Nanny Cost in Boston, MA (2026)
BLS wage data, hourly rates, and daycare comparison
A full-time nanny in Boston, MA costs approximately $4,500/month. 67% above national avg. Highest nanny market in New England. Cambridge and Newton suburbs command $28–$36/hr.
Boston, MA nanny cost summary (2026)
Monthly Cost
$4,500
67% above national avg
Annual Cost
$54,000
Full-time, live-out
Hourly Rate
$27.0/hr
Family cost incl. taxes
BLS Median Wage
$20.0/hr
SOC 39-9011 metro area
Daycare (Infant)
$2,600
Center-based, monthly
Nanny vs. Daycare
+$1,900
Extra per month, 1 child
Source: BLS OEWS SOC 39-9011 metro area data (2023) + market rate surveys. Monthly costs include employer payroll taxes.
Boston, MA vs. National Average
| Metric | Boston, MA |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $4,500 |
| Annual cost | $54,000 |
| Daycare (infant) | $2,600 |
What Drives Nanny Costs in Boston, MA?
- • Harvard/MIT academic corridor
- • Biotech/pharma families
- • MA minimum wage $15/hr
- • Strong Au Pair competition
- • Affluent suburb premium (Newton, Brookline, Wellesley)
Nanny vs. Daycare in Boston, MA
Nanny (1 child)
$4,500/mo
Daycare (infant)
$2,600/mo
2 daycare spots
$5,200/mo
For two children, a nanny saves $700/month vs. two daycare spots in Boston, MA.
Compare nanny vs daycare →Common Questions About Nanny Costs in Boston, MA
How much does a nanny cost in Boston, MA?
A full-time live-out nanny in Boston, MA costs approximately $4,500/month in 2026 — $54,000/year. That's 67% above national avg of $2,700/month nationally. Hourly cost to the family is ~$27.0/hr.
What is the nanny hourly rate in Boston, MA?
The effective hourly cost for a nanny in Boston, MA is approximately $27.0/hr in 2026. The BLS OEWS metro-area median for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) is $20.0/hr. Private-household nannies typically earn $7.0/hr above this median.
See statewide nanny rates for Massachusetts
Massachusetts nanny costs →