Is a nanny or daycare cheaper in Baltimore, MD?

In Baltimore, MD, infant center daycare costs approximately $1,520/month versus $3,000/month for a full-time nanny — a difference of $1,480/month. For one child, daycare is typically less expensive. For two children under 3, a nanny is often cost-competitive since daycare charges per child.

What is the average nanny hourly rate in Baltimore, MD?

The effective hourly rate for a full-time nanny in Baltimore, MD is approximately $20.5/hour in 2026, including gross wages plus employer payroll taxes. The BLS OEWS median hourly wage for childcare workers in this metro area is $16.0/hour. Experienced nannies with CPR certification, formal ECE training, or bilingual skills typically earn $2–5/hour above these figures.

Nanny Cost in Baltimore, MD (2026)

BLS wage data, hourly rates, and daycare comparison

A full-time nanny in Baltimore, MD costs approximately $3,000/month. 11% above national avg. Johns Hopkins and medical corridor drive demand. Below Bethesda/DC suburb rates.

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Baltimore, MD nanny cost summary (2026)

Monthly Cost

$3,000

11% above national avg

Annual Cost

$36,000

Full-time, live-out

Hourly Rate

$20.5/hr

Family cost incl. taxes

BLS Median Wage

$16.0/hr

SOC 39-9011 metro area

Daycare (Infant)

$1,520

Center-based, monthly

Nanny vs. Daycare

+$1,480

Extra per month, 1 child

Source: BLS OEWS metro-area median wage for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011, 2023). The nanny hourly figure is our estimate: that median plus a private-household premium and employer payroll taxes. It is not from a survey of nanny families. Infant daycare figure: the same record as our city cost page.

Baltimore, MD vs. National Average

Metric	Baltimore, MD	National Avg	Difference
Monthly cost	$3,000	$2,700	+$300
Annual cost	$36,000	$32,400	+$3,600
Daycare (infant)	$1,520	$1,230	+$290

What Drives Nanny Costs in Baltimore, MD?

• Johns Hopkins medical families
• NSA/government contractor families
• MD minimum wage $15/hr
• Proximity to DC lifts wages
• Strong Latin American nanny community

Nanny vs. Daycare in Baltimore, MD

Nanny (1 child)

$3,000/mo

Daycare (infant)

$1,520/mo

2 daycare spots

$3,040/mo

For two children, a nanny saves $40/month vs. two daycare spots in Baltimore, MD.

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Common Questions About Nanny Costs in Baltimore, MD

How much does a nanny cost in Baltimore, MD?

A full-time live-out nanny in Baltimore, MD costs approximately $3,000/month in 2026 — $36,000/year. That's 11% above national avg of $2,700/month nationally. Hourly cost to the family is ~$20.5/hr.

What is the nanny hourly rate in Baltimore, MD?

The effective hourly cost for a nanny in Baltimore, MD is approximately $20.5/hr in 2026. The BLS OEWS metro-area median for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) is $16.0/hr. Private-household nannies typically earn $4.5/hr above this median.

See statewide nanny rates for Maryland

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