How Much Does Daycare Cost in Lowell, MA, MA?
Infant center-based care averages $2380/month in Lowell, MA. 93% above national avg. Toddler care runs $2110/month, preschool $1780/month.
Lowell, MA average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2380
93% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$2110
$25,320/year
Preschool (center)
$1780
$21,360/year
School Age
$1490
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1940
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$4,100
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Lowell, MA vs. Massachusetts vs. National Average
How Lowell, MA compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Lowell, MA |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,380/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $2,110/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,780/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,490/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,940/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,100/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Lowell, MA
Full-time infant center care in Lowell, MA costs $28,560/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Lowell, MA families pay $13,800 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$28,560
Toddler / year
$25,320
Preschool / year
$21,360
School Age / year
$17,880
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 Lowell, MA
How much does daycare cost in Lowell, MA?
Infant center-based daycare in Lowell, MA averages $2380/month in 2026. That's $1150 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Lowell, MA compare to the Massachusetts state average?
Lowell, MA infant daycare runs about $180/month (8%) above the Massachusetts statewide average of $2200/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Massachusetts.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Lowell, MA?
Yes. In Lowell, MA: infant care ($2380/month) → toddler care ($2110/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1780/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1490/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Lowell, MA?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Lowell, MA averages $4,100/month versus $2380/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 →Daycare Costs in Other Cities
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