How much does daycare cost in Finland in 2026?
The monthly fee for municipal early childhood education (varhaiskasvatus, päivähoito) is at most 335 euros for the youngest child from 1.8.2026. For full-time care the fee is 10.7 percent of the part of the family gross income that exceeds the threshold for the family size.
If the family income is below the threshold or the fee is under 32 euros, daycare is free. Below are the thresholds, the sibling discount and examples.
- 335 €
- maximum / month
- 10.7 %
- of income above threshold
- 40 %
- for the second child
- 32 €
- below this, free
How is the daycare fee calculated?
The fee is calculated as 10.7 percent of the part of the family gross income that exceeds the threshold for the family size. The result is the youngest child’s monthly fee, but at most 335 euros. The family income includes taxable earned and capital income and tax-free income, and holiday pay is added to the gross salary. Child benefit, housing allowance, student aid and the child home care allowance are not counted.
Income thresholds by family size from 1.8.2026
| Family size | Threshold €/month |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | 4,369 € |
| 3 persons | 5,635 € |
| 4 persons | 6,399 € |
| 5 persons | 7,163 € |
| 6 persons | 7,925 € |
If the family is larger than six, the threshold is raised by 295 euros for each further minor child. The family size includes adults and minor children living in the same household.
Sibling discount: second and further children
| Child | Fee | At most |
|---|---|---|
| Youngest child | 100 % of the calculated fee | 335 €/month |
| Second youngest | 40 % of the youngest child’s fee | 134 €/month |
| Each further child | 20 % of the youngest child’s fee | 67 €/month |
The youngest child in care is always the first child. If an individual child’s fee is below 32 euros, it is not collected.
Part-time care
- Full-time (at least 35 h/week): 100 % of the fee.
- Part-time (over 20–under 35 h/week): 80 % of the fee.
- Part-time (up to 20 h/week): 60 % of the fee.
The fee is charged for at most eleven months during the operating year, and July is usually free. Pre-primary education (esiopetus) is free. Municipalities set fees within the national limits, so it is worth checking your own municipality’s practice.
Calculators for this topic
FAQ
How much does daycare cost per month in 2026?
Full-time municipal early childhood education costs at most 335 euros a month for the youngest child from 1.8.2026. The fee is 10.7 percent of the income above the threshold for the family size.
When is daycare free?
No fee is charged if the family income is below the threshold or if the fee is under 32 euros a month. For example, for a family of two the threshold is 4,369 euros a month. Pre-primary education is also free.
How much is charged for the second child?
The second youngest child’s fee is 40 percent of the youngest child’s fee, up to 134 euros a month. Each further child is 20 percent, up to 67 euros.
What income affects the fee?
The family’s taxable earned and capital income and tax-free income, with holiday pay added to the gross salary. Child benefit, housing allowance, student aid and the child home care allowance are not counted.
What is the part-time fee?
Part-time care is 80 percent of the full-time fee when the time is over 20 but under 35 hours a week, and 60 percent when it is up to 20 hours a week.
For how many months is the fee charged?
The fee is charged for at most eleven calendar months during the operating year. July is usually free if care started no later than September of the previous year.