be sure to check with each provider to see if they participate in these programs.
6. Additional Costs Parents Should Plan For
Aside from monthly fees, there are additional hidden or optional expenses to consider:
- Registration fees: $50–$150 (one-time or annual)
- Deposit: Usually one month’s fee, refundable with notice
- Field trips and activity days: $10–$30 per event
- Meals and snacks: Some daycares charge $50–$100/month extra
- Late pick-up fees: $1–$5 per minute
These extras can add $100–$200/month to your overall childcare costs. Always ask for a fee schedule in advance.
7. Home-Based vs. Center-Based Daycares
Both have pros and cons—and price differences.
- Home-based daycares (especially those not licensed) often charge $200–$400 less per month, offer smaller group sizes, and more flexibility in terms of hours.
- Center-based care, however, tends to offer more structured learning, curriculum-based programs, and often includes amenities like playgrounds, music classes, and even language instruction.
Parents seeking a strong academic or social start for their child may find value in center-based programs despite the higher cost.
8. Extended Hours & Flexibility – What It Costs
In 2025, many working parents need daycare solutions beyond the standard 8am–5pm.
- Extended hours (early drop-off/late pick-up) may cost an additional $100–$200/month.
- Weekend or evening care is rare and usually offered by specialized providers at premium rates.
While these services provide critical flexibility for shift workers and business professionals, they come at a cost. Parents should evaluate whether the additional expense fits within their work-life balance needs.
9. Quality vs. Cost – Where to Draw the Line?
Choosing daycare isn’t just about saving money—it’s about investing in your child’s early development, safety, and emotional well-being.
In general, daycares that:
- Employ certified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs)
- Offer structured curriculum
- Have transparent safety protocols and low turnover rates
It tends to cost more. However, lower-cost options don’t always mean poor quality, especially if the care provider is passionate and experienced.
Tip: Visit multiple daycares, talk to current parents, and review online ratings. A mid-priced daycare with great reviews might offer the best value overall.
10. How to Budget & Plan for Daycare in 2025
Planning ahead is essential when factoring daycare into your family’s finances. Here are key budgeting tips:
- Start looking early – waitlists in Surrey can be 6–12 months long
- Plan for increases – daycare prices typically rise 3–6% annually
- Set aside 10–15% of your household income for childcare
- Track all expenses – include travel, meals, supplies, and unexpected costs
- Explore tax credits – child care expenses may be deductible under Canadian tax law
Budgeting early ensures you can provide quality care without financial stress, giving both you and your child peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, daycare in Surrey remains a significant—but worthwhile—investment for working parents. With monthly costs ranging from $950 to $1,600+, understanding the factors that influence pricing helps you choose the right option for your family.
Whether you’re looking for a high-end center with curriculum-based learning or a warm, affordable home-based provider, Surrey offers a diverse range of options. Use this guide as a roadmap—and remember, the best daycare like Creative All Stars Childcare is the one where your child feels safe, supported, and happy.
