Daycare Cost for Two Kids: Sibling Discounts and Savings

Updated November 2026.

Daycare for two kids in Chicago's northwest suburbs can cost roughly $700 to $850 a week at a licensed center, based on 2025 average rates, depending on the children's ages. Many centers offer a sibling discount, often on the older child's tuition, and families with two or more children can claim more under the federal child care tax credit.

Here is how the numbers add up, what to ask about sibling discounts, and the main ways to lower the total.

What two kids in daycare can cost

The 2026 Report on Child Care in Cook County from Illinois Action for Children lists these average weekly rates at child care centers in suburban northwest Cook County, based on June 2025 data:

• Infant: $437 a week
• Toddler: $412 a week
• 2-year-old: $372 a week
• 3- to 4-year-old: $334 a week

Using those averages, an infant plus a 3-year-old comes to about $771 a week, or about $40,000 a year. A toddler plus a 4-year-old comes to about $746 a week. Your actual rates depend on the center, your schedule and your children's ages. Read more in our guide to daycare cost in Illinois.

How sibling discounts usually work

Sibling discounts are common, but every center sets its own. Things to ask:

• Is the discount a percentage or a flat amount?
• Does it apply to the older child, the younger child or the lower tuition?
• Does it still apply if one child is part-time?
• Does it apply to summer camp or before- and after-school care?
• Is the registration fee also reduced for the second child?

Ask for the discount in writing, and read the contract closely. See our guide to daycare contracts.

The tax credit is bigger with two kids

The federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit counts up to $3,000 in care expenses for one child and up to $6,000 for two or more. That means the maximum credit can reach $3,000 for two or more children, depending on your income. Children must be under 13. See our 2026 child care tax credit guide.

Dependent care FSA: one limit per household

From 2026, a Dependent Care FSA lets you set aside up to $7,500 a year before taxes ($3,750 if married filing separately). This limit is per household, not per child, so having a second child does not raise it. FSA dollars also reduce the expenses you can count for the tax credit. Read our dependent care FSA guide.

Child care help: CCAP

Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) looks at family size and income. A larger family can qualify at a higher income. For example, the 2026 limit for a new application is $5,123 a month in gross income for a family of three and $6,188 for a family of four. Families pay a monthly copay based on income. See our CCAP income limits guide.

Other ways to manage the cost

• Plan the age gap. Infant care costs the most. Costs usually drop as children move into preschool rooms.
• Ask about part-time schedules if one parent works fewer days.
• Look at public pre-K. Preschool for All and CPS pre-K offer free programs for some 3- and 4-year-olds.
• Get on waitlists early so both children can attend the same center. One drop-off saves time every day.

Frequently asked questions

How much is daycare for two kids near Chicago?

Based on 2025 averages for centers in suburban northwest Cook County, about $700 to $850 a week, depending on ages. Rates vary by center.

Do daycares give sibling discounts?

Many do, but amounts and rules vary. Ask each center how its discount works and get it in writing.

How much is the child care tax credit for two kids?

The credit counts up to $6,000 in care costs for two or more children, so the maximum credit can reach $3,000, depending on income.

Is the dependent care FSA limit higher for two kids?

No. The $7,500 limit applies per household, not per child.

Two kids at Children's Land

Children's Land does not publish tuition online. Ask your location about current tuition and any sibling discount. We have 12 locations in Glenview, Park Ridge, Wheeling, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Lincolnshire, Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Chicago. Care starts at 6 weeks in our infant program, and each location can tell you which programs it offers. Find a location or contact us for tuition rates.

Related reading: How Much Does Daycare Cost in Illinois? 2026 Guide.