$1,650 in the U.S. vs. $120 in Sweden: How one video highlights the daycare gap that’s frustrating parents

A TikTok comparing daycare costs between the United States and Sweden has struck a nerve with parents worldwide. In the video, creator @courtneyelrefai shares that she pays the equivalent of just $120 a month for her child’s Swedish daycare—including warm meals, diapers, and a thoughtfully phased introduction period. 

In the U.S.? Courtney revealed that her American daycare bills looked more like rent or a mortgage—averaging $1,650 a month, often without basics like diapers or food provided.

And she isn’t alone. Comments on the video shared:

• “East coast USA $2k 5 days a week for the month 😭” – @blindangel96
• “For 2 days a week at 6 hours a day it’s 1100 a month where I live” – @lunar_tonic

The comparison has struck a nerve and sparked conversations about what kind of daycare system parents deserve.

What daycare looks like in Sweden

Sweden’s daycare system is heavily subsidized by the government, making care both affordable and standardized. Fees are income-based, capped nationally, and rarely exceed 3% of a family’s income. The system is designed not only for affordability but also for inclusivity, ensuring every child has access to safe, nurturing early education.

Parents also benefit from the Swedish concept of inskolning—loosely translated to “schooling in,” it’s a slow, supported orientation where families ease into daycare over 1–2 weeks. Many employers honor this time with paid leave, reflecting a cultural understanding that caregiving transitions matter.

In short, the Swedish model feels less transactional and more relational. It’s a service shaped by community values, not just a private marketplace.

Related: ‘My salary doesn’t cover daycare’: A mom’s viral TikTok highlights the need to rethink childcare costs

Why the U.S. feels so different

By contrast, the U.S. daycare system is largely privatized and patchworked across states, leading to stark variations in quality, cost, and access. Without national subsidies or caps, families can face monthly bills ranging anywhere from $800 to $2,500—often without meals, supplies, or consistent caregiver pay built in.

It’s not just families who feel the strain: Early childhood educators in the U.S. earn, on average, less than $30,000 a year, leading to high turnover and staffing shortages. The result? A system that feels stretched thin—for parents, providers, and children alike.

What parents can do right now

While parents alone can’t close the daycare gap, but that doesn’t mean you have to start researching visas. Here are ways to seek support:

• Explore nonprofit or faith-based programs: These often operate on sliding scales or reduced rates.
• Advocate for policy change locally: Ask about provisions like paid orientation days, diaper inclusion, or childcare subsidies at the city or state level.
• Consider parent co-ops or nanny shares: Sharing caregiving costs with other families can make care more affordable and flexible.

Related: Child care costs over 50% of income in some states—and moms are done staying quiet

A community story, not just a statistic

If the comments under this TikTok are any indication, parents are desperate for change—and comforted to know they aren’t alone. While systems may differ, the universal thread is clear: Every parent wants safe, loving care for their children without sacrificing financial security.

What about you? How much do you pay for daycare where you live—and what’s included (or missing)? Tell us in the comments: What would your dream daycare provide?

Because while not every system looks like Sweden’s, every parent deserves to feel supported in raising the next generation.

Sources:

1. Children and Youth Services Review. 2023. “Prevalence, sociodemographic and household characteristics, and impacts of disrupted child care due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., April-July 2021”
2. Association for Education Finance & Policy. 2025. “ECE Workforce – AEFP Live Handbook.”