Average Daycare Cost in Boston, MA 2026
In 2026, full-time daycare in Boston, MA costs $1,245–$2,100 per month, depending on the child's age and care type. Center-based infant care averages $2,100/month, toddler care runs $1,850/month, and preschool care runs $1,575/month. Family home-based providers in Boston, MA typically charge $1,660/month for infants — about 21% less than center care.
Based on ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey data for Massachusetts licensed providers, with 2026 metro cost-of-living adjustments. 71% above national avg.
Boston, MA Daycare Cost by Age and Provider Type (2026)
Average monthly rates for full-time care.
| Age Group | Center-Based | Family-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–12 mo) | $2,100/month | $1,660/month |
| Toddler (1–3 yr) | $1,850/month | $1,462/month |
| Preschooler (3–5 yr) | $1,575/month | $1,245/month |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey for Massachusetts with 2026 metro cost-of-living adjustments. Family-based rates use the local home-to-center ratio (79% of center).
Paying too much? 1 in 6 eligible families don't claim childcare subsidies.
Check Massachusetts income limits and CCDF eligibility. Takes 2 minutes.
What can you actually do about it?
You know what daycare costs in Boston, MA. These tools help you figure out your next move.
How fast are costs rising in Boston, MA?
2024 vs 2026 rates, plus what you'd pay vs mortgage and car payments
Is working worth it in Massachusetts?
Net income after daycare, taxes, and commute costs
Can you afford a baby in Massachusetts?
Full first-year costs: daycare, medical, gear, lost income
What programs do you qualify for?
CCDF, Head Start, pre-K, tax credits. One scan covers all of them
What Childcare Costs at Your Income
Enter your household income. See what % goes to childcare, whether you may qualify for subsidies, and your actual monthly cost after tax savings.
Boston, MA area median: $96,000/year
% of Income
CCDF Subsidy
MA's income limit: $11,755/month (family of 4). Max infant subsidy: $1,400/month.
Check eligibility →Your income is close to the $11,755/month limit. Eligibility depends on family size and other factors.
Check eligibility →CCDF limit for family of 4: $11,755/month. Federal tax credits still apply — see net cost below.
Tax credit guide →Net Monthly Cost
—
after federal tax credits
Boston, MA vs National
—
Typical US family pays ~20% of income on infant care at $75K. The HHS "affordable" benchmark is 7%.
See MA income ratio data →IRS 2026 CDCTC rates used for net cost estimate. Subsidy eligibility is estimated — actual qualification depends on family size, work status, and provider availability. Consult a tax advisor for personalized advice.
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
Your Actual Cost After Tax Benefits
Gross cost isn't what you pay. The federal Child & Dependent Care Credit saves most families $600–$1,200/year. Add an FSA and you cut another $1,250–$1,900. Enter your income below.
Default: Boston, MA area median (Census 2024 ACS)
Available through many employers. Reduces taxable income and FICA — worth more per dollar than the credit alone.
IRS 2026 DCTC rates. FSA savings include income + FICA (7.65%) tax reduction. Non-refundable credit — reduces tax owed, not a cash refund. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Childcare Subsidies in Massachusetts
Massachusetts participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $11,755/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. After kindergarten, families typically switch to after-school program pricing at $50–$600/month — see the Massachusetts after-school care rates for school-district, YMCA, and private providers.
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
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Daycare cost by city →Other Cities in Massachusetts
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