How Much Does Daycare Cost in Boston, MA, MA?
Infant center-based care averages $2100/month in Boston, MA. 71% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1850/month, preschool $1575/month.
Boston, MA average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2100
71% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1850
$22,200/year
Preschool (center)
$1575
$18,900/year
School Age
$1320
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1660
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,600
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Boston, MA vs. Massachusetts vs. National Average
How Boston, MA compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Boston, MA |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,100/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,850/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,575/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,320/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,660/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,600/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Boston, MA
Full-time infant center care in Boston, MA costs $25,200/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Boston, MA families pay $10,440 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$25,200
Toddler / year
$22,200
Preschool / year
$18,900
School Age / year
$15,840
Childcare Subsidies in Massachusetts
Massachusetts participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $9,000/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,400/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Boston, MA
How much does daycare cost in Boston, MA?
Infant center-based daycare in Boston, MA averages $2100/month in 2026. That's $870 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Boston, MA compare to the Massachusetts state average?
Boston, MA infant daycare runs about $100/month (5%) below the Massachusetts statewide average of $2200/month. See all daycare costs in Massachusetts.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Boston, MA?
Yes. In Boston, MA: infant care ($2100/month) → toddler care ($1850/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1575/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1320/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Boston, MA?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Boston, MA averages $4,600/month versus $2100/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Massachusetts daycare costs
See the full Massachusetts statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
Massachusetts state costs →Compare all 100 cities
See daycare costs across every major US city side by side.
Daycare cost by city →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
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