Daycare Cost in Baltimore, MD (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1760/month in Baltimore. 43% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1540/month, preschool $1320/month.
Baltimore average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1760
43% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1540
$18,480/year
Preschool (center)
$1320
$15,840/year
School Age
$1100
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1380
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,520
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Baltimore vs. Maryland vs. National Average
How Baltimore compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Baltimore |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,760/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,540/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,320/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,100/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,380/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,520/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Baltimore
Full-time infant center care in Baltimore costs $21,120/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Baltimore families pay $6,360 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$21,120
Toddler / year
$18,480
Preschool / year
$15,840
School Age / year
$13,200
Childcare Subsidies in Maryland
Maryland participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $8,000/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Baltimore
How much does daycare cost in Baltimore?
Infant center-based daycare in Baltimore averages $1760/month in 2026. That's $530 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Baltimore compare to the Maryland state average?
Baltimore infant daycare runs about $160/month (10%) above the Maryland statewide average of $1600/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Maryland.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Baltimore?
Yes. In Baltimore: infant care ($1760/month) → toddler care ($1540/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($1320/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1100/month, 38% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Baltimore?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Baltimore averages $3,520/month versus $1760/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Maryland daycare costs
See the full Maryland statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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