Is a nanny or daycare cheaper in Boston, MA?

In Boston, MA, infant center daycare costs approximately $2,100/month versus $4,500/month for a full-time nanny — a difference of $2,400/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 Boston, MA?

The effective hourly rate for a full-time nanny in Boston, MA is approximately $27.0/hour in 2026, including gross wages plus employer payroll taxes. The BLS OEWS median hourly wage for childcare workers in this metro area is $20.0/hour. Experienced nannies with CPR certification, formal ECE training, or bilingual skills typically earn $2–5/hour above these figures.

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.

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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)

$2,100

Center-based, monthly

Nanny vs. Daycare

+$2,400

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.

Boston, MA vs. National Average

Metric	Boston, MA	National Avg	Difference
Monthly cost	$4,500	$2,700	+$1,800
Annual cost	$54,000	$32,400	+$21,600
Daycare (infant)	$2,100	$1,230	+$870

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)

$2,100/mo

2 daycare spots

$4,200/mo

Nanny care costs $2,400/month more for one child. For two children sharing a nanny, the cost gap narrows significantly.

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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 →